Woohoo! It’s Day 3 of our Disney Cruise and on this day…we docked at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
(If you missed it, you can see Day 1 here and Day 2 here.)
Okay, before we left, my friend Megan told me she wished you could just fly directly to Castaway Cay and vacation there for a week…that’s how much she liked it. My friend Brandee told me that she thought this was the prettiest beach she had ever been on…so needless to say, this little island in the Bahamas had a lot to live up to!
We docked, we got off, we fell in love. Here’s Day 3…
On a very random note, you know how much I love the Clinque City Block SPF 25 as my sunscreen and makeup primer…well, I bought the Super City Block 40 for this vacation (because hello extra time in the sun!) and loved it too! I’m going to use the 25 most of the year and the 40 every day during the summer when I’m outside and in the pool all day long. Just a random FYI for you :).
We woke up that morning, ate our yummy breakfast and were super excited to get off the ship. These two girls are so sweet! They were so pumped to be at Castaway Cay!
Chip & Dale greeted us as we got off the boat. Group hug!
It’s a shame Ashby doesn’t have picture personality…
Group picture in front of the Disney Magic!
We had our coffee, we had our towels, we had our three excited kids…we had it all!
Daisy Duck!! Daisy is my favorite character. I love the sass :).
These two are such troopers! They never cried, never whined, never fussed…they were so good!
Captain Jack Sparrow met us along our way to the beach. He was hysterical!
I just couldn’t love her more :).
We took the little trolley to where we wanted to sit on the beach. We looked at the map beforehand and wanted to grab spots next to the water slides and such. There really is so much to do and see on this island. They even have 5K races with each stop! There were shops, very nice and super clean (I’m talking hotel-worthy) restrooms, there were two big eating areas where they served us lunch (it was come and go as much/as often as you like, and there was amazing ice cream. I’m telling you…this island should open a resort :).
We found great spots on the beach and planted ourselves for the day in chairs.
The water slides were right there next to us!
See little Miss? This was her first time on sand and in the ocean…and she loved every bit of it!
Just two mamas enjoying a day at the beach!
Ashby kept seeing other people getting buried, so she wanted to as well. Her eyes are closed because it’s so bright…but as you can see from that grin, she loved it :). I love the toes poking out.
We spent all day on this island. We swam, we enjoyed the sun, we ate yummy BBQ for lunch, we had ice cream (I had a combo of strawberry & banana)…it was heavenly. Later in the afternoon, we decided to board the ship…and the kids wanted one more dip in the pool before getting cleaned up for dinner…
Ashby took her shower first and was asleep in two seconds. She had about an hour nap before we woke her up for dinner.
Happy mamas headed to dinner with their pirates! On the Castaway Cay night of the sail, it’s Pirate Night! The entire ship and crew gets decked in pirate gear (and many on board do too). We knew this in advance, so I bought our kids pirate costumes online for only $3.50 each! Yes! Who knew Halloween costumes were so cheap in January?!?! #notme #idonow
Black Dress (my FAVORITE!)
Look at our pirates (and one Tinker Bell) in line to meet Minnie Mouse! Aren’t they so cute?!?! Each day, they leave your newsletter in your cabin and tell you where and when certain characters will appear, so if you want to see someone, you know exactly where to go. Well, our kids all wanted to see Minnie, so we made sure to find her on Pirate Night.
Argggg!
Oh Minnie, we love you.
We brought Tab and Andrew some pirate gear for our fun night too…they loved the swords the most. #suchboys
After dinner (but before your show), they had a big pirate party on the upper deck along with fireworks off the ship. Here I am with my pirate at the party. It was so much fun for the whole family!
Do you see our three girls dancing at the pirate party? They had the best time!
After the fireworks, we headed in to see our show. On this night, they had this fabulous ventriloquist that my kids are still talking about! His family comedy show was hysterical!
That was day three. Tomorrow, our last day…and we spend it at sea!
If you missed my other posts from this vacation, here you go:
Day 2
And don’t forget, to see Erika’s pics from Day 3, make sure you read her blog here.
On my foodie blog today…
…Carrot Cake Cheesecake for your Easter weekend. #yesplease
Happy Wednesday friends!
