I knew I’d kick myself if I didn’t get up to participate in the Castaway Cay 5K. So I literally dragged myself out of bed, got dressed, scarfed down breakfast and headed to the meeting point at 8:00 am.
It was a beautiful day at Castaway Cay. All of the rain clouds had disappeared and there was a cool sea breeze. By 9:00 am we were at the starting point. The runners led the group. I settled somewhere near the back knowing I’d be brisk walking. Along the way, I spotted the elusive cabanas which are extremely difficult to score without booking club level. #goals By 9:45 am, I ran past the finish line and collected my ribbon.
On the way back to the ship, I ran into a very grumpy Jack Sparrow. In between insulting people walking by, he posed for a picture with me. But he insisted he would not smile.
Around 10:00 I was back in the cabin, fully expecting to see Stinky, Blinky, and the DH getting dressed. Ha! We had a banana boat excursion at 11:00am so I had to whip everyone into shape. Breakfast helped and the bad moods started to vanish.
The banana boat ride was definitely a thrill! Blinky was not a fan of waves slapping her in the face, but stopping in the middle of the ocean to touch starfish as large as a dinner plate helped make up for it. We all made a mental note to pack the GoPro next time.
Poor Blinky also got stung by sea lice. But after a quick stop to First Aid with the sweetest doctor ever, and a little Benadryl, she recovered in minutes.
The kids frolicked in the water a little (which was way too chilly for me), we ate a delicious buffet lunch, explored a little, and snapped lots of gorgeous pictures! There was Scuttles Cove for the kids, but Stinky and Blinky wanted to hang with us, which meant the DH and I never got to check out the adult-only section Serenity Bay. Oh well, next time!
To Disney’s credit, there were enough lounge chairs, dining areas, and space to comfortably accommodate every guests. The island is very well planned out, and there’s even a trolley to take guests around.
In the early afternoon the kids wanted to head back to the ship to take advantage of shorter lines for the Aquaduck. The DH and I joined them. It was such fun! After, the DH found a pool chair in the shade to nap, while the kids and I watched movies in the pool. Where the ocean water was freezing, the pool water was heated and felt divine!
After way too much time in the sun, we headed back to change. Blinky had a Bippity Boppity Boutique reservation and could not wait! I reserved the Castle Package. Her Fairy Godmother-in-training did Blinky’s hair, nails, and makeup. We took our own dress since Blinky wanted something more sophisticated than a costume. What do you think?
Doesn’t she look absolutely gorgeous! And so grown up!! As we walked to dinner, several other guests (adults and children alike) called her princess. She was in her element. 🙂
Dinner was at Animator’s Palate – our favorite of the three! Inside you felt as though you were truly in an animator’s studio. There were larger than life art supplies everywhere. At the start of dinner, paintings of Finding Nemo characters came alive and interacted with diners. At the end of dinner, they morphed back into paintings.
After dinner, the kids went to kid’s club, and the DH and I went to see Disney’s Believe. Aladdin and a host of other beloved characters help Dr. Greenaway believe in magic again so that he can re-connect with his daughter Sophia. Awwwwwwww.
We collected the kids and turned in. Hard to believe our magical vacation was coming to an end. We sure will miss the Dream. This was my view a little after 6:00 am the next morning on our way to breakfast:
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and lover of all things Disney, I would be honored for the opportunity to plan your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth! Email ebony@familytraveladventuresllc.com to learn more.
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