If you’ve followed along for very long, you know that my favorite day on any Disney Cruise Line vacation is Castaway Cay day. There’s just something about stepping onto Disney’s private island that immediately puts everyone into vacation mode. We’ve spent countless beach days here over the years, and until recently, my favorite splurge was always one of the original family beach cabanas.
On our recent Disney Destiny sailing, we had the opportunity to experience one of the newer Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas, and I couldn’t wait to compare the two. Spoiler alert… I absolutely loved it.
Read all about Sandcastle Cabanas HERE!
Arriving at the Cabanas
The Mickey & Minnie Cove area has its own dedicated entrance and immediately feels different from the original family cabanas. Everything feels fresh, cheerful and distinctly Disney. 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.
The Mickey & Minnie Cove
The new cabanas are absolutely darling. Disney carried subtle Mickey and Minnie details throughout the space without making it feel overly themed. They are bright, welcoming and beautifully designed, with plenty of comfortable seating both inside and out.
Like the original cabanas, each includes a refrigerator stocked with beverages, towels, fans, sunscreen, comfortable seating, a changing area and plenty of space for your family to spread out and relax.
One addition I especially appreciated was the dedicated dining pavilion. Rather than carrying lunch back to your cabana or eating at Cookies BBQ, cabana guests have their own covered dining area just steps away. It made lunch feel much more relaxed and luxurious.
There is also a dedicated bar nearby, making it easy to grab a tropical drink without ever leaving the cabana area. Of course, you can also order directly to your cabana!
A Completely Different Feel
While the original family cabanas are tucked right into the heart of all the action, the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas offer a much quieter experience. Our beach felt peaceful all day long.
For families with babies, toddlers or even teenagers who simply want to relax together, I actually think this quieter location is wonderful. There is plenty of room to swim, float, read and simply enjoy being together without constant activity around you.
Which One Would I Choose?
This is where I think it becomes less about which cabana is “better” and more about which one best fits your family. If your children are elementary school age and want to spend the day racing down Pelican Plunge, riding the water slides, visiting Scuttle’s Cove, playing basketball, challenging each other to ping pong, meeting characters and enjoying everything else happening around the family beach, I would still choose one of the original family cabanas every time. You’re simply much closer to all of the activity.
On the other hand, if your family plans to spend the day reading, swimming, relaxing and soaking up the beach together, I think the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas are absolutely delightful. Our multigenerational group loved the slower pace. Everyone settled into comfortable chairs, read books, floated in the crystal-clear water and visited for hours without ever feeling rushed.
Can Anyone Book One?
Unfortunately, no. Just like the original family cabanas, the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas are generally reserved for concierge guests. Even then… You’ll still need a little pixie dust.
There simply aren’t enough cabanas for every concierge family sailing each week, so availability remains extremely limited. One of the biggest advantages of working with a travel advisor who knows Disney Cruise Line inside and out is having someone ready the moment concierge booking windows open to give you the very best chance of securing one.
My Final Thoughts
After experiencing both locations, I can honestly say I don’t think one replaces the other. They serve different families.
The original family cabanas are still my recommendation for families whose vacation revolves around keeping active kids entertained from sunrise until all aboard.
The Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas, however, are exactly where I would send grandparents, families with very young children or anyone looking for a quieter, more luxurious beach day.
Either way, there’s no better place to spend a day in the Bahamas than with your toes in the sand, a BBC in hand and nowhere else in the world you need to be.
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!
