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Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos …

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A fun-filled whirlwind Walt Disney World trip is always fun but it’s even better combined with a Disney Cruise. Today I’m sharing Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos to take on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that will leave you wanting more.

Ten Best Disney Cruise Photos on Castaway Cay

Best Disney Cruise Photos
Must Take Photos on Castaway Cay

I’ve visited Castaway Cay on three separate trips and it never disappoints. There is so much to see and do on this island so be sure to save some time for exploring and don’t miss these awesome Castaway Cay photo-ops.

1) Must Take Disney Cruise Photos – Disney Characters in Beach Wear

Don’t miss the Disney gang tossing around beach balls and hanging out in their swim gear on Castaway Cay. Stop for some fun photo ops as you arrive on Castaway Cay and don’t miss this fun gang at the dance party.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay
The characters are one of my favorite must-take photos on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

2) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Portrait With the Ship

You can take cruise ship photos when you board in Port Canaveral but the photo ops are much prettier from Castaway Cay.  Snap away with the blue water and ship in the background for the perfect cruise souvenir.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

3) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Capture the Ocean

The crystal clear blue water on Castaway Cay will take your breath away.  Be sure to get a few shots of everyone on a float or in the water.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay
Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

4) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Action Shots at Sea

Don’t forget to take photos of your child’s first time snorkeling or swimming in the Caribbean. Bring your underwater camera for snorkeling and be sure to take photos of the underwater Mickeys.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

5) Best Castaway Cay Photos – Land Activities Like Biking

In addition to water sports, Castaway Cay has a lot of land activities like biking, 5K races, and sports. Take some family photos as you explore on land.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

6) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Amazing Views From Scenic Lookout Points

Be sure to check out the lookout points along the bike path and at the Heads Up Bar. The views are awesome with the ship in the background.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

7) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Ice Cream Memories

With non-stop ice cream machines flowing on Castaway Cay be sure to take a fun ice cream photo.  From the perfect swirl with a beach backdrop to messy ice cream faces, you’ll want to remember these moments.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

8) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Fun Backdrops on Castaway Cay

There are lots of fun backdrops featuring characters and oversized nautical scenes on the island. How cute are these for Disney fans?

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

9) Best Photos to Take on Castaway Cay – Relaxing Moments

All that beach time needs to be balanced with a bit of relaxation so try to capture kids napping, playing in the sand or swinging on the island’s many hammocks.

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay

10) Best Disney Cruise Photos – Farewell Picture

Don’t miss a shot under this Castaway Cay sign before you get back on the ship. What better way to remember your fun-filled day?

Must-Take Photos on Disney's Castaway Cay
Don’t miss a photo with the welcome sign on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Heading off on a Disney Cruise? Check out these 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise and Top 11 Tips for Visiting Castaway Cay.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise?  Tell me your favorite memories in the comments below.

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As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: …

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We’re big fans of cruises for multi-generational family trips. I mean, there is really nothing easier to plan or orchestrate where everyone (ages 7-70) can find something to enjoy day after day without complaining about tired feet or hungry tummies. Add in Disney’s famed entertainment and character experiences, pampering services, and family-friendly dining and you know you’ll have an awesome time.

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea

I’m excited to share the scoop on Disney Cruise‘s latest offerings that leave from NYC (so easy for tri-state residents) and feature a new Marvel Day at Sea. Available on select October and November sailings, the seven- and eight-night Disney Magic Bahamian cruises all include a stop at Disney’s private Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral, Florida, and a one-day Park Hopper ticket to be used at Walt Disney World theme parks. There is also a seven-night Canadian Coast cruise option from New York this fall and five-night Western Caribbean cruises departing from Miami in early 2018.

I attended a special luncheon to learn about the specifics of Disney’s Marvel Day at Sea and there is definitely something exciting for everyone in your family. From Marvel comics, films and animated series, to exclusive character interactions (including the debut of Black Panther and Loki), new shows, a fun-filled costume deck party, family trivia challenges, stunt shows, animation lessons, special youth activities and the first official appearance of Iron Man on a Disney Cruise ship, Marvel fans of all ages will be entertained.

