Tag Archive for: Castaway Cay

As someone who specializes in Disney vacations, I’ve witnessed countless magical moments. But nothing quite compares to watching devoted Disney Parks fans experience their first Disney cruise. Time and again, I see the same transformation – families who think they know everything about Disney magic discover an entirely new dimension of enchantment aboard Disney’s fleet.

The Disney Parks Dilemma

Disney Parks veterans are some of my most hesitant cruise prospects. These are the annual passholders, rope-drop enthusiasts, and guests who can navigate Magic Kingdom blindfolded. Their most common response when I suggest a Disney cruise? “We love the parks too much to waste vacation time on a boat.”

Sound familiar? Many Disney Parks devotees share this sentiment. They worry that a cruise means sacrificing their beloved attractions, character interactions, and that special Disney atmosphere they crave. What they don’t realize is that Disney Cruise Line doesn’t replace the park experience – it elevates it to an entirely new level.

The Magic of Taking the Leap

The families who do decide to try Disney cruising often start with specific conditions: shorter sailings (just in case they don’t love it), plenty of Disney character experiences for the kids, and assurance that they’ll still get their Disney “fix.” These concerns are entirely valid, and Disney Cruise Line addresses every one.

Whether it’s the innovative Disney Treasure with its newest features or the classic charm of the Disney Magic, each ship in Disney’s fleet offers something special for first-time cruisers who want to experience Disney magic in a completely new way.

What Disney Parks Fans Discover at Sea

The Characters Are Everywhere (And More Accessible)

One of the biggest surprises for Disney Parks fans is the opportunity to interact with characters aboard Disney ships. Unlike the parks, where character meet-and-greets often involve long lines and rushed photos, Disney cruise characters have time to truly connect with guests. Children regularly spend extended time chatting with their favorite characters during deck parties, creating memories that would be impossible during a typical park visit.

 

Disney Storytelling Without the Crowds

Disney’s cruise entertainment program showcases the company’s renowned storytelling in intimate venues. No jostling for viewing spots or arriving an hour early to secure seats. Every guest has a reserved seat for Broadway-caliber shows that rival anything you’ll find in the parks.

Relaxation Meets Magic

Perhaps the biggest revelation for Disney Parks fans is the pace. Instead of racing from attraction to attraction, families can enjoy Disney magic while relaxing. Mornings are spent at adult pools while kids enjoy water coasters. Leisurely character breakfasts without rushing to beat crowds. Evening shows followed by late-night deck parties under the stars.

The Universal Conversion Moment

The transformation typically happens around day two of any Disney cruise. That’s when Disney Parks devotees realize they’re experiencing all the Disney storytelling, characters, and entertainment they love – but they’re actually on vacation instead of needing a vacation after their vacation.

By evening deck parties, many families are already browsing future sailings. The pattern is remarkably consistent: Disney Parks fans don’t just enjoy their first cruise – they become completely converted to the Disney cruise experience.

Why Disney Parks Fans Fall in Love with Disney Cruises

Familiar Magic, Fresh Perspective

Disney Cruise Line takes everything you love about Disney Parks – the attention to detail, exceptional service, character interactions, and storytelling – and presents it in a completely new format. You’ll still get your Disney fix, but without the exhaustion that often comes with park touring.

Exclusive Experiences You Can’t Get on Land

Disney cruises offer unique experiences impossible to replicate in the parks. From Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island) to sea days filled with deck parties and character dance-offs, you’ll create memories that are uniquely “cruise.”

Value That Actually Makes Sense

When you factor in accommodations, meals, entertainment, and activities, Disney cruises often provide better value than park vacations – especially for families. Plus, you unpack once and wake up in a new destination.

The Multi-Generational Sweet Spot

Disney cruises excel at entertaining every generation simultaneously. Grandparents can relax at the adult pool while parents enjoy the spa and kids participate in youth clubs – all while staying connected as a family.

Making the Leap: What Disney Parks Fans Need to Know

Start with a Shorter Sailing

Many Disney Parks devotees benefit from starting with a 3-4 night cruise. It’s long enough to experience the magic but short enough to ease any concerns about being “stuck on a boat.”

Choose Your Ship Strategically

Each Disney ship has its own personality. The Disney Wish and Disney Treasure offer the newest innovations, while the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder provide classic Disney cruise charm. The upcoming Disney Destiny will blend the best of both worlds.

Plan Your Stateroom Location

This is where working with an experienced Disney cruise specialist becomes invaluable. Stateroom location can make or break your experience, and there are nuances that aren’t obvious when booking online.

The Consistent Results: From Skeptics to Advocates

The transformation is always remarkable to witness. Disney Parks fans don’t abandon their love for the parks when they discover cruising – they expand their Disney universe. Many become alternating cruise and park visitors, while others discover that Disney cruises provide the Disney magic they crave with the relaxation they desperately needed.

Time and again, former Disney cruise skeptics become some of the most enthusiastic advocates, eagerly sharing their experiences with fellow Disney Parks fans who harbor the same initial hesitations.

Ready to Make Your Own Magical Transformation?

If you’re a Disney Parks fan who’s been curious about Disney cruising, I’d love to help you discover this magical world. The key is choosing the right ship, stateroom, and itinerary for your family’s specific needs and preferences.

Disney cruise availability fills up quickly, especially for the most popular sailing dates and the newest ships like the Disney Destiny. The best time to plan your first Disney cruise is now – when you have the most options and the most time to build anticipation.

Ready to experience Disney magic from a completely new perspective? Let’s chat about your perfect Disney cruise adventure. I promise you’ll discover what Sarah’s family learned: sometimes the most magical Disney experiences happen when you’re surrounded by nothing but ocean and endless possibilities.

