This trip report was written by Gunes, who sailed the Disney Magic December 24, 2017, through December 29, 2017. You can see photos and videos from her cruise and other adventures by visiting her travel blog (fotogenictravel.com) or by following @fotogenictravel on Instagram or Facebook. Gunes provides concierge-style planning services as an independent travel advisor affiliated with My Path Unwinding Travel and can be followed on both Instagram and Facebook (@vacayconciergegunes).
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This was the second time that we stayed in cabana #20 on Castaway Cay, and it was fantastic (just like the first time)! This cabana is on the Family Beach but away from all the action in the hub of Castaway Cay. No need to worry about walking all the way to the cabana from the ship – there are trams that will take you where you need to go to check in for the cabanas AND, after check-in, they will drive you in a golf cart directly to your cabana.
In case you’re wondering what’s included in a cabana rental, here is the hand-out we received on-board the ship (prices are for 12/2017 and will undoubtedly increase over time):
So, you receive a lot for this not-so-cheap rental, but to us, it was worth every penny!
We really liked the quiet location and serenity of cabana #20. This cabana is located on a private lagoon, with no waves whatsoever. It’s a shallow lagoon with fish and even a small sting ray (you may want to wear your water shoes and be careful where you walk). We brought bread off of the ship to feed the fish – quite a fun activity for kids!
The private lagoon never seemed to have more than ten people in it at a time. I think a lot of people came and went to different parts of the island. We pretty much stayed put and enjoyed this relaxing spot. Even though the cabanas in this area are somewhat close to each other and there is not as much vegetation as the lower-numbered cabanas (e.g., #1-6) to create a “screen” between the cabanas, the area was very quiet. We never felt like anyone was too close or that we couldn’t seclude ourselves inside the cabana, if needed.
Here are photos of this great cabana…first, here is the entrance (cabana #21, the Grand Family Beach Cabana, is the orange building in the background):
This is the interior, looking out towards the private lagoon (you can see the ship in the distance). The curtain in the corner can be drawn and used as a changing area:
This is the interior looking back to the entrance (the door is closed for privacy). You can see a basket of fresh towels on the floor (really no need to bring any towels off the ship, although we always bring a few extra, just in case). There also is a tablet-like control panel on the wall for you to select music to play and to control the volume. You can’t see this in the photo, but there also is a ceiling fan:
This photo shows our fully-stocked mini-fridge. You also can see some of the Grand Family Beach Cabana next door to us:
Here is a view out one of the windows (towards cabana #19). You can see the pathway leading to the entrance in the background:
You can see the outdoor fresh water shower here. It’s at the bottom of the stairs. There also is a foot wash:
The view towards cabana #19, #18, etc.:
Here is a view of our cabana from the beach. You can see our giant sunshade (it’s translucent, so if you really need shade, go inside the cabana or under an umbrella on the beach):
Every cabana has its own hammock:
Here are some photos of the private lagoon:
And, the very friendly fish:
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Very Merry Time cruise without our neighbors in cabana #21 (the Grand Family Beach Cabana), showing a little holiday spirit:
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I have another review of Cabana #20 that you can read here. You can also find links to more cabana reviews in the “Castaway Cay Cabanas” section of my excursion page.
If you have photos of a cabana and wouldn’t mind sharing them for the blog, you can email them to me at disneycruisemomblog@gmail.com.
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Hi
It’s my first Disney cruise ship , and a I feel very disappointed I cannot reserve a cabana. I read all the marketing and adds about it, but what is the point? I am also very stressed about where to stay with my little kids (3) in the beach. What do you suggest I can do?
Don’t stress about it, there are TONS of chairs and umbrellas on the family beaches where you can hang out with your kids. We’ve had a cabana before but on the times we have not, we still enjoyed the day very much. There are only about 20 cabanas so the vast majority of passengers don’t have one and still have a great time. It’s truly nothing to worry about, Castaway Cay is just an amazing place, cabana or not!
My husband and I and our son are adults and taking a Bahamian cruise in May of this year. The question I am wanting to ask is what cabanas are only for the adults? I noticed according to the map you have on the web site,22thru 25 cabanas are they for adults only? Thanks,Sharon Stalcup
Hi Sharon! Yes, cabanas 22-25 are for adults only (18+) and are located on a separate beach called Serenity Bay, which is an entire beach reserved only for adults.
Hello! Love your blog. We have our first cruise coming up and our window to check in and reserve is opening up in a few days. I’d really like to get a cabana but was wondering how good our odds are of getting one this being our first cruise. Thanks!
Hi Nora! Unfortunately your odds are not good as a first time cruiser. All of the cabanas are always reserved by concierge and platinum (10+) cruisers, so even gold level (5+) are not usually able to get one, and silver (1+) and first time cruisers don’t really have a chance. Your only hope is to check the website daily, even several times a day if possible, to hopefully see one right after somebody cancels one (which does occasionally happen). Look especially hard around 3 days prior to your cruise when the cancellation deadline for port adventures happens. I know this has worked for people in the past. You might get lucky. If not, you can still have an incredible day at CC without a cabana, so don’t let it worry you.
All of this is true! But I am a first time cruiser and was able to get cabana 19 for our April 2018 cruise-Just telling you so you don’t give up hope and keep trying -good luck!
That’s awesome Tracy and thanks for reminding us all that it DOES happen sometimes!