I'm totally with you on the island buffet, Jen, and I also laughed out loud at your description of the "rustic" bathrooms on Castaway Cay. I think I have actually somehow avoided using any bathroom at Castaway Cay ever, despite having been there multiple times!
I spent a week at Club Med on Eleuthera in the 1980's. This was the northern end. What I remember most was the baby powder soft pink beaches and the friendly little fish that would swim up and give a little kiss.
Your bathroom comment makes me laugh!!! 100% agree, I don't need a rustic experience going the bathroom 🤣🤣🤣 But as a mom with a toddler, a real bathroom that is very clean is an important factor so thank you for mentioning it!
Bathrooms lol. I’m not a fan of the shack style either but it bothers me way more at typhoon lagoon than castaway cay. This review makes me excited again for our upcoming stop there. Good to see the beach wheelchairs eventually made it!
Thanks for providing me with some very useful info, especially regarding the long walk! Through your eyes, I can see the exquisite planning and eventual reality of this new beach site. Even though hubby and I will never take a cruise, there is still an interest of knowing what can be had. Yes, I am an armchair traveler with a terrific imagination!
It is so good to see you smile! I understand some of the difficulties you are going through! I have seen other vloggers commenting on this ship and port of call. Their thoughts and ideas has been different from many of the others I have watched! Good on you for recognizing the difficulties some handicapped people might have with the area! Love your vlogs! Keep up the good work! Vote! Vote! 😀
I’m so excited for the beach! That’s main reason we are going. I’m also not a buffet person and generally don’t eat at castaway either. Thank you for this review!
We’re taking my kid on the magic next summer to celebrate his HS graduation and we’ll be stopping at Lookout Cay, Castaway Cay and Nassau. We’re still new to cruising and looking forward to sailing on the OG ship. I like the Wonder better than the Fantasy and am looking forward to being back on a smaller ship. We’ll be on the Wish next month so it will be an interesting contrast going from the newest ship to the oldest ship. The beach at Lookout Cay looks absolutely gorgeous and we’ll get to experience the adult only areas for the first time.
While we had some unexpected expenses cause us to postpone our 2025 cruise to 2026, I was still worried about lighthouse point. I am happy to hear that it is not as bad as the initial reports were . Thanks for the review.
It looks beautiful!!! My only concern, being the fair skinned Welsh girl who isn’t crazy about heat, is the half mile walk each way on a hot day in full sun. I’d be all about it on an overcast day. ☺️
Hi Jen! I literally just got off the ship (watching you while we wait to take off 😊). I agree with you on all accounts. I love Castaway Cay but I honestly think the beach at Lighthouse Point is better appointed. We sat right near the bar area and were super close to the restrooms and food area. I even preferred the shower areas better. It was wonderful! Also like you, we will be visiting both locations on our next trip and are really looking forward to it ❤
The walk wouldn’t bother me I do 25,000+ steps every day…good tip about using proper shoes then switching. Jen the flies sound delightful…..not. I wouldn’t eat there either,I’m fussy about where I eat,but unfortunately not what I eat..lol Wow you answered my question how much is patreon……$5… Good they have the beach wheelchairs…. Those clouds in the video looked very threatening!! The beach looks fab and sound idealic. It was nice to have a lighter video,after all the others about your mum… Don’t get me wrong,there very good and super honest and no doubt very helpful to others and for you to discuss everything. It was just nice to see you happily reminiscing about your Disney cruise…..👍🇬🇧
Loved this review and the way you filmed it. I really didn’t think that walk was a big deal when I saw it in other reviews - but maybe it was the shock of it when initially seeing it that was an issue.
Thanks for this. We are booked for next year. After watching Ben & David’s review and a couple others I was very concerned, even considered changing itinerary. My husband will definitely need the golf cart for the long walk, but the rest looks nice.
I walk daily too, so not a problem. When I saw the beach footage from the first few cruises, I thought , WOW! I Need to go ! @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
I find myself saying, often, that people just forgot all we learned about hygiene during the COVID pandemic. It’s almost like it never happened. I’ve only ate at two buffets since and I admit I had to really push myself to do it. Both times were not too long after buffets started to open back up so they were being very meticulous about wiping things down. We are going to Biergarten in December so I will see how things have relaxed since.
