We are a Disney family through and through. DVC members, annual pass holders, and we do the parks at least once a year. We finally tried the cruise and it did not disappoint.
On the plane home, I started reading a bunch of reviews and was surprised at all the negative ones. I really think some of the negative reviews are coming from people who are used to other cruise lines and don't do Disney parks. For those not used to having to get to things early and wait in order to get good seats or see characters (much like rope drop at the parks), this cruise is going to seem super stressful. For those of us who are park pros, it's just another Disney day!
I saw a lot of bad reviews of the food, but we found the food to be quite good every night! They are serving 3000 people, so I didn't expect five-star dining.... but truly, it was delicious! My 15-year-old son had one meal he claimed was the best thing he had ever eaten. Cabanas was a pretty typical buffet, but we all enjoyed it. The kids of course all loved the soft-serve ice cream on demand.
We had adjoining cabins 6560 and 6562. Fantastic view. No complaints. There was a little noise in the evening (around 9-10) coming from the theater(?)... sounded like thunder. Otherwise, reasonably quiet. Great location near the elevators and convenient to most things!
Castaway Cay is everything everyone says it is. Amazing! Our only complaint was that the food was mediocre at best.