{"id":3393,"date":"2017-06-07T07:40:54","date_gmt":"2017-06-07T11:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/backtothemouse.com\/index.php\/?p=3393"},"modified":"2019-01-08T18:33:17","modified_gmt":"2019-01-08T23:33:17","slug":"star-wars-cruise-part-9-castaway-cay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtothemouse.com\/index.php\/star-wars-cruise-part-9-castaway-cay\/","title":{"rendered":"Star Wars Cruise – Part 9, Castaway Cay"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"Mount<\/a>
Mount Rustmore<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Today was the last full day of our cruise and it included a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.  We’ve stopped at Castaway Cay several times over the years on our cruises, with the exception of our Alaska Cruise<\/a>.  When we checked in for the cruise 105 days ago, we looked for a private Cabana<\/a> on the family beach.  Unfortunately, they were all booked.  We instead decided to try some new excursions on the island. <\/p>\n

My oldest daughter and I decided to try out parasailing!  We had watched other people do it on our previous visit to Castaway Cay and it looked like fun.  We selected a really early time so we could do the excursions and then get on with the rest of our day.  We were directed to Marge’s Barges, which is on the left almost immediately after you get off the ship.  You check in at the booth and then head towards the waiting area.<\/p>\n

\"Marge's<\/a>
Marge’s Barges<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The waiting area is a raised area closer to the ship.  I had thought for years that it was a bar, because it kind of looks like one.  We waited here until our activity was called (parasailing at 9:30 AM). They told us that we couldn’t bring any footwear on the boat, but that we could leave them on the pier.  They also said we were responsible for anything we brought onto the boat.<\/p>\n

\"Waiting<\/a>
Waiting Area for Marge’s Barges<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We then were led down the pier to the boat.  We got instructions for climbing onto the boat (go backwards down the ladder).  We left our shoes on the dock and got onto the boat.  Everyone grabbed a seat and met the driver and assistant.<\/p>\n

\"Marge's<\/a>
Marge’s Barges Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The boat headed down next to the Fantasy and out to the open water.  This was a great time to snap a few pictures of the Fantasy as we were right next to it. <\/p>\n

\"Disney<\/a>
Disney Fantasy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The parasailing boats go to the area right outside the barrier and go back and forth. I’ve drawn the area on the map below to give you an idea of where we went.<\/p>\n

\"Parasailing<\/a>
Parasailing Area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once we got into open water, the assistant started setting up the parachute.  He got it hooked up on a rack on the boat that would keep it filled as different participants took their turns.  Everyone got a harness to wear that would allow them to clip onto the parachute.  All of the flights would be in tandem, with one person behind the other.<\/p>\n

\"Getting<\/a>
Getting The Parachute Ready<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Almost<\/a>
Almost Ready<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When it was our turn, we were directed to hold a railing in the center of the boat and make our way to the back of the boat.  We were then hooked up to the chute.  The assistant checked over the rigging as well as the harnesses.  Once we indicated we were ready, the chute was released from the harness and we climbed into the air. <\/p>\n

\"Taking<\/a>
Taking Off<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My daughter was wearing a Go-Pro, but we made the decision to use a chest mounted harness.  Unfortunately, it didn’t give us the best position for the video.  We were up in the air about five or six minutes.  It was GREAT!  Once we left the boat, it was completely silent except for a little bit of wind.  You could see a really long distance.  We were even higher than the top of the Fantasy.  Here is the video we took:<\/p>\n