We will be on the Fantasy in November to go to Castway and Lighthouse Point. Glad to hear the flies are better but we have decided to not eat on Island. I'm little worry about the pier became of my husband's leg🤔, we just don't want to look lazy too walk. Would you ask on the day you board for a cart ride, sometimes my husband has a good days and he could walk that pier. Thanks for sharing 👋🏽👋🏽😃🚢⛱️
I'm conflicted on how I feel about Disney at eleuthera & a note about the flies. We've been going to eleuthera for years. We were just there may 2024 before Disney opened. We love the laid back, gorgeous, untouched, quietness of eleuthera. Many of the people who live there are not happy about Disney coming there however the money is supposed to be good for the island. We'll see how it impacts us next year when we go. I know one thing, we used to be able to do is use dune buggies with a local guy to get to lighthouse Beach & Disney shut him down which is sad. As for the flies, if you go to any outdoor realstaurant on eleuthera, you know they put cans of sterno out & boom... no flies. I dont know why Disney is not putting the sterno out. I know they have hired some local people to work there & surely they have told them about the sterno. I just hope the cruise port doesn't have too much of a negative environmental impact on the beautiful (once untouched) island of eleuthera. It's our spiritual place. So much to see. Queens bath is magical.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Moving all the food and seating inside a building was my first though too but, that seems too "non-beach resortish". I envisioned Communicor Hall on a beach and though - ugh. I hope Disney can sort this problem out. I'm with you, buffets give me pause and bugs are a hard no.
Ok so… I was on the same sailing as you on the Disney Wish in Aug 2022, and was kicking myself for not interrupting you the day I saw you (you were talking to someone else) thinking oh I’ll run into you another time. DIDN’T. Well… we are also doing a sailing in March that stops at both Castaway & Lighthouse Point. HMM… could it be? 🤣
My husband and I are doing our first Disney cruise in November! 3 days on the Magic, just like yours! It is during the election so I am a little nervous about the vibe of the ship, regardless of election result. And don’t worry, I’m voting early! 😊🗳️🌊
I'm totally with you on the island buffet, Jen, and I also laughed out loud at your description of the "rustic" bathrooms on Castaway Cay. I think I have actually somehow avoided using any bathroom at Castaway Cay ever, despite having been there multiple times!
“It’s okay, you’ll be fine “. Love it 😂💖
I never know how to respond when people comment I talk too much - I’m like dude, it’s UA-cam did you click on this channel for us to sit in silence?🤣
I spent a week at Club Med on Eleuthera in the 1980's. This was the northern end. What I remember most was the baby powder soft pink beaches and the friendly little fish that would swim up and give a little kiss.
The sand was incredible!
Your necklace… I’m all for it! And I just booked a cruise in 2026 to go to Lighthouse Point so am excited to hear your POV🎉
YOU WILL LOVE IT!
Your bathroom comment makes me laugh!!! 100% agree, I don't need a rustic experience going the bathroom 🤣🤣🤣 But as a mom with a toddler, a real bathroom that is very clean is an important factor so thank you for mentioning it!
And I didn’t even mention that they have air conditioning! 🤣🥰
Bathrooms lol. I’m not a fan of the shack style either but it bothers me way more at typhoon lagoon than castaway cay. This review makes me excited again for our upcoming stop there. Good to see the beach wheelchairs eventually made it!
Thanks for providing me with some very useful info, especially regarding the long walk! Through your eyes, I can see the exquisite planning and eventual reality of this new beach site. Even though hubby and I will never take a cruise, there is still an interest of knowing what can be had. Yes, I am an armchair traveler with a terrific imagination!
Jen, never stop talking (sorry Scott?!). I really enjoy the way you do your videos!😍👨🚒
It is so good to see you smile! I understand some of the difficulties you are going through! I have seen other vloggers commenting on this ship and port of call. Their thoughts and ideas has been different from many of the others I have watched! Good on you for recognizing the difficulties some handicapped people might have with the area! Love your vlogs! Keep up the good work! Vote! Vote! 😀
Thank you so much for the kind words, Julie! Things are definitely settling with mom and this little get away was just what we needed.
I’m so excited for the beach! That’s main reason we are going. I’m also not a buffet person and generally don’t eat at castaway either. Thank you for this review!
