Advice for my dad re:walking issues

[DznyGrlSD]

Hey Cruisers!!

Dad & Mom just got back from their 1st cruise and had a BLAST!!!!! Disney Fantasy, 7-day Eastern Caribbean. They booked a 7-day Western Caribbean for next year.

Here's where I need some help/advice. My dad can't walk on sand, so Castaway Cay was disappointing for him. I LOVE Castaway Cay and want him to have a better time next year. Is there any easier way for him to get around? He won't go in a wheelchair. Would renting a cabana help?

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Hey Cruisers!!

Dad & Mom just got back from their 1st cruise and had a BLAST!!!!! Disney Fantasy, 7-day Eastern Caribbean. They booked a 7-day Western Caribbean for next year.

Here's where I need some help/advice. My dad can't walk on sand, so Castaway Cay was disappointing for him. I LOVE Castaway Cay and want him to have a better time next year. Is there any easier way for him to get around? He won't go in a wheelchair. Would renting a cabana help?

Well it's great that he liked the rest of it! Sand is hard. There are wheelchairs made for the sand, but if he won't do that, a Cabana is not a bad option. He could get all the way to one without walking on sand if I'm remembering correctly. I believe it's all paved.

 

[Master Yoda]

This link will give you the X's and O's of guests with Disabilities on the DCL, but as Tammy mentioned, they do have sand wheelchairs available free of charge.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/services/guests-with-disabilities/

 

[sweetpee_1993]

If you can get a cabana I think it'd be a great option for your dad. Yes, the paths right to the door are fully paved. Is he okay with stairs? There is at least 1 cabana with a ramp instead of stairs. I believe its #1 so its the closest to Cookies 2. You could check a map to see the location. I think the cabana would really facilitate a better overall experience without use of a wheelchair because it presents a destination to go be with the rest if the family enjoying the beach without the sand. Also, if he could manage a few steps he will be a mere steps from your hammock. And, if he chose to or could manage a little more its really pretty close to the water as well without having to navigate thru as much sand. So to answer your question, I say yes, I think a cabana could potentially enhance your dad's day at CC.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to push the cabana idea! Where can I get details on what the cabana's all include?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to push the cabana idea! Where can I get details on what the cabana's all include?

Lets see if I can remember it all. For the family cabanas:

- stocked fridge w/sodas, bottled water, and fresh fruit
- cool, wet washcloths for refreshing
- snack basket w/granola bars & chips
- bigger towels
- sunscreen
- sand toys
- snorkel gear
- 1 hr bike rental
- floats & tubes
- cabana concierge (to assist w/anything you need)
- in-unit safe
- plush furniture & loungers
- hammock
- fresh water open shower & foot wash
- private beach (for cabanas guests only)

Can't think of anything else just now. I'm sure I've forgotten something. You may want to look at videos on YouTube, also. When are you going? For the busier times the cabanas can be rather difficult to get.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

@sweetpee_1993 you're awesome! It would just be my Mom & Dad - do they all have that much to them? are the Cabanas on the "adult beach" different?

Their next cruise leaves 4/26/2014 - this will be their 2nd cruise (my mom's 3rd) so can't they book early?

 

[Disneyfalcon]

@sweetpee_1993 you're awesome! It would just be my Mom & Dad - do they all have that much to them? are the Cabanas on the "adult beach" different?

Their next cruise leaves 4/26/2014 - this will be their 2nd cruise (my mom's 3rd) so can't they book early?

Kelly has stayed in both, so she will give you a more detailed answer on the differences.

They can book 15 days earlier than the general public. They're tough to get, sometimes impossible only 15 days out. During a slow season if you keep watching for them, you never know though!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

The adult beach cabanas are a little less cost ($399 vs. $499). They don't include the sand toys but everything else is still available. I don't believe any of them are handicap accessible, only on the family beach. There's very few of them on the adult beach, too. Also, the adult beach cabanas are a little more isolated and a significantly further distance from restrooms, the food service area, etc. Personally, I feel like the best overall cabana experience is to be had on the family beach. The view alone is the big seller. I think the convenience in the location, close to facilities & food service, is also well worth the additional cost.

The cabanas can be very difficult to get because of the limited availability. They will need to do their online check-in at midnight the day their booking window opens then hurry straight over to the activities section to check for the cabanas. If there's any they should grab one quickly, throw it in their cart, and confirm it all as quickly as possible because other people will be online doing the same thing. They may be able to get one only being silver Castaway Club status. I know it sounds crazy but if they were cruising concierge those chances would be prime. Concierge and platinum members get to start booking things at 120 days. Gold opens at 105 days then silver at 90 days. Your parents will be silvers. Considering there's only 20 cabanas split between the 2 beaches (16 family beach, 4 adult beach) that's a lot of cruisers to pass on them. Not saying it can't happen. I've booked cabanas twice at 90 days or less. Also, if they do sell out before your parents can get one they should check back for them often, especially around 3-4 days prior to sailing. 3 days prior to sailing is the cutoff for canceling them. Anyone who snapped one up then reconsidered might hold it until the last minute. Additionally, as soon as your parents board the ship they should go directly to Guest Services and ask to be on the wait list for the cabanas. I've heard of people being notified the night before Castaway Cay day that someone released one and could get one. Neeeeever give up. Our cruise next month is completely sold out yet Tracey continues to check 6 or 7 times a day. Sometimes he gets frustrated and, yes, we realize chances are we aren't getting one. But, if you aren't trying the chances of getting one don't exist so you can never give up.

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Thanks again @sweetpee_1993!!