Charming Lucy says
Its been such fun to read about your trip! We love Disney cruises and are headed out again next week! Our daughter is 15 and she still loves them! Thanks for helping to get us excited!! Susan
Erika Slaughter says
That pirate party was so much fun!! Disney knows how to throw a party! My kids are still talking about Mickey flying in. They were impressed!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I don't know why I've been so impressed reading about the Disney cruise because Disney always goes above and beyond in anything they do!!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Super impressed with all the kid's costumes and the $3.50 price tag!!! I think this day is my favorite so far!
Charming Lucy says
One question about your black dress – did you order your regular size or size down? The reviews are mixed. I am ordering today and hope it is here in time for our trip(: I am thinking that my daughter will love it too! Thanks! Susan
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically order things that are a size 2…but I bought this dress in an XS which they're saying fits like a 0 and it fits perfectly! It's seriously my very favorite dress!
Angela Ellingson says
I have it in green and love it too! 🙂
Charming Lucy says
Thank you ! Now to decide black or blue(: Susan
Narci says
Oh gosh!! Castaway cay looks so beautiful!! And, you and Erika look beautiful before Pirate night!! Love! 🙂
Kelly says
Love your Swim shorts! The link doesn't go right to them…do you happen to know the name? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have these shorts in three colors (this striped pair, navy and red floral). The striped ones are sold out but the link takes you to all of the other prints/colors available. I love them!!
Kelly says
Thanks so much!! They look awesome!
clatk says
This is potentially a REALLY dumb question 😉 – but do you actually swim in them or do you just wear them over your bottoms?
czuck says
Love these last few posts. A few questions, Did you feel rushed or like this was very fast paced? Constantly running here or there, or was there time to just chill?
Mix and Match Mama says
I did not feel rushed at all. We only did one main thing a day (for instance, this private island) and then once we were there, we sat and enjoyed all day long. It was very relaxing! The whole trip was relaxing!
czuck says
Thanks for your reply, this looks like it would be SO much fun, we really like to relax on vacation and not constantly have to be somewhere, Im happy to hear this is the case and you had a wonderful relaxing time. Thanks 🙂
kimm atwood says
What a steal for those costumes !!!
ANG says
Do you have a link to the girls pirates costumes? We go on our Disney cruise in about 2 weeks. ☺️
Kay, Tucson says
Love seeing pictures from your trip! Questions: was the food on the island included in the cruise OR did you have to pay separately? Also do most families have small children? My daughter and I love all things Disney but she's 19, would we fit in? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! The food on the island was included just like on the ship! It's all you can eat too! And there were so many older kids and adults without kids on the ship. You guys would have a blast!
Elizabeth says
Do you know if Disney Cruises accomadates for food allergies? We have gluten and dairy (even in cooked things) intolerances and I'm always hesitant about taking vacations where we can't supply all of our food. Would you know anything about that??? Thanks! The Disney cruises look so fun!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness! They go above and beyond with food allergies. I have many clients with various food allergies and they'll even personally take you through the kitchens to show you how your food is prepared separately. Yes! They're wonderful about that!
Sara Fehrenbacher says
Can you please tell me more about your swim shorts? Do you wear them as a cover up (over your regular swim suit bottoms) or are they actually a swim suit bottom (and if so, do they have a lining of some sort built into them?)? Looks like you guys had a great vacation- seeing your posts is making me SO EXCITED for summer to get here!
Mix and Match Mama says
They have a built in liner, so yes, you can totally swim in them! I wear them as a cover up, but if I were too surf or paddle board, I would wear them in the water FOR SURE! They're so cute and comfy with or without bikini bottoms underneath.
Shauna Barnes says
Castaway Cay was our favorite!!!!
Angela Ellingson says
I can't tell you how much I love reading your vacation recaps and seeing all of your pictures! You always have the best tips and insider info. Can't wait for a fun trip with my family someday!
Leigh (Balancing By Faith) says
I am trying not to be super jealous….but WHAT FUN!!! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!!
"The Mrs." says
I am loving these posts!! I love your pool hat…it looks like the brim holds its shape….??? Does it or does it flop down into your face? I think I need one. 🙂
Cristin says
Y'all need to do a Panama Canal Cruise next. We went and there were only 200-ish kids on board. Barely anyone at the greets, pools empty, shows barely full because there are so many repeat cruisers. All the staff got to know our kiddo and so did all the characters. They would greet her by name…and it was CHEAP (for a DCL vacation)
Mommy2qts says
Love all your pics. Did you also bring a regular camera on your trip or just use your cell phone? I'm trying to keep things simple this year since I always travel with 2 cameras some times is a lot of work with 2 kids. Do you mind sharing the cost of a Disney Cruise for a family of 4?