I think you will love it. It’s honestly one of the prettiest beaches I’ve ever been to.
We’re taking my kid on the magic next summer to celebrate his HS graduation and we’ll be stopping at Lookout Cay, Castaway Cay and Nassau. We’re still new to cruising and looking forward to sailing on the OG ship. I like the Wonder better than the Fantasy and am looking forward to being back on a smaller ship. We’ll be on the Wish next month so it will be an interesting contrast going from the newest ship to the oldest ship. The beach at Lookout Cay looks absolutely gorgeous and we’ll get to experience the adult only areas for the first time.
You do not ‘talk a lot’. You are thorough and that is appreciated. XO
Great information, Jen! Thanks🥰 I’m now looking forward to my sailing that has both Castaway Cay & Lighthouse Point stops in 2025!
That's what I'm doing too! Great itinerary. Thanks for watching!
I am going in April. I was worried after initial reviews, but you've got me excited. Thank you! And I'm with you on the bathrooms!
While we had some unexpected expenses cause us to postpone our 2025 cruise to 2026, I was still worried about lighthouse point. I am happy to hear that it is not as bad as the initial reports were . Thanks for the review.
It looks beautiful!!! My only concern, being the fair skinned Welsh girl who isn’t crazy about heat, is the half mile walk each way on a hot day in full sun. I’d be all about it on an overcast day. ☺️
A hat is a must! Between my hat and my rash guard I felt pretty covered
So glad to see you pop up today Jen . Sending you lots of love and hugs 🤗
Thank you!!!!!
The beach looks beautiful. A Disney cruise is on my vacation list.
Hi Jen! I literally just got off the ship (watching you while we wait to take off 😊). I agree with you on all accounts. I love Castaway Cay but I honestly think the beach at Lighthouse Point is better appointed. We sat right near the bar area and were super close to the restrooms and food area. I even preferred the shower areas better. It was wonderful! Also like you, we will be visiting both locations on our next trip and are really looking forward to it ❤
The walk wouldn’t bother me I do 25,000+ steps every day…good tip about using proper shoes then switching.
Jen the flies sound delightful…..not.
I wouldn’t eat there either,I’m fussy about where I eat,but unfortunately not what I eat..lol
Wow you answered my question how much is patreon……$5…
Good they have the beach wheelchairs….
Those clouds in the video looked very threatening!!
The beach looks fab and sound idealic.
It was nice to have a lighter video,after all the others about your mum…
Don’t get me wrong,there very good and super honest and no doubt very helpful to others and for you to discuss everything. It was just nice to see you happily reminiscing about your Disney cruise…..👍🇬🇧
Really looks beautiful! Hope to get there eventually!
Loved this review and the way you filmed it. I really didn’t think that walk was a big deal when I saw it in other reviews - but maybe it was the shock of it when initially seeing it that was an issue.
Your skin is glowing! It looks fantastic. Any tips/new products? ❤
YES! I've been using the Elemis Pro Matrix and it's ridiculously expensive but I am seeing a difference. Also I've been better about my vitamins.
So glad you had a good day there!
It was truly lovely
Jen, Love your necklace! So important! xoxo
Thanks for this. We are booked for next year. After watching Ben & David’s review and a couple others I was very concerned, even considered changing itinerary. My husband will definitely need the golf cart for the long walk, but the rest looks nice.
The beach looked 😍 and I'm happy you confirmed that it was! Be there in February.
Honestly, Donna, the walk is WELL WORTH it. the beach and water are just breathtaking.
I walk daily too, so not a problem. When I saw the beach footage from the first few cruises, I thought , WOW! I Need to go ! @JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge
Thank you for your honest review I can’t wait to experience it in 2025 😊
From the other vlogs I've seen, the parade is a nice touch. Something you wouldn't experience anywhere else. Overall, it looks like a great beach.
Yes we heard the music…from our loungers 🥰😎
Love that Vote necklace!
Oh thank you I meant to link it! It’s from a local artisan and I love it too!
I find myself saying, often, that people just forgot all we learned about hygiene during the COVID pandemic. It’s almost like it never happened. I’ve only ate at two buffets since and I admit I had to really push myself to do it. Both times were not too long after buffets started to open back up so they were being very meticulous about wiping things down. We are going to Biergarten in December so I will see how things have relaxed since.
