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Disney Dream in port at Castaway Cay
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White sand beaches at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay
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Meeting Mickey at Castaway Cay
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The Aqua duck water roller coaster
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Family picture taken in front of a beautiful mosaic scene
Our final day on the Disney Dream has been a great mixture of relaxation and activity. Here's how we spent the day.
8:45 Breakfast at Cabanas
This morning we decided to sleep in a bit and then head to Cabanas for a quick breakfast. The boat was already docked at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Therefore, we got a great view of the island from the ship's many windows while dining.
9:45 Off to Castaway Cay
We got off the ship with our sunscreen and beach bag and headed to the family beach at Castaway Cay. It took about 15 minutes to walk there and there was a shuttle available to those who needed or wanted a ride. On the way, we picked up beach towels (courtesy of the ship) and saw a few shops and beverage vendors. There were also opportunities to meet characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow and the classic Disney Characters.
As we approached the family beach, we noticed there were many beach chairs available with umbrellas and also a few hammocks. Upon getting settled, my daughter and I went to visit Mickey Mouse and Pluto. We only had to wait in line about 10 minutes to get their autographs and a photo with them. My daughter loved seeing the characters in their "beach clothes".
Before lunch, we attended a crab race. There were 8 large hermit crabs in the race (each with a number painted on it's back). Everyone in attendance chose which crab to cheer for as the crabs made their way to the finish line.
Lunch was on the agenda next. On the island, there were a variety of "cookout" style foods such as ribs, burgers, hot dogs and grilled fish.There were also many side dishes and desserts to choose from. We enjoyed our lunch in a clean shelter filled with large picnic tables.
After lunch, we relaxed on the beach for a while longer enjoying some live music performed by entertainers from the ship. The singer had a beautiful voice that reminded my husband and I of Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs).
2:00 Back on the Disney Dream
Wanting to spend some time on the pool deck, we headed back to the ship. My daughter had been asking to go on the Aqua Duck which is a water coaster that travels almost the entire span of the ship. There is typically a line for this attraction with wait times that vary from 20-45 minutes. The line was short when we arrived so my husband and daughter got to ride it within 20 minutes. My daughter said the ride was "fun and fast". My husband confirmed that the first 2 drops were fast and the rest of the ride was a slower tour of the top of the ship.
3:30 Princess Meet and Greet
My daughter LOVES Disney Princesses. So, even though we met most of them when we visited Disney World 6 months ago, she was very excited to see them all again and meet Tiana (Princess and the Frog). There was quite a line when we arrived in the atrium to meet the princesses but it only took 30 minutes to get to the front of the line. After waiting, she got to interact with Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Ariel, Belle and Snow White. Each princess took the time to talk to her, sign her autograph book and allowed her to chat away before posing for a picture.
Princess Minnie Mouse was also in the area at the same time so we also got to visit with her.
4:30 Senses Spa
My daughter asked to be dropped off at the Oceaneer’s Kids Club after chatting with the princesses. So, my husband and I took this opportunity to visit Senses Spa for a little couple’s relaxation. We tried out the various hot and cold showers. Some had scented water and some used different pressures of water to invigorate the senses. We then hit the sauna for a few minutes before heading out to a relaxation deck. On this deck we sat in some unique full body warming chairs that mimicked lying on warm stones. Although I could have stayed there for an hour and taken a nap, we moved onto a 2 person hot tub with jets overlooking the ocean. What an amazing way to relax and rejuvenate!
5:45 Dinner at Royal Palace Dining Room
Tonight our dinner was in a beautifully themed dining room called the Royal Palace. The centerpiece of the room was an enormous crystal chandelier surrounded by glass slippers. The walls were lined with portraits of the Disney Princesses and the wait staff were all dressed in outfits that were reminiscent of Cinderella’s coachmen.
The theme of the meal was French Cuisine so there were some interesting choices on the menu such as escargot and duck. My daughter ordered some basic pasta, my husband chose a beef tenderloin and I selected the lobster macaroni and cheese. We finished off the meal with a strawberry shortcake sundae, chocolate mousse and the most delicious crème brulee.
7:45 Shopping
I promised my daughter that she could have one souvenir from the trip, so we had to do a little shopping after dinner. We browsed 2 Disney-themed stores with a good selection of items. The stores were very crowded tonight since it was the last opportunity to shop. Next time I would certainly shop prior to the last night of the cruise!
8:30 Frozen in 3-D
Even though my daughter has seen the movie Frozen twice, she didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see it in 3-D. The theater was as large as any typical movie theater on land with very comfortable, reclining seats. There was also popcorn available to purchase to complete the movie experience. My husband and I delighted in listening to our little one sing along and make comments about her favorite parts of the movie. It was a perfect ending to a lovely day.
