Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, has a lot of things to enjoy.  We were fortunate on our first Disney cruise to grab a coveted cabana reservation and we get asked is the cabana worth the added cost...

It depends on what your looking for in your experience.  If you want to relax by the beach all day without a care in the world, the cabana is a worthwhile splurge.  If you plan on exploring the island or partaking in other adventures while at Castaway Cay, it may not be for you.  To Cabana or not to Cabana, that is the question?

The answer depends on your vacation goals and budget, here is what we think...

When Castaway is in full swing, the regular beach can get crowded.  People will be claiming beach chairs as quick as they arrive.  The cabana gets you your own quiet little patch of beach with no one else to share it with but other cabana renters.  You can watch your kids play in the water without the obstruction of other beach goers getting in the way.

The cabana comes with a lot of perks.  It comes with sand toys, a safe, and a refrigerator.  The fridge comes loaded with fresh fruit, bottles of water, a selection of sodas.  There are also some cool moist towels in the fridge in case you are feeling over-heated.  The cabana also has a few snacks like chips and granola bars available.

Rather than just plastic beach chairs with umbrellas, here you have a full hammock and cushioned lounge chairs.    The spacious cabana interior has cushioned seating, coffee tables, and end tables under a ceiling fan for you to get out of the sun.  This is the tropics so sometimes it'll be to get out of the rain.

The cabana has wooden doors that you can close in case you need some privacy.  Sometimes the little ones just need a cool place to take a nap.

The Cabana also has its own radio with 3 different stations to choose from to help set the mood.  Full volume control too!  So it can be a loud theme or turned down for quiet time.

Lastly, and my favorite, is the "I need something Button."  Your cabana has a waiter ready to help you out.  He'll take your drink orders and get you more towels.  He can't bring you food, but he will get you most other things you might require.

While the drinks are not included, you'll still have access to the full bars of Castaway.  Your waiter will gladly take that drink order and bring it back to your cabana.

The Family Cabanas are located a short distance from Cookie's BBQ.  When we were hit with sudden showers it was great to go grab some food and bring it back to eat in our cabana.  By the time we had finished eating the rain had passed us by and we got to continue enjoying the beach.

The cabanas are also built for 6 people, so if your traveling with another couple you can split the cost and share the space.  You can add up to 4 additional guests, but at an addtional per guest rate.

The cabana can be a worthwhile splurge!  We were booked on a cruise that stopped at Castaway Cay twice, so we had two opportunities to experience the island.  It was nice to spend one whole day just enjoying the beach without issues.

Now if you have plans to split up and have the kids enjoy the kids club while the adults enjoy Serenity Bay, a cabana may not be for you.  There are a lot of things that you can enjoy on Castaway Cay, so a lot depends on your plans and budget.

Why book Disney Cruise over another cruise line?  Disney cruises are typically more expensive than a Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise, so why pay more?  Aren't all cruises the same?  No!  They are not equivalent.

I can break down all the differences, but the biggest take away is Customer Service.  Disney is #1 in customer service and it's noticeable.  You'll feel it from the first time you hear a little girl get called "princess."

Disney Cruise ships are just immaculate.  You will rarely ever see a mess anywhere on the ship.  Just like in the parks, that trash get scooped up and taken care of before most people will even see it. 

Every part of this ship is just beautiful and most of it has those touches of Disney you'd come to expect.  From murals, statues, and random hidden mickeys you are never too far away from something that will remind you that this is Disney.

There are only two things you won't find on Disney Cruise Line.  There are no Casinos on the ship.  Also there aren't any Beverage packages.  

Disney ships have at least 2 theaters aboard every ship.  One theater is dedicated to showing current and recent Disney films while the other theater is home to some of Disney's amazing Broadway style shows.

New films get their own premier aboard the ship, so I didn't have to miss the latest Star Wars film because I was on a cruise.  

Disney doesn't skimp out on the food.  Some of the yummiest things I have ever eaten were aboard a Disney cruise.  You have a rotational schedule of 3 different restaurants, but your server team will follow along with you.   These servers get to know your families needs and help out where ever possible.  Our server even helped cut-up my daughter's steak.  The one time I had an entree that I wasn't a fan of, they were quick to apologize and replace the meal with another yummy option.

Some of the restaurants are so much more than just a place to eat.  From the magical Disney touches you get while you eat at Animator's Palette to the shows that are put on at Tiana's Place, you get a night of entertainment to go with your yummy entree.  Each ship has it's own unique locations, so keep an eye out for what's aboard your sailing.  I just loved eating at Rapunzel's Royal Table on the Disney Magic!

Disney cruises are primarily focused on the family travelers.  There is so much for the kids on the ship that it's hard to remember it all.

There are regular opportunities to meet with Disney characters.  You rarely have to wait for more than 10 minutes to get a photo with any character.  There are character meet and greets going on throughout most of the day and special scheduled meetings that have to be reserved in advance.  These free events let you to meet several princesses at once, multiple Frozen characters, or some other fun characters.

The kids club is just fantastic!  Loaded with activities and entertainment, my kids rarely wanted to be anywhere else.  Characters come and go from the kids club, there are movies, and video games all there to keep the kids occupied if they haven't already made new friends.

There's no need for parents to worry.  The kids get their own magicband that's zip-tied closed that tracks the kids and makes it impossible for someone else to check out the child without your permission.  The kids will be too busy making friends or doing activities to get bored, but if they get tired or want to leave the club, the cast members can contact you through the app to come pick them up.

There's also a separate club location to tweens and a whole other for teens.  No need to worry about your little one getting trampled by the big kids.

Also there is a whole other area for baby-sitting those that haven't been potty-trained yet, but that one does have an hourly cost.

And I can't possibly forget Pirate Night!  Guests are encouraged to wear their Pirate gear!  There's a full Pirate Night performance up on the deck with the only Fireworks display at sea you can find.  The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique also does Pirate makeovers for the boys and girls!

A beautiful island with loads of activities or you can just enjoy lounging on the beach with a cocktail.  The kids club on the island is available to keep the kids busy and allow some relaxation for the grown up.  The 18+ area of Serenity Bay is very peaceful when you just want to get away from it all.

I could literally go on and on about how much I enjoy myself at Castaway Cay!

I've been on many different cruises during my lifetime.  Disney Cruise Line just gives me so much that keeps me coming back for more.

We can't wait to see what their newest ship, the Disney Wish, has in store.  There's going to be a Marvel Restaurant and a Star Wars themed bar.  I'm VERY EXCITED!

Whatever your goal is for a cruise vacation, Disney Cruise Line can make it happen.  Ask us how we can help you get there. 

Mouse O'Clock Travel is here to make that next vacation even more magical.  We've got loads of tips and tricks to help you along the way.