Yeah honestly, Dean? I thought I could do it but we had one breakfast in cabanas and I realized…I cannot.
We will be on the Fantasy in November to go to Castway and Lighthouse Point. Glad to hear the flies are better but we have decided to not eat on Island. I'm little worry about the pier became of my husband's leg🤔, we just don't want to look lazy too walk. Would you ask on the day you board for a cart ride, sometimes my husband has a good days and he could walk that pier. Thanks for sharing 👋🏽👋🏽😃🚢⛱️
I think you can absolutely ask on the day of!
I'm conflicted on how I feel about Disney at eleuthera & a note about the flies. We've been going to eleuthera for years. We were just there may 2024 before Disney opened. We love the laid back, gorgeous, untouched, quietness of eleuthera. Many of the people who live there are not happy about Disney coming there however the money is supposed to be good for the island. We'll see how it impacts us next year when we go. I know one thing, we used to be able to do is use dune buggies with a local guy to get to lighthouse Beach & Disney shut him down which is sad. As for the flies, if you go to any outdoor realstaurant on eleuthera, you know they put cans of sterno out & boom... no flies. I dont know why Disney is not putting the sterno out. I know they have hired some local people to work there & surely they have told them about the sterno. I just hope the cruise port doesn't have too much of a negative environmental impact on the beautiful (once untouched) island of eleuthera. It's our spiritual place. So much to see. Queens bath is magical.
It seems the best solution to the flies problem is to screen in the buffet/seating area. It would be a big job but, I'm sure Disney could get it done.
Yes that might work! I honestly wish the whole thing were inside.
@@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Moving all the food and seating inside a building was my first though too but, that seems too "non-beach resortish". I envisioned Communicor Hall on a beach and though - ugh. I hope Disney can sort this problem out. I'm with you, buffets give me pause and bugs are a hard no.
You should have filmed the Flies, So we all can see First Hand.. And not to Sugar Coat it...
@@stephenthompson439 I didn’t want to. So I didn’t.
@JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge Reason,,Why Not ????
❤ the necklace! Please check to make sure you are registered people!
YES WE CAN DO THIS THING!
Looks like a beautiful place to relax!
And the areas for the kids looked amazing too (or the little bit I could see while we scurried to the adults only area🤣)
Ok so… I was on the same sailing as you on the Disney Wish in Aug 2022, and was kicking myself for not interrupting you the day I saw you (you were talking to someone else) thinking oh I’ll run into you another time. DIDN’T.
Well… we are also doing a sailing in March that stops at both Castaway & Lighthouse Point. HMM… could it be? 🤣
are you still planning on making the other video about the rest of the ship? would love to see it! :)
Yes! With the construction at my house filming has even a struggle but it’s coming I promise!
Jen, I'm curious. How were the bathrooms on Lighthouse Point? Did you love them? Asking for a friend. 😊
Let me buy you a glass of wine and tell you about the BATHROOMS 🤣😂🤣
They do have strollers and wagons but having your own might be better. We wear our better shoes too.
Did it feel more “finished” at all? Anything I heard/saw was that it literally looked like it was still under construction.
Totally finished. All that’s left is for the plants to grow a little more!
Great review!!
THANK YOU so much!
??? Would love to know where you got the outfit you are wearing in this video??? ❤❤❤ Thanks so much 😊
It's from the Air Essentials Line from Spanx!
I like proper bathrooms too. Baby feet haha😂
My husband and I are doing our first Disney cruise in November! 3 days on the Magic, just like yours! It is during the election so I am a little nervous about the vibe of the ship, regardless of election result. And don’t worry, I’m voting early! 😊🗳️🌊
Was Serenity Bay serene?😊
It just so was!
The walk from ship to shore looks long. 1/2 mile seems far. When you said it was 15 minutes, it sounds manageable. Thanks for putting it that way.
Of course! And honestly that’s at a meandering pace it can be done in more like 10 if you didn’t stop and take tons of photos like I did 🤣🥰
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the island!
Hi! Do you edit videos yourself or have you hired someone? I’m an editor and would love to discuss, if you’re interested
Concur that buffets are gross………
So gross
Nope
I actually really loved it there! Take care!