Disney Passes Out Apologetic Notes, Guests Face Unexpected Vacation Disruptions
Disney vacations rarely unfold exactly as planned.
For example, at Walt Disney World, extremely cold weather this week altered operations for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Kali River Rapids.
We’ve seen even more unexpected complications in the past. Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion temporarily closed after an oil spill in September 2025. That same month, Disney World experienced mass power outages. In 2023, a black bear entering a Disney park triggered area closures as wildlife officials cleared the animal safely. And, of course, hurricanes have shuttered the Orlando parks on multiple occasions.
Cruise vacations introduce even more variables.
Disney Cruise Line has faced multiple complications in recent years.
Some voyages reported plumbing issues that left staterooms flooded and hallways smelling unpleasant. Other Disney guests shared complaints about bed bugs. Even new-ship launches have shifted, including a delayed maiden voyage for an upcoming vessel.
Ships also depend on weather, sea conditions, and port availability. A change offshore can quickly rewrite an entire itinerary. Guests often learn about those shifts through letters delivered directly to their staterooms.
Another last-minute adjustment arrived this weekend.
Two Bahamas sailings operated by Disney Cruise Line changed course ahead of strong winds and rough seas forecast across the region.
Disney Wish itinerary change for this weekend’s sailing
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Extra Time in Nassau Replaces Castaway Cay
The first change affected Disney Wish, which departed Port Canaveral on a three-night cruise.
The itinerary originally included Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island known for beach days and exclusive excursions. That second stop was cancelled.
Disney Cruise Line guests received a letter explaining that sea conditions would make docking unsafe.
“Given the anticipated strong winds and adverse sea conditions predicted in The Bahamas overnight on Saturday and during the day on Sunday, we will not be able to visit Disney Castaway Cay on Sunday,” the notice read (via Reddit).
Instead, the ship remained docked longer in Nassau, extending its visit through Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
All prepaid Castaway Cay Port Adventures were automatically cancelled and refunded. Nassau tours and additional onboard activities became available through the Navigator app and the Port Adventures desk.
The private island day was replaced with extra time in port.
A Second Ship Alters Its Route
Another three-night sailing aboard Disney Dream faced a separate revision.
The ship left Port Everglades with plans to visit Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, followed by Nassau. Guests later learned Nassau would be removed from the schedule.
Port congestion likely contributed.
According to Cruise Hive, six ships are scheduled for Nassau on Sunday, limiting available docking space. Crowded harbors combined with poor weather can make arrivals more complicated.
Forecasts called for steady winds near 20 miles per hour, rising to around 30 mph overnight. Strong gusts can create rough swells and challenging mooring conditions, even without heavy rain.
The Disney Dream’s Fort Lauderdale homeport allows the vessel to reposition more easily, potentially steering away from the roughest seas.
Disney described both itinerary changes as precautionary.
Has your Disney vacation ever faced unexpected complications?
