On the 4 night sailing of the Disney Dream we were excited that we would enjoy two full days at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. This beautiful beach area in Bahamas is perfect for a fun-filled family day where you can choose to snorkel in Snorkel Bay, take a slide down Pelican Plunge in the Family Beach area, take a tour, rent a cabana or escape the family and float away in Serenity Bay, the adult only beach area.
Docking in beautiful Castaway Cay 
So much to do and see on Castaway Cay
Once off the ship in Castaway Cay you can choose to either walk to the Family Beach area, or you can take a tram that drops you off at two separate stops – Scuttles Cove (near the kid’s program drop off) and Pelican Point where adults can transfer to the Serenity Bay shuttle.
There are shops, bars and the included BBQ dining areas in each of the family areas and a bar, activities hut and adult only BBQ spot in Serenity Bay. The BBQ in Serenity Bay was like no other cruise line lunch I’d experienced before… not only the usual burgers and dogs, but also ribs, brisket and even salmon for the main course and tons of fruits, ice cream and of course the free fountain drinks like you get on the pool deck onboard. Yes… even the soft drinks are included in the price of your Disney Cruise on the pool deck and in the dining rooms.
Consider renting a bike to ride around the island 
Fancy a cold treat from Olaf? 
Shops for your beach wear and souvenirs 
So much beach space for families to find their perfect spot 
Fun Kids’ activities during the day at Scuttle’s Cove 
Take a slide down Pelican Plunge
So much fun for families at the Family beach section on Castaway Cay. There’s something for everyone here – snorkel trails, water slides, Character Appearances, music and dancing, sports area, kids’ activities and even a 5KM running trail and two BBQ areas – Cookies and Cookies Too!
Pirate Night in Animator’s Palate 
You had me at Yorkshire pudding 
Third time’s the charm!
Dinnertime on the ship after our first day on Castaway Cay was “Pirate Night” where guests are given a pirate bandana (many guests come with full on pirate costumes) and the servers are dressed in their finest pirate wear to serve up a surf and turf menu fit for Captain Jack! I of course, not a lover of seafood, had the steak (they had me at Yorkshire pudding) and desert of course for me was Mickey Ice Cream bar #3.
Awaiting us in our cabin after dinner was a pirate themed towel figure and some Rice Krispie treats from guest services’ staff members, Simone (my flat-iron lending life saver) and Rafael. Again… we were blown away by how attentive and caring the Disney staff were to us in making sure that even without our luggage, we had everything we needed. (If you missed out on the luggage story, head back to Part 1 and Part 2 of my Disney Fam blog posts).
Instead of heading up on deck for the pirate night festivities (which I should add are great and should not be missed by guests), we instead met up with Jennifer, one of my Ontario Disney reps who was onboard, in Pink… my favourite champagne bar. Jennifer, along with John, another Disney rep from Tennessee, were hugely instrumental in putting together the pieces of where the 4 missing suitcases might be. They figured out that our bags never left the bus and they, along with Guest Services were to be thanked endlessly for getting our bags back to the port for disembarkation day.
Thursday afternoon we said goodbye to Castaway Cay while the staff who live on island, with their big white Mickey hands, waved us off as we left port. I can’t stress enough how amazing this private island is for guests of all ages. If you haven’t sailed on a Disney Cruise, and haven’t visited Castaway Cay yet, let’s chat so we can get you on a sailing to experience this wonderful destination and cruise line!
Beautiful Micky fountain front and centre in Enchanted Garden Dining Room 
Such a fresh and magical place 
Spinach Salad for Appetizer 
Did you say smashed Sweet Potato? 
Four and counting… how many do you think I’ll get in this trip?
Our last dinner onboard was at the Enchanted Garden dining room. A beautiful Mickey fountain sits in the middle of the restaurant and after dessert, Mickey, Minnie and Goofy entertained us with a song and dance as they made their way around the dining room, waving farewell to all their guests. Dinner was again delicious as I enjoyed a fresh spinach salad and chicken dinner with mashed sweet potato and you guessed it… Mickey Ice Cream #4 was my dessert.
With little to pack except our carry-on bags and new Disney apparel, we enjoyed our last evening onboard before disembarkation Friday morning… but more on that tomorrow!!
Until next time,
~ Sue ~
Your Vacation Dream Maker
Sue Hawkes - Vacation Dream Maker 