What was Castaway Cay's opening like?

[OKW Lover]

Disney is doing the damage to themselves. Bob Iger and his un-Imagineers are always giving you less for more now days.

Most reports I've seen so far have given them good marks for the makeover of splash.

 

[CarolynFH]

My first and so far only Disney cruise was also on the Magic in November 1998 and I turned 14 on that cruise! Small world.

LOL, our son spent every evening (it was Friday-Sunday nights the weekend before Thanksgiving that year) in the teen club. He was 14 too! He loved it!

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Well it was probably before people made up their minds by seeing pictures on social media instead of trying it themselves for the first time...

Yeah they didn’t have commercials or special dvds they mailed you back then to get excited for.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Most reports I've seen so far have given them good marks for the makeover of splash.

Are you just reading the DIS?

 

[OKW Lover]

Are you just reading the DIS?

No. Reading lots of others. Once you get past the "its not splash mountain" people the rest think its well done.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

Most reports I've seen so far have given them good marks for the makeover of splash.

Look, we have spent tens of thousands of dollars over the last few decades at Disney and really enjoyed our experiences up to a certain point. We had high hopes for the Island and Disney's marketing team once again, over sold and underdelivered. There comes a time when even the most hardcore cult members need to admit, they are at a, "Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me!" time when it comes to Disney. It's safe to say that for those being realistic and honest, this Island simply didn't meet expectations. There is no amount of gaslighting (Pixie Dusting) that is going to change that. The time for telling comforting lies is long over, it's time to just tell the truth of the matter, regardless of if people want to hear it or not. I sing the praises of DCL and CC to people all the time. But I'm going to call a spade a spade when I see one. The new cruise ships are beautiful and the experience overall on DCL is top notch and I will continue to give DCL high praise for all of that. I'm also going to be honest when a negative review is legit. Why should anyone have to experience the Island to understand that the pier is not a positive, the flies were disgusting and the Island looked under developed and underwhelming compared to the marketing that was put out? Disney is the one that is in charge of marketing not me! It's no different than looking for all the hot bodied models and good looking families that were supposed to be on the cruise with me from the advertisements! LOL
Splash Mountain is hardly a success story or a win for most of the paying park customers. They spent who knows how many millions on a ride that was already popular and had long lines. They wasted money on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates for no reason whatsoever as well. No one can honestly say that, that money wouldn't have been better spent on new attractions for the parks which would attract more guest. Dino land is a complete mess at AK. EPCOT was budget cut to death from it's original plans from years ago. Galaxy's Edge without the real "Star Wars" is a disaster and the Starcruiser was a complete failure. They've ruined the Poly. No one is thrilled with Lightening Lane... I'll just stop there. Haha
We all know why Bob and Co. did all of these makeovers to the movies, TV shows and the rides and it had nothing to do with attracting more guest to the brand. 99.999% of the paying customers at the parks never thought about or ask for any of these changes. Those unwarranted changes came from the same rotten "ideology" that has destroyed Marvel, Star Wars and continues to ruin the media side of Disney with virtually every new release. It's an ideology that's beginning to drive people away from the parks as well. The cultural rot at Disney is self evident in almost all phases of the company and the stock prices show as much. DCL is hanging in there, but this showing of this Island reeks of budget cuts, lack of imagination and competency. No amount of gaslighting (Pixie Dusting) can cover up the stench of the corporate rot within the Disney Co. at this point. Walt would be turning over in his grave if he could see the direction this company is heading.
I'm in commercial construction in a port city and I'm a scuba diver to boot. I know exactly why they have that long cement pier leading over to the Island and it has everything to do with cheaper cost both currently and in the foreseeable future and it has nothing to do with the ecology of the coral in that area. Trust me, there is no one more concerned with ecology of the coral and no one that understand the importance of coral ecology more than avid scuba divers. Cozumel has a far more coral and is one of the best dive sites in the world because of it and yet, the ships pull right up to the island and have to go right over the heart of the coral reefs where we dive.

