Disney's Castaway Cay (prounounced key)

[Tink]

Did you all know this is Disney's private island for their cruises?
Like the cruise ships themselves, this island has different areas for children, adults only, and family activities.
If you have an older child (not a toddler) they do a treasure hunt on the island that looks wonderful for the kids!
So, if you were on this small island while cruising, what would YOU do?
Leanne

[Sue]

Great topic Leanne! I never thought about starting something like this...
While we have never been on a Disney cruise, most cruiselines have a private island in the Bahamas (since there are SOOOO many islands, most are up for sale! haha). We have been on a couple of private islands now...and they are so much fun!
You are usually tendered into the island, using the lifeboats, or depending on the cruiseline, a few actually have built docks for their boats. The cruiseline sets up a huge area for food and a large beach area. You can rent snorkels, jetskis..things like that. They have banana boat rides that are a lot of fun with a group of people. Volleyball and other beach games are also available.
It is a wonderfully relaxing day on a Caribbean beach...can't beat it!
I have had only one alarming experience on a private island...and it had to do with a nice gentleman's choice of european bathing wear...ICK ICk ICK! hehe!

[Tink]

I am not sure what made me think of this Sue - but you are doing such a great job here, I thought I would pitch in with this one!
I do know Disney has their own dock here, so no tugboats or lifeboats are needed. (Thanks Travel Channel).
And yes, they not only have snorkeling, but you can also go boating (keel boat I think is the proper term).
I am hoping when we get to do a cruise that Alex will be old enough to do the treasure hunt. He is totally into that and Pirates right now - typical boy (Disney boy, anyway).
Leanne

[Sue]

That is good to hear that Disney did a dock, makes sense especially with the number of kids..however, I think Trey would LOVE the lifeboats! LOL
They also had parasailing..that was cool to watch...and lots of powerboats like you said.
To be honest, I just loved exploring the grounds and relaxing on the beach, a really nice day.

[Tink]

I can definitely imagine myself just laying on the beautiful beach relaxing!
Leanne

[I<3Pluto]

Castaway Cay is AMAZING! It was pre-kids so we spent the whole time laying on the adult beach. We to had wonderful massages in Cabanas on the beach, you could here the waves crashing in. It was fabulous! I was asking one of the workers why nobody lives on Castaway Key or why Disney hasn't built a resort there, they told me that the island is infested with mosquitoes at night. Disney has spent tons of money trying to fix the mosquito problem with no luck. All the workers on the island are either from the cruise ship or are brought in via boat from Nassau everyday. Basically, the island is emptied out everyday at dusk! I thought that was pretty interesting.

[Sue]

Wow....I also wondered why Disney hasn't taken more advantage of that island...but now I can see why that is the case!!!
What did you think of the Disney cruise as adults?

[I<3Pluto]

It was a blast. It was before we even had kids and we loved every minute of it. We can't wait to take our kids when they are a little older. It's nice because you don't have to be around kids if you don't want to be. They have adult only areas of the ship, and the ship is designed really well to where you don't even here any kids in these adult areas. I have been on 3 cruises and by far this cruise was the best. Great food, beautiful rooms, beautiful ship. I think I want to take my boys when they are about 5 &amp; 7. I have to wait a while seeing as how they are 17 months and 4 right now.

[Tink]

Wendi, that is so awesome to hear. I have always heard wonderful things about Disney cruises. My sister went on one for her honeymoon, and they also totally loved it, and said the same thing. You only have to be around kids if you WANT to be on a Disney cruise!
(and I am still waiting for the pics *hint* *hint* :) :) )
Leanne