Magical Disney Fantasy Cruise: A Family Adventure from Orlando to Castaway Cay & Lighthouse Point

In April, we embarked on our third Disney Cruise, setting sail aboard the Disney Fantasy for a week of sun, fun, and unforgettable memories. Here's a day-by-day look at our journey, from Orlando to the Bahamas and back.

Day 1: Arrival & Departure

We flew from Philadelphia to Orlando, picked up our rental car, and drove to the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral. Guests who stay at least one night can enjoy free parking for the duration of their cruise. Alternatively, self-parking is available for $12.00 per night plus tax.

The hotel offers a shuttle service to the cruise port for $6 per person, (prices subject to change) making it a convenient choice for us.

After checking in, we enjoyed the hotel's tropical pool area and had an early night to rest up for our adventure ahead.

Day 2: Embarkation & Onboard Fun

The next morning, we grabbed breakfast nearby and relaxed by the pool while waiting for our shuttle. The Radisson's shuttle service took us to Terminal 8 at Port Canaveral for our 11:45 AM boarding time. Disney's check-in process was smooth and efficient, as always.

Once onboard, we headed straight to the free ice cream station, explored the pool deck, and enjoyed lunch at Cabanas. As repeat cruisers, it felt like coming home to Disney's exceptional service and entertainment.

Tips for a Smooth Disney Cruise Embarkation:

Arrive early at Port Canaveral: Give yourself plenty of time for security and check-in — arriving 1–2 hours before your boarding window helps reduce stress.
Bring all documents: Make sure you have your passport or government-issued ID, boarding pass, and luggage tags.
Check luggage guidelines: Disney Cruise Line offers porters who deliver your luggage directly to your stateroom, so pack a carry-on with essentials like swimsuits, sunscreen, and medications. We usually just take our luggage with us.
Use the Disney Cruise app: Download the app to access daily schedules, deck maps, and onboard activities.
Enjoy pre-boarding perks: Take advantage of boarding photos, character meet-and-greets, and the first cone of free ice cream!
Have your health forms ready: Complete any online health questionnaires that are required.
Plan your first day: Decide whether you want to explore the ship, enjoy the pool deck, or grab lunch at Cabanas as soon as you board.
Pack your magic: Don’t forget Disney ears, autograph books, and cameras to capture every special moment.

Day 3: At Sea & Spa Day

Our first day at sea was a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Our kids, now in the tween club Edge, checked in and out independently, giving us some adult time.

We treated ourselves to the Rainforest Spa pass at Senses Spa & Salon, which included access to personal hot tubs with ocean views, multiple saunas, and rainforest showers. This pass is a must for parents seeking relaxation while kids enjoy the onboard clubs.

If you plan to visit the Senses Spa & Salon:

Guests must be 18 years or older to access the spa.
The Rainforest Room is separate from spa treatments and requires a pass purchase. We highly recommend adding the Rainforest Room pass if you book a treatment — it’s worth it!
Spa services are not included in your cruise fare, and gratuity is automatically added to your bill.
To secure your preferred time, make reservations online in advance.

Day 4: Castaway Cay

Our first port of call was Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. We enjoyed a delicious beachside lunch and explored the island's offerings, including snorkeling, bike rentals, and character meet-and-greets. Castaway Cay has endless fun for kids (and kids at heart)! This was our third visit, and somehow, it still wasn’t enough time to experience everything this incredible island has to offer. We did, however, make sure to save a little energy—because tonight was Pirate Night, and that’s one party we never want to miss!

Top Attractions & Activities at Castaway Cay

Private Cabanas: Enhance your beach day by reserving a private cabana. These come equipped with amenities like a stocked refrigerator, fresh water shower, hammock, and snorkeling gear. Availability is limited, so early booking is essential.
Snorkeling Lagoon: Explore the underwater world at the Snorkel Lagoon, where you can discover sunken treasures and vibrant marine life.
Bike Rentals: Rent bikes to traverse the island's scenic trails. Options include bikes with child seats or training wheels, making it a family-friendly activity.
Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet beloved Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy at designated spots around the island.
Water Sports: Engage in various water activities such as snorkeling, stingray encounters, and float/tube rentals.
Castaway Cay 5K: Participate in a fun and free 5K run/walk around the island, a unique experience offered exclusively on Castaway Cay.

Booking Tips & Reservation Time Frames

Booking Window: Reservations for activities can be made starting at midnight on the 75th day before your sail date, for first-time cruisers.
Plan Ahead: Popular activities like private cabanas and character experiences can fill up quickly. It's advisable to book as soon as your reservation window opens.
Cancellation Policy: You can modify or cancel most reservations up to 3 days before your sailing.

Day 5: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

This morning, we decided to skip Cabanas and enjoy an elevated breakfast experience at one of the onboard restaurants instead. The service was incredible, and it felt like such a treat to have our meal brought to us rather than buffet style! After we fueled up for the day, we disembarked and visited Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney's newest destination on Eleuthera Island. We savored a beachside lunch and participated in various activities, from water sports to cultural experiences.

Top Attractions & Activities at Lookout Cay

Rush Out, Gush Out Water Play: A family-friendly water play area with slides, fountains, and splash pads.
Sebastian's Cove: A supervised splash area for toddlers and young children.
Family beach: The main beach area for families.
Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash: A family-focused event with games and activities hosted by Disney characters.
Goombay Cultural Center: A pavilion to learn about Bahamian culture through music and dance, including Junkanoo.
Play Play Pavilion: A pavilion with games for children of all ages.
Serenity Bay: Escape to this peaceful, adults-only beach, where you can relax in a hammock, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ultimate tranquil island retreat.
The Nature Trail: Wander along this scenic beach trail, perfect for exploring the island’s natural beauty, spotting wildlife, and discovering hidden coves along the shoreline.

Day 6: Farewell to the Fantasy

After a magical 4 nights, we (sadly) disembarked the Disney Fantasy with ease and returned to the Radisson. We picked up our rental car and headed to our next adventure: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village. It is ALWAYS a good idea to have a Walt Disney World stay planned after your cruise — it definitely helps ease the sadness of saying goodbye to the ship!

Disney Cruise Perks

Disney Cruises offer a wealth of amenities and activities, including:

Themed Dining Experiences: Indulge in magical dining at Animator’s Palate, where the walls come to life with Disney animation, and Royal Court, featuring classic Disney princesses in an elegant setting. Each meal is a feast for the senses, combining delicious cuisine with unforgettable entertainment.
Broadway-Style Shows & Deck Parties: Enjoy spectacular live performances inspired by Disney movies, along with fun-filled deck parties featuring music, dancing, and character appearances — perfect for the whole family to celebrate at sea. We especially enjoyed the production of Frozen (I may have cried…)
Adult-Exclusive Areas: Take a break and unwind in Palo, Disney’s upscale adult-only restaurant, or enjoy the Rainforest Spa, featuring personal ocean-view hot tubs, saunas, and indulgent treatments — the ultimate relaxation experience while the kids are having their own fun.
Kids’ Clubs for All Ages: Disney cruises have immersive kids’ clubs, including Edge for tweens, where children can enjoy games, activities, and themed experiences under the supervision of trained counselors, giving parents some worry-free downtime.

If you're dreaming of your own Disney Cruise adventure, feel free to reach out. I'd be delighted to help you plan a magical getaway! Or follow me for tips: @AdventuresByRoberta

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Disney Cruise: Fantasy