(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).
Welcome back. Now that I've finished with my hammock time, let's continue with our tour of Serenity Bay at Disney's Castaway Cay.
As I mentioned last time, Serenity Bay is a remote section of the island that offers a relaxed, "grown-ups only" experience. Now that we've had some beach time, let's stroll to the nearby "Castaway Air Bar": Shaped like a WWII-era Quonset hut, the Air Bar looks right at home at the end of Castaway Cay's airstrip. It provides simple snacks (e.g. potato chips), lively libations, and peaceful views of the ocean: The "set dressing" for the bar further reinforces the feeling that we've stumbled onto the sleepy headquarters of a small island-hopping airline - perhaps one started by fly-boys who served in the islands during the war and decided not to return to the mainland:
The period aviation references don't stop there. In keeping with grand Imagineering tradition, Disney has provided more detail in the bathrooms in the form of these classic aviation signs:
Stepping back outside, it looks like the tram back to the central part of the island should arrive shortly. I'll wait here for the tram.
Next time we'll take a look at some of Castaway Cay's other Disney details.
(This is part of a series about cruising on the Disney Magic. Click here if you want to go back to the start of the tour).
Welcome back to Disney's Castway Cay:
Now that we've had a chance to explore the Family Beach area, let's board an island tram and head for the "adults-only" area - Serenity Bay:
Tucked away on the west side of the island, Serenity Bay offers many of the same amenities as the Family Beach area, but on a more intimate scale and in more relaxed surroundings.
During our tram ride, the observant guest may spot a series of large letters on the broad road that runs from the island's center to Serenity bay. Close inspection of the map confirms that this broad, straight section of blacktop appears to be the "CASTAWAY CAY" airstrip:
Our tram drops us off at the end of the runway, where we find an aging airplane being reclaimed by the island vegetation:
Notice the insignia on the airplane. The presence of Donald is perhaps a nod to the many military insignia designed by the Walt Disney Studios starting during World War II. Walt's studio made many creative contributions to the Allied war effort. Those yearning to learn more may wish to check out Toons At War.
The rest of Serenity Bay's structures continue the airstrip theme:
Here's an image from the beach, which features chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, and cast members who stroll up and down the beach taking drink orders:
Serenity Bay also features massage cabanas, a lunch venue, a bar, and a rental spot for snorkels, fins, floats, and inner tubes.
As our cruise party were all over 18 years of age, we spent much of our two Castaway Cay days in this area. The differences between Serenity Bay and the main part of the island were both obvious and subtle. For example, where other parts of the Cay are paved, Serenity Bay pedestrians usually find sparkling white sand.
We'll explore more of Serenity Bay next time. For now, I think I'll stretch out in one of these hammocks and listen to the ocean for a while.
