My favorite day on any Disney Cruise Line sailing is Castaway Cay day. After more than a twenty Disney cruises, I’ve spent countless wonderful beach days on Disney’s private island, and the Sandcastle Cabanas remain one of my very favorite splurges. While Disney has since introduced the newer Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas, these original family cabanas still have my heart for many families because of one thing… location.
Read all about Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas HERE!
Arriving at the Sandcastle Cabanas
Just like the original family cabanas, concierge guests can request a golf cart to meet them right at the gangway after disembarking if traveling with mobility needs or babies. Otherwise, they are a quick tram ride from the ship, tucked away on a perfect slice of the family beach.
The main entrance to the Sandcastle Cabanas is located just beside Cookies BBQ, making it incredibly convenient to lunch, shopping and many of Castaway Cay’s most popular activities.
Why I Love the Sandcastle Cabanas
The main entrance to the cabanas is right next to Cookies BBQ. However, if you are arriving by golf cart, you’ll take a back entrance that is more direct.
Cabana guests enjoy their own private stretch of beach while remaining just steps from everything happening on the family beach. This is exactly why I continue recommending these over the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas for many families.
If your children want to spend the day riding Pelican Plunge, playing basketball, joining activities at Scuttle’s Cove, meeting Disney characters, playing ping pong or bouncing between all of the action Castaway Cay offers, this location simply can’t be beat.
You enjoy the privacy and luxury of a cabana without ever feeling removed from the excitement.
Inside the Cabana
The Sandcastle Cabanas comfortably accommodate six guests, with the option to add up to four additional guests for an extra fee.
Inside you’ll find comfortable seating, ceiling fans, a beverage refrigerator stocked with water and soft drinks, fresh towels, sunscreen, a safe and a private changing room. The changing area is also perfect if a little one needs a quiet nap or if one of those brief Bahamian rain showers rolls through.
Outside, the covered deck offers additional seating along with shade curtains that can be lowered as the afternoon sun moves across the beach.
Everything is thoughtfully designed to make spending the entire day here incredibly comfortable.
Your Own Private Beach
Each cabana includes lounge chairs, umbrellas, smaller beach chairs and one of my favorite features… a hammock.
Our days usually consist of floating in the ocean, reading books, sneaking afternoon naps in the hammock and enjoying absolutely nowhere else to be.
One of the lovely concierge hosts checks on cabana guests throughout the day, and drink service is available right from your beach chair. As always, my family’s favorite tropical treat remains the BBC.
Cabana guests also enjoy complimentary use of floats, bicycles and snorkel equipment throughout the day.
Sandcastle Cabanas vs. Mickey & Minnie Cove
Now that I’ve experienced both, I don’t necessarily think one is better than the other.
They’re simply different.
The Sandcastle Cabanas are ideal for families who plan to take advantage of everything Castaway Cay has to offer. With the family beach, waterslides, kids’ club, sports courts, character greetings and Cookies BBQ all nearby, you’ll spend far less time walking back and forth.
The newer Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas offer a quieter, more secluded experience with a dedicated dining pavilion and private bar. I especially recommend those for families with babies, grandparents or older children who simply want to relax, swim and enjoy a slower beach day.
Grand Family Cabana
I’ve also had the pleasure of spending time in the Grand Family Cabana, both with friends and more recently with our extended family.
Located at the very end of the boardwalk, it offers breathtaking panoramic views and all of the same wonderful amenities as the Sandcastle Cabanas, simply on a larger scale.
The Grand Family Cabana comfortably accommodates ten guests, with room to add up to six additional guests for an extra fee. It truly is the ultimate beach retreat for larger families.
Booking a Cabana
Whether you’re hoping for a Sandcastle Cabana, a Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabana or the Grand Family Cabana, one thing remains true… They’re incredibly difficult to secure.
While availability occasionally changes, these cabanas are generally only available to concierge guests, and even then there simply aren’t enough to accommodate every concierge family sailing. A little pixie dust definitely helps.
Fortunately, requesting cabanas is one of the many details I handle for my concierge clients the moment booking windows open, giving you the very best chance possible.
Final Thoughts
There is simply no wrong choice. Whether you choose the lively atmosphere of the Sandcastle Cabanas or the peaceful retreat of Mickey & Minnie Cove, you’ll enjoy one of the most relaxing and memorable days Disney Cruise Line has to offer.
For me, though, if the day involves a hammock, crystal-clear Bahamian water, a BBC in hand and nowhere else I need to be. I’m one happy cruiser.
Let’s Set Sail
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
My family are platinum level cruisers on Disney Cruise Line, having sailed on the most magical ships at sea TWENTY times. Not only that, but you can count on my recent and personal experience sailing two to three times a year. I’ve experienced every stateroom type available, from the inside to a concierge suite across every ship in the fleet. And, I’ve dined in the restaurants, enjoyed the port adventures and done it all so I can best advise YOU!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Sea World and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