Mix and Match Mama says
I only bring my iphone on vacations. All of my pics came from that!
Faith says
I am having the best time reading these posts (and living vicariously through y'all)! So hoping to do a Disney Cruise in a couple years when my girls are just a tad older!
Melissa says
Looks like such a fun day. Love the athleta shorts. Are the sandals that you are wearing with the black dress the SW Elixir sandals? They look adorable. Thanks.
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe they are!
Love, M says
Shay, we are doing a Disney Cruise in April. Would you mind sharing where you got the costumes? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I ordered them from costumeexpress.com. That being said, I just went to double check that and noticed they're much more now! I went back to my online receipt and in January, I paid $3.99 for all of the costumes but now, they're more.
Callie Hall says
What style are your Ray Bans? I love them!! Thank you!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
They're gold with a blue tint. Nordstrom sold them back in November/December but I don't think they're available now.
Kristen says
Looks like such a fun day! I'd love to go to the private Disney island!
The Heeren Family says
What kind of sunscreen do you use on your body?
Mix and Match Mama says
My favorite is Coppertone Clearly Sheer :).
The Heeren Family says
Thanks! I love the Clinique city sheer block I read about from you. Thanks!
Spencer Cox says
Thank you for the sunblock recommendation!! 🙂 That island looks beautiful!
Jenna says
Enjoying reading this recap. Can't wait to take my daughter on this cruise in a few years. Two questions for you. What sunscreen do you use on your kiddos? Also, do you know where your friend's top is from? The black and white cold shoulder one. I didn't see it posted on her blog. Thanks!
Dana Ivy says
I'm absolutely loving seeing what you guys did everyday while you were gone! I totally feel like I was there!!
Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com
Suzi says
How much would this trip cost for one adult and 2 kids? Looks like a blast!
Mix and Match Mama says
There are so many variables Suzi! (How many nights, where you're departing from, what kind of cabin you have, etc). I'd be happy to give you some quotes though. Just email me at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com.
Linsley Schneider says
I am just praying I will be able to take my kids on a Disney cruise when they're a little older… this looks amazing!!
lisamcmil says
I am loving these recaps! We booked in January for next March and it looks like almost the same trip! Did you use the kids camps at all? And were the shows and seats for the shows preplanned/set? Does everyone go to the same ones?
Mix and Match Mama says
The shows are all the same and they're twice a night. If you have the earlier seating for dinner, you see the later show and vice versa. The theater is huge and it's free seating. We never had any trouble finding great seats!
shawharr says
Okay, I just wanted to tell you that after reading your recap on Day 1, I looked into a Disney cruise and we're now booking one for next month (we live in south Florida so travel to the port is super easy!). So I hope Disney is paying you something for this great advertising. Haha One question—we have a 6 month old and 2 1/2 year old. The baby will sleep in a wrap anywhere but was Ashby able to stay awake for the show at night? What time did it start since you had the early dinner? 8:30??
Mix and Match Mama says
There are two seatings and we selected the earlier seating (5:45) which had us at our show later (our show time was 8:30). Ashby was fine for all of that but we did head to the cabin as soon as the show was over for bed.
shawharr says
Thanks!
The Rohman Family says
Just clicked on your floppy hats from Day 2 AND Day 3…hoping for some good sun protection on my face this summer! Sometimes sunscreen is not enough for my pigment-prone facial skin :/
Mego says
Love these posts! If you don't mind Sharing, what size did you get in the swim top and shorts?
Mix and Match Mama says
XS top and small bottoms!
emily stephens says
Maybe you've already answered- but those wedges with the black dress are exactly what I'm looking for!! Did you just get them? I can't find if you've linked where they're from! Thanks 🙂
Aubrey says
Those kids and their smiles! Clearly they are in HEAVEN. Love this day and love the CHEAP pirate costumes!
Karen says
Hi!
I read and enjoyed these cruise posts when you first posted them but now that we’re getting closer to our Oct. sailing on the Magic I am re-reading them all! 🙂 I have a question about Castaway. We actually have a cabana with another family but to keep costs down, we are considering cancelling it. I am worried that we won’t have proper coverage from the sun and possibly (gasp!) rain. Did you find there was enough chairs with umbrellas?