 

[brentm77]

I know exactly why they have that long cement pier leading over to the Island and it has everything to do with cheaper cost both currently and in the foreseeable future and it has nothing to do with the ecology of the coral in that area. Trust me, there is no one more concerned with ecology of the coral and no one that understand the importance of coral ecology more than avid scuba divers. Cozumel has a far more coral and is one of the best dive sites in the world because of it and yet, the ships pull right up to the island and have to go right over the heart of the coral reefs where we dive.

Why would it be cheaper to build and maintain a long pier over a short one? Dredging? If so, that would be more ecologically destructive, right? If not, then I am genuinely curious, as I can't think of another reason it would save money.

 

[nancipants]

Splash Mountain is hardly a success story or a win for most of the paying park customers. They spent who knows how many millions on a ride that was already popular and had long lines. They wasted money on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates for no reason whatsoever as well. No one can honestly say that, that money wouldn't have been better spent on new attractions for the parks which would attract more guest. Dino land is a complete mess at AK. EPCOT was budget cut to death from it's original plans from years ago. Galaxy's Edge without the real "Star Wars" is a disaster and the Starcruiser was a complete failure. They've ruined the Poly. No one is thrilled with Lightening Lane... I'll just stop there. Haha.

Listen, say what you will about Starcruiser, but Galaxy's Edge is always crowded, people cry over seeing the Millennium Falcon, and Rise of the Resistance is commonly named one of the best attractions (if not the best) at Disney World. Saying GE is a disaster is just as disingenuous as people who claim Disney has no problems.

(Not to mention they are redoing Dinoland....)

 

[Scubadaddy32]

Why would it be cheaper to build and maintain a long pier over a short one? Dredging? If so, that would be more ecologically destructive, right? If not, then I am genuinely curious, as I can't think of another reason it would save money.

Yes, the dredging would have been significantly more expensive and would have been an ongoing maintenance issue.

Being honest here, I didn't realize until this evening that this new property was on Eleuthera and isn't an actual private Island like CC. That is the likely reason they didn't allow dredging and in that case I totally understand. Eleuthera is an existing Island with some nice dive areas around. I've never ventured over to the Out Islands in the Bahamas, but I've seen some nice videos and photos of the reefs there. So in light of that new information, I'll withdraw that accusation, but the rest of what I mentioned in the previous post stands. Haha

 

[Snowwhyt]

Lots to unpack here. I want to see this as dialogue not an argument.

Look, we have spent tens of thousands of dollars over the last few decades at Disney and really enjoyed our experiences up to a certain point. We had high hopes for the Island and Disney's marketing team once again, over sold and underdelivered. There comes a time when even the most hardcore cult members need to admit, they are at a, "Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me!" time when it comes to Disney. It's safe to say that for those being realistic and honest, this Island simply didn't meet expectations. There is no amount of gaslighting (Pixie Dusting) that is going to change that. The time for telling comforting lies is long over, it's time to just tell the truth of the matter, regardless of if people want to hear it or not. I sing the praises of DCL and CC to people all the time. But I'm going to call a spade a spade when I see one.

I’m going to say island politics and delays caused a little lackluster in the opening. I do expect small upgrades as time passes. I’m not going to the island for the next few years so I’m thinking it will be a little nicer when I get there in 4+ years (keep my platinum status one I attain it in September)

The new cruise ships are beautiful and the experience overall on DCL is top notch and I will continue to give DCL high praise for all of that. I'm also going to be honest when a negative review is legit. Why should anyone have to experience the Island to understand that the pier is not a positive, the flies were disgusting and the Island looked under developed and underwhelming compared to the marketing that was put out? Disney is the one that is in charge of marketing not me! It's no different than looking for all the hot bodied models and good looking families that were supposed to be on the cruise with me from the advertisements! LOL

I’m really hoping that Disney has a good public relations team right on the island there for the locals. Public opinion will be key in the improvements and upgrades. It’s a work in progress and they might have had to consider the long-game for how to move the island to a “Must-See” destination.

Splash Mountain is hardly a success story or a win for most of the paying park customers. They spent who knows how many millions on a ride that was already popular and had long lines.

