We share everything we know about Disney's premium beach cabanas
Beach entrance for Cabanas 4 & 5
Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, boasts clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and everything you need for the perfect beach getaway. The island's coveted deluxe Beach Cabanas are the luxurious icing on the cake. In this post we give you the low down on this highly sought after enhancement. We chat about what they are, pricing, what's included, and how to score one of the most lavish experiences on Disney's Bahamian oasis.
Private Beach Retreat
Cabanas are private open air beach front cabins located on the Family Beach and Serenity Bay (Adults only side) of Castaway Cay. They are available for all-day rental and offered on a first-come first-serve basis. Prices listed below reflect costs in 2022.
There are 3 types of Cabanas:
Family Beach Cabana $599 (includes 6 guests)
*Seasonal Pricing (March-September) $649
Additional Guests $50 per person, maximum of 10 Guests per Cabana
Grand Family Beach Cabana $949 (includes 10 guests)
Additional Guests $50 per person, maximum of 16 Guests
Serenity Bay Beach Cabana $399 (includes 4 guests, 18 years & older)
Additional Guests $50 per person, maximum of 10 Guests 18 years & older per Cabana
What You Get
The Cabanas are 325 square feet with the exception of the Grand Family Cabana, which we understand is double the size.
All Day Rental includes:
Private beach retreat
Comfortable seating
Fresh water shower
Hammock
Unlimited bottled water and sodas
Fresh fruit
Snacks
Sunscreen Products (Coppertone SPF)
Float and tube rental (usually $13 per person)
Snorkel gear rental (usually $34 per adult, $18 per child)
Bike rental (1 hour, usually $13 per person, per hour)
Sand toys (Family beach)
In addition to what's officially listed as included, there were other fabulous perks we got with our rental.
In the cabana we noted:
Chaise lounge chairs
A supply of cooled and fresh dry towels (nicer than the ones they hand out when you get off the ship)
Small refrigerator
Changing area, curtain in the corner can be drawn for privacy
Ceiling fans
Small safe
Power outlets
Music system
Magazines
Pack & play (upon request)
Restrooms exclusive to cabana guests
Call button for service during cabana stay (cabana hosts are staffed by the ship's concierge team)
On the beach we noted:
Section of the beach exclusive to cabana guests
Umbrellas, adjustable loungers, and sand/beach chairs
Life jackets
Drink attendants
PhotoPass photographers
Things to Consider
So now that you know the basics, here are a few things you may want to think about when considering these rentals.
What's not included:
Tax - There's a 12.5% Bahamian VAT (tax) that will be added to the price of the beach cabanas.
Alcohol - there are various beer, wine, and champagne options, tropical frozen and on the rocks cocktails, and drink packages (+15% service charge) available at an additional charge
Regrettably:
No additional food options - outside of the refillable fruit and snacks included with your rental and the complimentary lunch served to all guest at Cookies Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ between 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
No food delivered - While your cabin host and drink attendants do their best to ensure your cabana stay is magical, they do not deliver food. You can request private transport via golf cart to Cookies Too BBQ or Serenity Bay BBQ if you prefer not to walk
Location
You can certainly request your cabana location. However, it cannot be guaranteed. Beach Cabanas are located as follows:
Cabana #'s 1-21 are on the Family Beach
Cabana #21 is the Grand Family Beach Cabana
Cabana #1 is ADA compatible
Cookies Too BBQ is closest to Cabana #1
Restrooms are at each end of the beach
Family Beach
Cabana #'s 22-27 are on Serenity Bay
Cabana #22 is closest to restrooms and Serenity Bay BBQ
Serenity Bay
Reserving a Cabana
If getting a Cabana sounds right for your family, let's chat about how to book one. Let's start with the tricky bit, actually getting your hands on a reservation. With only 27 cabanas and ship capacities reaching as high as 2700-4000 passengers per ship (depending on the class of the ship), these all-day rentals are a hot commodity and can be tough to snag.
Here's how it works. Once the cruise is paid off, cabanas can be booked during cruise activities booking windows prior to setting sail. Booking windows depend on stateroom class and Disney's loyalty program standing:
Concierge Guests (staying in concierge class staterooms) requests accepted 125 days prior to sailing through Disney's Shoreside Concierge Services
Platinum Castaway Club Members (10 + completed cruises) opens 120 days prior to sailing
Gold Castaway Club Members (5-9 completed cruises) open 105 days prior to sailing
Silver Castaway Club Members (1-4 completed cruises) opens 90 days prior to sailing
New Cruisers (never cruised with Disney before) opens 75 days prior to sailing
Once open, reservations can be completed on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or through your Disney Cruise Line online account. The only exception is the Grand Family Beach Cabana. You need to call Disney Cruise Line directly if you're interested in reserving that one.
Since bookings are first-come first-serve, cabanas are traditionally snapped up by concierge and platinum level cruisers. However, that's not always the case. If you really want a cabana and not able to secure one during your booking window, there's still hope! Cabana reservation cancelations can happen up to 3 days before the cruise departs. It's a good idea to keep checking online regularly in case something opens up. You can also check for last minute cancellations at guest services as soon as you board the ship.
Is it worth it?
Everything you need for the perfect beach getaway is already included with a visit to Castaway Cay. From lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach to tasty food and family-friendly entertainment, you get an amazing day on Disney's gorgeous island regardless. Whether or not a cabana is worth it or right for your family is entirely up to you. While they are a pricey upgrade, guests are paying for more than a reserved spot on the beach; they're signing up for over the top service and an exclusive experience. If you're not turned off by the sticker shock and prefer a lush all-inclusive vibe that's on the bucket list of many, a cabana rental is definitely something to consider. Check out our post: Our Disney Castaway Cay Day in a Family Beach Cabana for more details on our family's experience as cabana guests and our thoughts on if it was worth it for our family.