It has been said, “If you’re going to dream, dream big.” For the Acoba family from Port Orchard, Wash., the dream was 1,000 acres big – and it came true today when they had the entire expanse of Castaway Cay, the Disney Cruise Line Bahamian island paradise, all to themselves.
For one magical day, Sarah and Jeff Acoba, along with Sarah’s younger brother Zach Schafer and family friend Mike Rauch, were treated to the ultimate in tropical luxury, pampered at every turn by lifeguards, spa therapists, shore excursion providers and Disney characters that were all there just to take care of their every wish and whim.
The family was selected for the unique experience by “Good Morning America” viewers during a special promotion to launch Disney Parks’ “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
During the Acoba family’s visit to Castaway Cay, they swam with docile Southern Stingrays, kayaked through the island mangroves, enjoyed a gourmet meal served on the beach and hung-out with world-famous Disney characters. Jeff and Sarah enjoyed a romantic seaside couples massage, while Zach and Mike bounced over the waves on a wild banana boat ride. Their incredible day was capped off by an overnight stay on an 88-foot yacht.
“This has been a dream come true for me and my family,” said Sarah Acoba. “Starting with the incredible Disney Wonder cruise ship all the way through to this amazing island, Disney Cruise Line gave us a vacation experience none of us will ever forget.”
The Acoba family enjoyed two-nights aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship prior to arriving at Castaway Cay.
More than 3,500 families wrote to “Good Morning America” for a chance to win the one-of-a-kind vacation. The Acoba family was voted the most deserving family by viewers of the show. Sarah and Zach’s mother passed away on Mother’s Day 2006. Since that time, Sarah and Jeff have been raising Zach. They had not had the opportunity to enjoy a family vacation together, but that all changed with this vacation of a lifetime.
“Good Morning America” will broadcast live from Castaway Cay on Feb. 13 and highlight the Acoba family’s experience on the island.
Castaway Cay is a stop on all Disney Cruise vacations originating out of Port Canaveral, Fla. A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at Walt Disney World Resort are also available.
