There are fewer and fewer “firsts” left for us with Disney Cruise Line — which made this one extra special.

And this one? It felt different from the moment we stepped off the ship.

Arrival & Check-In

We walked all the way to the Pelican Plunge tram stop to grab the Serenity Bay tram.

Pro tip: Don’t grab towels on the way — they’re already stocked inside the cabana, and they’re much nicer and softer than the standard beach towels.

When we arrived at the Serenity Bay Tram stop, we were greeted by a Cast Member at the cabana check-in area. The Concierge Service Team staffs these cabanas, which immediately elevates the experience.

The area was incredibly quiet — we were among the very first to arrive — and it truly felt exclusive.

After check-in, a private golf cart took us directly to our cabana. That VIP ride set the tone for the entire day.

First Impressions

When we pulled up, a Cast Member was waiting to take our photo in front of our personalized family sign. Every cabana is themed with a character on the exterior along with a welcome mat featuring their footprints.

Inside, they walked us through everything:

• iPad for music (volume + selection control)

• iPad ordering system for food, drinks, refills, golf cart pickup, or tray pickup

• Mini fridge stocked with soda, water, fresh fruit, chilled hand towels

• Complimentary sunscreen

• In-room safe for valuables

Through the iPad you can order:

• Fridge refills

• Chips and snacks

• Bar drinks

• Golf Cart pickup

• Tray pickup from lunch

I could see the joy and excitement on Brooklyn and Sara faces which was priceless

There are so few “first time” Disney Cruise Line moments left for us — and this was one of them.

The Cabana Setup

These cabanas are incredibly well designed.

Inside:

• Couch

• Small coffee table

• Two chairs

• Private changing corner area with curtain

Outside (sun-protected covered area):

• Two large, ultra-soft loungers (these are AMAZING)

• Additional chair

Out front:

• Hammock

• Beach chairs

• Loungers with umbrella

• Outdoor showers attached to the front deck

All doors and windows can fully close for privacy or weather.

The mini fridge was honestly one of the best touches — cold drinks and cool wet towels in the island heat were a blessing.

You can also request:

• Pack and play for naps

• Baby/kids sunscreen

Activities & Layout Notes

• Bike rentals are located back at the cabana check-in area (ride along the old landing strip).

• We saw families bring bikes back and store them in front of their cabana.

• Four Floats in total are located next to the cabanas (two kinds inner tube and lounger)

• Sand toys are provided on the deck.

• You can call the golf cart anytime to go to Hangar 98 or the Serenity Bay tram pickup.

Beach & Water

The water here is quite shallow — even walking out far. Lifeguards are stationed all along the beach. As the tide shifts, sandbars appear, which is cool to see.

There is no access from the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas (1–31) to:

• The Sandcastle “Family Cabanas” (1–21)

• The Serenity Bay Cabanas (22–27)

Also worth noting: the lower the cabana number in Mickey & Minnie Cove, the less beach space you have between your cabana and the ocean.

Serenity Bay guests do not really interact with the family cabana area. While the water is shared, there’s a distance between the spaces.

This area used to be the crew beach area, which has now been relocated farther down Serenity Bay — meaning a slightly longer commute for crew members.

Bathrooms & Oh Buoy Bar

Bathrooms are brand new, super clean, and located near cabana #16 attached to the new Oh Buoy Bar.

Important notes:

• Oh Buoy Bar opens at 10:00 AM.

• If you order alcoholic drinks before 10:00 AM, they must be reordered once the bar opens.

• Non-alcoholic drinks were delivered immediately without issue.

Interestingly, the bar is located past the cabana check-in area, so it’s unclear if regular guests can access it. It was very quiet the entire day.

Lunch at Hangar 98 BBQ

Lunch runs from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Hangar 98 BBQ.

There are two entrances:

• One for Serenity Bay guests

• One for cabana guests (wristband required) located after the cabana check-in point

Both sides offer the same food and outdoor seating.

You can:

• Sit at tables with umbrellas

• Or bring trays back to your cabana and use the iPad to schedule tray pickup

New menu items we noticed:

• Seafood gumbo

• Steak

• Spicy chicken sandwich

• French fries

Along with the usual BBQ favorites:

• Burgers

• Hot dogs

• Cold salads

The food felt like a combination of classic Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay offerings.

Timing & Logistics

With an all-aboard time of 4:30 PM, you must leave the cabana by 3:45 PM.

Around 3:30 PM:

• Cast Members come by

• Give a reminder

• Collect towels

It’s a different way to experience Castaway Cay — and it does take time to get to other parts of the island. Prioritize what matters most to your family for the day.

Sharing a Cabana

If sharing with another family:

• Link reservations after the cabana is booked and have Disney or your travel agent add them.

• If you don’t want to link reservations beforehand, visit Guest Services onboard to add them.

• Guest Services can split the cost as needed.

• Each party receives their own wristbands and can come and go freely.

Who Is This Perfect For?

This is ideal for:

• Families who’ve already explored the island

• Guests wanting privacy and quiet

• Those looking for a premium, elevated beach day

• Families traveling with younger kids needing shade and nap space

It reminded me very much of the family cabanas at Lookout Cay — relaxed, private, elevated, and distance from the rest of the items on the private island/destination

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

Next time (May 2026 #30) we plan to:

• Head to Cookies BBQ for lunch

• Explore the shops

• Then return to the cabana

• Switch to late/second dining onboard to maximize island time

Final Thoughts

Sadly, the day ended far too quickly.

This felt like a completely different way to experience Castaway Cay — slower, quieter, more intentional.

For a family that cruises Disney often, it’s rare to have a truly new experience.

But this one?

This one was special.