Ahoy, Kenneth!
How exciting to be dreaming of your
Disney Cruise Line vacation with a stop at their private island,
Disney Castaway Cay! It’s pure paradise, and one of my favorite destinations for a special family day together. There’s nothing like seeing that turquoise water as we approach in the morning and the welcoming hug-shaped island beckons you to come spend the day.
Family Cabanas are a special treat on the island, but unfortunately there aren’t many of these exclusive beach huts and they are in very high demand. Their exclusivity is what makes them private and so special, but also very difficult to reserve. I haven’t been able to get one on my cruises; typically, Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members (10+ sailings with Disney Cruise Line) are the most likely to secure these elusive reservations.
Cabanas are reserved at the same time you can book other activities for your cruise; this booking window is determined by your
Castaway Club membership level:
| | |
| First-time Guests | 75 Days Prior to Sail Date |
| Silver Castaway Club Members | 90 Days Prior to Sail Date |
| Gold Castaway Club Members | 105 Days Prior to Sail Date |
| Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Member | 120 Days Prior to Sail Date |
Inventory can change often and for many reasons, so please keep checking availability on the website or your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App until three days prior to sailing. You may also speak with the Port Adventures desk when you board the ship to get on a waitlist for a cabana, and you may do a final check once you’re on the island for any last-minute openings at the second tram stop on Castaway Cay where cabana guests check in for the day.
Your family will have an amazing day on the island, Kenneth! I love the beach at the second tram stop, Pelican Point. My family likes to be one of the first to disembark the ship, take the island tram to this stop, and we have our pick of seating, shades, and palm trees! I suggest you try this area to set up camp for your family’s practically perfect beach day. There’s even a shaded hut next to the Sand Bar intended for guest seating with drinks but is always empty in my experience. My son and I like to play beach ball or frisbee in this area, it’s so secluded. This beach is also right next to the restrooms and Cookies Too BBQ for your delicious lunchtime buffet.
Want to be a beach day hero? My favorite fun tip is to take two large chocolate chip cookies from the buffet at lunch. Behind the drink station you’ll find the soft serve ice cream machines. Pick a favorite flavor (mine is banana) and make a gooey, drippy, mouth-watering ice cream sandwich! My favorite kind of memory making is seeing my son smile, so I hope this little tip brings joy to your family too.
I hope you find some buried treasure in your hunt for a cabana, Kenneth! You’re going to have an incredible day at Disney Castaway Cay – bring on the sunshine!
Please let us know if you have any more questions as you plan your special Disney Cruise Line vacation.
Enjoy the island vibes,
Amy