I never liked Splash Mountain but might go on it in September because I did enjoy the new look. It makes the ride entertaining now for me. I think I’m the type of customer that they changed it to please.

They wasted money on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates for no reason whatsoever as well. No one can honestly say that, that money wouldn't have been better spent on new attractions for the parks which would attract more guest.

I’m all for new attractions but if I wanted to go just for rides I would go to universal studios. Most often we visit seeing Epcot only, followed by Animal Kingdom if we have time and don’t see Epcot a second time. In my town that we moved to in 2007 we have an amusement park open during the summer and I still haven’t been there. I did visit 6 flags in IL but wouldn’t go there again like I did in the late 70’s when I lived an hour away. Just doesn’t have appeal even though I drive past it several times a year. But somehow I seem to get all excited at spending $1000’s on tickets, hotel, and airfare to see Epcot. I probably would be the person watching your stuff when you went on rides now.

Dino land is a complete mess at AK. EPCOT was budget cut to death from it's original plans from years ago. Galaxy's Edge without the real "Star Wars" is a disaster and the Starcruiser was a complete failure. They've ruined the Poly. No one is thrilled with Lightening Lane... I'll just stop there. Haha

I’m nervous to deal with genie+ and lightning lane in Sept. Bought a 1 day pass for each of the 4 parks. It’s been a decade since I’ve been to 3 of the parks. Now I’m going to have to attend with a wheelchair this year for the first time. I’m crazy scared.

We all know why Bob and Co. did all of these makeovers to the movies, TV shows and the rides and it had nothing to do with attracting more guest to the brand. 99.999% of the paying customers at the parks never thought about or ask for any of these changes. Those unwarranted changes came from the same rotten "ideology" that has destroyed Marvel, Star Wars and continues to ruin the media side of Disney with virtually every new release. It's an ideology that's beginning to drive people away from the parks as well.

I’m not fond of movie makeovers either, but I also find no joy in black and white films or even movies from that are more then 10 years old. Yet the changes to It’s A Small World and Pirates is just enough to keep my interest and reminds me of going through the same ride with my grandmother when the park opened. Having her tell me about the World Fair. So those changes keep me as a fan. I actually watched the movie after the ride and liked seeing the scenes in the ride.
I plan to be open minded for Starwars and Marvel because I really didn’t like the pirates movies but like the Pirate's Of The Caribbean ride.
I only mentioned these things because I feel that they offer more than just the thrill ride or movie goer’s love for the brand.

The cultural rot at Disney is self evident in almost all phases of the company and the stock prices show as much. DCL is hanging in there, but this showing of this Island reeks of budget cuts, lack of imagination and competency. No amount of gaslighting (Pixie Dusting) can cover up the stench of the corporate rot within the Disney Co. at this point.

I think it’s a long-game plan. Those from the island that fought the sale to Disney had to be given some promise's and time(or people) might have to pass before some things happen. I think good PR in town from Disney is important for future needs of the island.

Walt would be turning over in his grave if he could see the direction this company is heading.

The man was a visionary I think it might be different but definitely change and progress was acceptable to Walt.

I'm in commercial construction in a port city and I'm a scuba diver to boot. I know exactly why they have that long cement pier leading over to the Island and it has everything to do with cheaper cost both currently and in the foreseeable future and it has nothing to do with the ecology of the coral in that area. Trust me, there is no one more concerned with ecology of the coral and no one that understand the importance of coral ecology more than avid scuba divers. Cozumel has a far more coral and is one of the best dive sites in the world because of it and yet, the ships pull right up to the island and have to go right over the heart of the coral reefs where we dive.

I’m sure things will be preserved for reasons that haven’t even come to light yet and that things to improve on comforts to the cruise passengers will also be devised. I’m thinking I’m not going to see them in my lifetime but it will be nice down the road. I'm probably wrong, but I think their hands are tied for improvements right now. I hope I was able to explain that the money you felt was wasted I appreciated but that I see your vision is different from mine.
You are not wrong, I just see it differently.
Love, Peace and walk with the Mouse.