Contact me today to start planning your Disney cruise transformation. Your floating Disney resort awaits!

A Disney cruise is where escape meets imagination. Where dreams meet reality. And where spooky fun and merry magic meet none other than Mickey and Minnie. And in fall 2022, you can even enjoy limited-time Halloween and holiday sailings—even on the all-new Disney Wish.

Only during this time of year can you experience the excitement of Halloween and the holidays at sea while sailing to tropical destinations from Miami and Port Canaveral, FL, New York, Texas and California.

Tropical Escapes from Florida

In fall 2022, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will embark on guest-favorite itineraries out of Port Canaveral, Florida, while the Disney Dream continues to sail from Miami. 

The Disney Wish will continue its inaugural season with its first-ever fall and holiday sailings, offering a series of three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas, while the Disney Fantasy will offer six-, seven- and eight-night vacations to the eastern and western Caribbean.

The Disney Dream will take guests on four- and five-night Bahamian itineraries and five-night Caribbean cruises to either Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Mexico.

All sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami will include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise outfitted for family fun and relaxation and brimming with special Disney touches.

‘Caribbean Cruises from San Juan

The Disney Magic will sail out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, for two special itineraries in early November. A seven-night southern Caribbean sailing will visit Antigua, St. Lucia, Aruba and Bonaire, while a following six-night voyage will feature stops in St. Thomas and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Baja Peninsula Voyages from California

Spooktacular sailings return to California in late September with Halloween on the High Seas cruises to the Baja Peninsula from San Diego. The Disney Wonder will host three-, four-, five- and seven-night vacations from southern California, allowing guests to celebrate the Halloween season at sea while taking in the mesmerizing beauty of Mexico. 

Sailings to Bermuda and Canada from New York

The Disney Magic returns to New York in late September for a series of Halloween on the High Seas sailings to Bermuda and Canada. Guests can visit Bermuda’s pink sand beaches and colorful coral reefs on five-night vacations or set their sights for a special six-night cruise to the Canadian ports of New Brunswick and Halifax that includes a stop in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Vacations to Bahamas and Caribbean from Texas

The Disney Magic will visit Galveston, Texas, in late November for a variety of five- and seven-night Very Merrytime Cruises. Guests can experience the magic of the holidays on western Caribbean itineraries with ports of call that include Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman.

Early September to late October 2022 sailings will experience Halloween on the High Seas. Discover Disney Characters in costumes (wear yours, too), far-from-frightening décor, hauntingly happy entertainment and more.

Very Merrytime Cruises will sail from early November to late December 2022. Experience a special visit from Santa, enjoy enchanting holiday décor, see Disney Characters in their festive best and beyond.

For Clients who are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members and/or Adventures by Disney Adventure Insiders, you may use the following early booking windows:

  • Platinum Castaway Club Members & Golden Oak: Bookings open June 21, 2021
  • Gold Castaway Club Members: Bookings open June 22, 2021
  • Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members and Adventures by Disney Adventure Insiders: Bookings open June 23, 2021
  • Bookings open to all Guests on June 24, 2021.

Let’s start planning your next Disney Cruise now!

In early 2021, Disney Cruise Line will return to New Orleans for a limited-time engagement with sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including visits to Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. A lineup of popular itineraries will continue across the Disney fleet with cruises to tropical destinations from Texas, California and Florida.

Return to New Orleans

Back by popular demand, the Disney Wonder will return to the bayou from late January through February 2021 with a series of magical voyages. A pair of four- and five-night cruises to the Western Caribbean kick off the season from New Orleans. The five-night voyage includes a visit to Progreso, Mexico, a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line on the Yucatan Peninsula. This quaint town is filled with treasures for families to explore together, from ancient Mayan ruins to hidden swimming holes filled with crystal-clear water.

Three seven-night sailings to the Bahamas with a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, plus a 14-night Panama Canal cruise, round out the departures from the Crescent City in early 2021.

Guests sailing from New Orleans will experience the flavors and flair of the Big Easy both onboard the Disney Wonder and ashore. The sounds and sights of New Orleans come to life at Tiana’s Place restaurant, where families are transported to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations with live music and other surprises inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Before or after their cruise, your Clients can savor the city’s distinct cuisine, visit family-friendly museums and parks, and take in the sounds of world-renowned live jazz music. 

Popular Itineraries from Texas and California

The Disney Wonder will also return to the popular home ports of Galveston and San Diego in early 2021. Guests sailing from Texas can enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Western Caribbean on a series of four- and six-night cruises to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. One seven-night departure will feature stops at Key West, Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay.

Following the season in New Orleans, the Disney Wonder heads to the West Coast for a variety of sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera departing from San Diego. Families can hunt for gold aboard a pirate ship in Cabo San Lucas, embark on an off-road adventure in Ensenada or sunbathe on glittering sand beaches on cruises ranging from three to seven nights.

Bahamian and Caribbean Getaways from Florida

Disney Cruise Line will have three ships sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida in early 2021, and every cruise includes a day at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. This award-winning destination, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests, is the ultimate escape for everyone in the family.

  • From Miami, the Disney Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises.
  • From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
  • From Port Canaveral, the Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises.

Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Club members, can take advantage of the opportunity to book early 2021 itineraries before they go on sale to the general public on Oct. 3, 2019.  You can book either online or by phone during the designated booking window:

  • Sept. 30, 2019: Platinum Members
  • Oct. 1, 2019: Platinum and Gold Members
  • Oct. 2, 2019: Platinum, Gold and Silver Members
  • Oct. 3, 2019: all Guests

Contact me today to start planning your next Disney Cruise!