Hi Eric!
Welcome aboard the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Soaking up the sun on
Castaway Cay sounds FANTAStic about right now...so happy you have this to look forward to in the fall! I like to think I know Castaway Cay "Inside Out" but the truth is that there’s always something new to be experienced every time I go.
I have all the emotions from your wanting to reserve a cabana while on Castaway Cay! A shady spot on a private beach with a hammock is pure bliss in my book. To reserve your own private oasis on the island, select this as a
Port Adventure when your
advance booking window opens.
Let's be honest, any of the cabanas would be exceptional. And since cabanas book up quickly, go into it not really caring which cabana you get so long as you can grab one! That said, I did like the Castaway Family Beach cabana number 6, and I think it’s in a perfect location: easy access to get food at Cookies Too BBQ, use the restrooms, and get to the Snorkeling Lagoon. It’s also positioned on the beach with a fabulous view of the ship in the distance!
Some other things to consider: the first 14 Cabanas are located on one of the Family Beaches while cabanas 15-20 face a lagoon that's separated from the main beach by a sandbar. As the higher numbered cabanas are newer, they do not have as much tropical foliage around them. Farther down the beach may mean more privacy, but also more walking. Finally, as they are located on the adults-only Serenity Bay, the Serenity Bay Cabanas can only be used by Guests ages 18 and older.
Here’s the kicker: the Family Beach Cabanas can only accommodate up to 10 guests, so that will mean one person in your party would have to be left off the reservation. The only single cabana that can fit a party your size would be the Grand Family Cabana (Cabana 21), which can accommodate up to 16 guests.
If a cabana is not available when your advance booking window opens ("Sadness" emoji), keep checking as guests do change their plans and cabanas become available from time to time. Additionally, you could stop by the Port Adventures Desk once you are onboard to add your name to a wait list in the event one becomes available during your sailing. In other words, as Joy would say in the movie
Inside Out, “Think positive!”
Cruise back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel if you have any additional questions before you set sail on the
Disney Fantasy. Wishing you grand adventures as you make core memories with your family!
Happy Sailing!
Sherry