Marvel Universe’s mightiest Super Heroes and Super Villains will appear in a brand-new, day-long event: Marvel Day at Sea. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

New on the Disney Dream, MARVEL’s Avengers Academy lets kids participate in themed arts and crafts projects, games and Super Hero training sessions. I’m pretty sure my daughter would be happy spending a good chunk of the day here.

Marvel Day at Sea kicks off this month. (Chloe Rice, photographer)

Additionally, there will be many opportunities for meeting-and-greeting with some of the most powerful Marvel Super Heroes and Villains such as an interactive show that will take place inside the Walt Disney Theatre with Doctor Strange. Guests will also be able to learn how to draw Super Heroes like Spider-Man, Captain, Iron Man, and Groot and even take a quiz to see which Marvel comic is the perfect one for you. Don’t worry about missing your favorite classic Disney Characters because they’ll be on board too. If you’ve got a princess lover and a Thor fan at home, booking this cruise will definitely win you the mom-of-the-year award!

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Spotlight on Disney Cruises: Marvel Day at Sea Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

There will also be exclusive at-sea screenings of Marvel Cinematic Universe fan-favorites including new releases and old favorites, as well as viewings of the Disney XD shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.

Check out this video featuring Marvel legend Stan Lee and get ready to pack your bags:

We’ve taken two Disney cruises that left from Florida’s Port Canaveral so leaving out of NYC would make things even more magical. Ready to go? Check out my 20 Things to Know Before Taking about Disney Cruise Line and visit http://www.disneycruise.com.

Have you sailed on a Disney Cruise? What was your favorite memory?

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I attended a media luncheon to learn about Marvel Day at Sea. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

 

Top 11 Tips for Visiting …

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One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is a day at Disney’s famed 3-mile long private island. If you’re lucky to be sailing away Disney style, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay…

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

1) Getting around Castaway Cay

Disney keeps things easy and fun so getting onto Castaway Cay is simple. No taking tender boats and no long walks to the action, simple scan your Key to the World card at security and you’re there. You’ll be greeted by some favorite Disney characters and staffers will direct you to you the trams and nearby beaches. Tip: If you don’t need to take the tram, the walk isn’t too far and has some awesome photo-ops along the way.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. Taking the tram around Castaway Cay is a great option for tired kids.

Taking the tram around Castaway Cay is a great option for tired kids.

2) What to bring to Disney Castaway Cay

Aside from your key card, sunglasses and sunscreen, you won’t need too much to enjoy your day on the beach. Lounge chairs, towels and lunch are all provided. The island is very casual so wear swimsuits, cover-ups and beachy footwear. Tip: If you’ve got little ones, bring along sand toys and age appropriate floats like a puddle jumper if your kids don’t like wearing life vests. Binoculars are always fun for older kids.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. So many awesome lookout points on Disney's Castaway Cay.

So many awesome lookout points on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

3) Eating on Castaway Cay

Just like on your cruise, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Specialty drinks in souvenir cups and adult beverages are plentiful and can be charged to your cabin. The lunch menu is a BBQ with ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, chips, plenty of fresh fruit and soft-serve ice cream. Tip: If you have a picky child or want a fancier meal, you can always go back on board for lunch.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. Kids will love the fresh fruit buffet on Castaway Cay.

Kids will love the fresh fruit buffet on Castaway Cay.

4) Avoiding crowds on Disney Castaway Cay

Most guests seem to settle at first area of the family beach so be prepared to walk a little to avoid crowds. Tip: If you’ve got kids, pick a spot by Pelican Plunge for big kids or by Spring-a-Leak water play area for little kids.  If you’re kid-free, head to adults-only Serenity Cay.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. Miles of white sand beach await at Disney's Castaway Cay.

Miles of white sand beach await at Disney’s Castaway Cay.

