What an awesome trip you've got planned, Virginia!
Your
Very MerryTime Cruise will be full of fun and exciting activities - not to mention lots of holiday cheer while out on the high seas. Your tween will surely have a blast - what a lucky young man!
Disney's private island,
Castaway Cay, is an amazing oasis that you'll get to spend the whole day at. My kids love the island and they are always sad to leave. The Stingray Encounter is located by the family beach close to the 1st tram stop. Pelican Plunge is closer to the 2nd tram stop - or about an 8-10 minute walk... depending on how fast of a walker you are. It's not really too far away - nothing on the island is far, actually.
Learning all about the Stingrays and their habitat was fascinating for my kids, and I'm sure your son will find it interesting too. He'll have a chance to feed them, and then swim or snorkel alongside them. When we did this activity, we chose a late morning schedule -- and I thought it was perfect, since the water was clear and the warm sun was out. Right after the activity, we relaxed a bit and went off to the island's all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet at Cookie's BBQ. Yummy!
There's usually a good amount of beach chairs and umbrellas at the beach by the 2nd tram stop, where Pelican Plunge is. I'm usually enjoying a beverage on my chaise lounge while the kids play at the water slides. It's a great location to chill at for the rest of the afternoon! You will have such an awesome time checking out the cool things on the island.
Sailing with your tween will be so much fun!
Have a magical vacation, Virginia!
~ Dolly