5) Things to do on Castaway Cay

Activities abound on Disney Cay. Families can rent paddleboats, kayaks, bikes, floats, and tubes. There are also organized activities like snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, stingray feeding and more. There is no pressure to partake in these activities and most families simply stay on the beach but active families will have plenty of options. Tip: Sign up for popular activities in advance (up to 120 days prior to your ship’s departure).

6) Disney Castaway Cay fun for kids

From playing in the sand, riding waves and floating in the ocean to splashing around at Spring-a-Leak water play area and exploring the slides, water canons and tipping water buckets at Pelican Plunge, kids are guaranteed a fun time at Castaway Cay. Tip: If your kids prefer organized activities, check them into the Scuttle’s Cove kids program which is supervised by Disney counselors from the ship.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. Pelican Plunge is a favorite spot for kids on Disney's Castaway Cay.

Pelican Plunge is a favorite spot for kids on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

7) Shopping on Castaway Cay

There are two main shops on the island, She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else and Buy the Sea Shore, so be sure to check them out as your travel around. Tip: The island is the only place to buy Castaway Cay merchandise so if you love something, be sure to buy it.

8) Only on Disney Castaway Cay…

One unique offering on Castaway Cay is a working post office so send a postcard home featuring a special Castaway Cay postmark. Tip: The post office only accepts cash but you can also buy stamps in advance on the ship.

9) The Disney Castaway Cay 5k

If you’re looking for an active way to explore Castaway Cay, consider running or walking in the island’s 5K. This free event takes place in the early morning and is open to guests 10 and older. Tip: All participants receive award certificates and medals so pack your sneakers if interested.

10) Spotting the Disney Characters on Castaway Cay

There are several character photo ops all around the island so be sure to stop and take photos when you see them. If your kids like to dance, check out the character dance party. Tip: If a certain character line is long, skip ahead to then next one and then go back.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. Don't miss the Disney characters on Castaway Cay.

Don’t miss the Disney characters on Castaway Cay.

11) Snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay

There are organized snorkel trips or you can bring your own snorkel and mask. Guests can snorkel right from the family beach lagoon. Tip: In addition to fish, be on the lookout for some underwater Disney characters.

Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay. Adventure awaits on Disney's Castaway Cay.

Adventure awaits on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Have you been to Castaway Cay before? Be sure to check out 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise before you go.

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My most recent Disney Cruise took place as part of the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Where to go: Caribbean …

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Do warm temperatures, fancy pools, watersports, scenic beaches and tropical beverages sound good to you and your kids? Same here! If you’re looking for a quick family-friendly winter getaway filled with thrilling activities, you can’t go wrong with a Caribbean adventure.

Where to go: Caribbean Adventure for Families

Where to go: Caribbean Adventure for Families

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has named 2017 the Year of Adventure in the Caribbean with a cutesy A-Z list of fun activities below but first I’ll share some of my favorite family friendly Caribbean resorts. Click the links to read my reviews…

Nickelodeon Resort, Punta Cana – Think luxe accommodations, awesome cuisine, character entertainment, sports galore and nonstop water-park fun.

Beaches Turks and Caicos – Your kids will beg to stay and play with the Sesame Street gang at this famed all-inclusive resort where you pay one price for everything (including watersports!).

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas – This mega-resort is sure to please adventurous kids of all ages with aquatic adventures, animal encounters, top cuisine and pampering accommodations.

THE ‘A to Z’ OF ADVENTURE IN THE CARIBBEAN

Awaken your love of sea creatures by swimming with dolphins in Anguilla

Buckle up for go-kart racing in Barbados

Climb Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

Dive among the famous shipwrecks in Grenada

Explore the historical forts of Curaçao

Fall in love with nature discovering rare birds in St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Gaze at the beauty of Angel Falls in the Venezuelan rainforest

Hike the Waitikubuli Trail in Dominica

Immerse yourself in the local French culture of St. Martin

Jump Up at Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago

Kayak with eco-tours in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Learn to “cook like a local” in Haiti

Mountain bike around Martinique

Nourish your senses with the sights and sounds of nightlife in Sint Maarten

Open your mind to new experiences in Cuba

Parasail by day; party by night in the British Virgin Islands

Quench your thirst for discovery with cave tubing in Belize

Reach new heights while sky diving in St. Kitts & Nevis

Surf’s up! “Hang 10” along Rincón Beach on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico

Take to the skies with an aerial tour of Guyana

Unleash the explorer in you with a visit to a drive-in volcano in Saint Lucia

Visit Stingray City in the Cayman Islands

Water sports, water sports, water sports throughout the Islands of The Bahamas

Xmarks the spot! Learn stories of hidden pirate treasures in Antigua & Barbuda

YOLO! Climb The Quill in St. Eustatius or visit the Montserrat Observatory to erupt your fascination with volcanoes

Zipline through tropical rainforests in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Do you have a favorite Caribbean island?  Tell me below in the comments.

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How to Save Money at Atlantis …

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Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard how fabulous and fun Atlantis Paradise Island Resort is for family vacations. All that fun comes with hefty price tag but today I’m going to tell you how to save money at Atlantis.

How to Save Money at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas

How to Save Money at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas

Read on to find out some of my favorite money saving tips for visiting this kid-friendly Caribbean hot spot.

  • The best way to experience Atlantis Paradise Island Resort without breaking the bank is to stay at the nearby Comfort Suites Paradise Island hotel. Most travelers don’t know this but Comfort Suites Paradise Island hotel guests receive free access to Atlantis’ exclusive features (think water parks, pools and beach) and charging privileges in all restaurants and bars. The newly renovated property is within walking distance and rates include daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi. You’re welcome!

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Save Money, Budget, Family Travel

Many rooms at Atlantis offer stocked kitchens so families can prepare meals.

  • I always bring emergency food and snacks with me but you’ll save a ton of money if you stock an extra suitcase with snacks and breakfast/lunch friendly food like peanut butter and jelly. When we stayed at The Reef, our only breakfast option was a super busy (and painfully slow) Starbucks and it was either wait for a $5 muffin or take a shuttle over to another area for breakfast each morning. If you don’t want to travel around the large property with hungry kids, bring food from home or stock up at the supermarket on your way to the resort. PS – Many guest rooms have family-friendly kitchenettes.
  • Atlantis is the opposite of all-inclusive and this means you will find yourself shelling out big bucks for extras or saying no to your kids all day. To avoid this, get some activities offered on property (like glitter tattoos) in advance and surprise your kids with them during the trip. When we visited over the summer, there was a decorate-your-own-cupcake activity that cost around $10 per cupcake so be sure to manage your kids’ expectations for extras and souvenirs before you go.
  • There is no shortage of great restaurants at Atlantis and many of the worlds best chefs have outposts here. One of the best budget friendly options is dining family style at Carmine’s where kids and adults can share Italian favorites and desserts without breaking the bank. If you’re traveling with young children, most restaurants offer affordable kid meals that can often be shared as well.

Atlantis, How to Save Money, Budget Travel, Beach Toys

Bring your own snorkel gear and beach toys.

  • Bring your own snorkels, water toys and other beach essentials. I know these can be bulky to travel with but you will save a lot of money not having to rent or buy them on property. The resort charges $12 an hour to rent a snorkel and fins so if you plan to snorkel, it pays to bring your own. If you travel a lot, stock up on beach toys at the end of summer when a big bag of sand toys is just $3 and you can leave them behind without feeling guilty.
  • Take advantage of complimentary activities at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.  There are plenty of free activities for guests staying at Atlantis including movies, The Dig, character parades, casino lessons, gym access and more so be sure to work these into your schedules.

If you’re planning a trip to Atlantis, be sure to check out my latest TravelMamas.com posts:

Top 20 Things To Do at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort

5 Things to Do on Paradise Island with Kids in the Bahamas

What are your favorite money saving vacation tips?

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