Exclusive. Excitement. Tranquility.
Disney’s private island in The Bahamas. Cay is pronounced “key.”
Of course Disney has a private island, and the only way to visit is to take a Disney cruise! A long time ago, pirates once roamed the island, but Disney purchased a 99 year lease from the Bahamas to develop Castaway Cay! The food here is fabulous, and it is INCLUDED in your cruise fare, so eat all you want, including the ice cream! There are plenty of activities for families, as well as an adults only area that will give you the type of relaxing you truly need. For even more luxury, rent a cabana for the day and be treated like royalty! Castaway Cay is a big day of fun, whether you like adventure or just want to relax in Disney paradise!
Arriving at Castaway Cay
Get there early if you want to get good chairs and umbrellas! If it seems crowded, just walk a little further as people tend to grab the first chairs they come across. Also, crowds are smaller on smaller ships because there are fewer passengers. Strollers and wheelchairs are complimentary. There will be an announcement when you are allowed to get off the ship.
One of the best things about Castaway Cay is that it has its own dock, so you can simply walk from the ship to the island! There are photo opportunities all along the concrete walk so you can get great pictures of your family with the ship (they are only out in the morning). In the summer months, this area gets HOT without shade, so it is a good thing there is plenty of ocean to cool you off!
Towels are provided when you get to the island. Just remember to return them! Also remember bring your ID and Key to the World card with you for purchases. If you have purchased WiFi on the ship, you should have it in most areas on Castaway Cay.
It takes about 10 minutes to walk to Family Beach, but you can also take a tram. If you keep walking, there is a second tram takes you from Pelican Point to Serenity Beach.
Island Layout
Showers
There are showers on the island near the restrooms so you can rinse off the salt water after being in the ocean. Take some extra clothes if you want to feel less sticky so you can change after showering.
Complimentary Activities
Don't Forget!
Life Jackets, inner tubes, floats, and snorkeling vests are all complimentary, and they have them in abundance. so there is no need to reserve these. If you use Disney's snorkel gear, you will need to pay a fee. You can also bring your own snorkel.
Activities to Book
There are so many excursions on Castaway Cay that you can book, but do not feel pressured to book an extra activity. There is plenty to do that is already included in your cruise fare.
Cabanas
Cabanas are private, wooden huts, and there are 25 cabanas total, and four of them are in Serenity Bay, so they are adults only. The remaining 21 are on the family beach and open to everyone.
Cabanas are not inexpensive, but they do come with plenty of ammenities. Each cabana has access to a private beach area, shower, hammock, water and soft drinks, snacks including fresh fruit, sunscreen, snorkel equipment, floats, inner tubes, and sand toys.
Cabanas usually sell out quickly because concierge guests have priority bookings, and they usually do not get past this stage in the booking process. It is possible to be lucky and be online when someone cancels their cabana reservation or you can always add your name to a waitlist onboard in case of cancellations. Do not count on this method.
Cabanas are not a deal breaker because there are plenty of chairs, umbrellas, etc to provide shade and make your day fabulous without the added luxury and expense. If you do snag a cabana though, it will be an elevated experience!
Food Options
Food is complimentary, including ice cream. Lunch is typically served from 11:30am-2:00pm, but check the app before you visit for exact times. There are covered and uncovered seating areas to enjoy your meal. All locations provide the same food: an assortment of burgers, hot dogs, ribs, chicken, fish and corn, breads, potato salad, coleslaw, crisps and cous cous.
Dietary Restrictions
Veggie burgers can be requested, and Castaway Cay will also work with you on dietary restrictions, so do not be afraid to ask. Pre-ordered food for special requests is only to be picked up at Cookies BBQ.
Drink Options
Water and soda is complimentary, but there are some specialty drink shops located on the island. These are delicious and worth the additional fees.
Kids Areas
Good to Know
This is a drop off the kids and enjoy the island thing, so do not expect to hang out with the kiddos. Let them have their time with the other kids and enjoy Serenity Bay!
Shopping Options
The merchandise found at either of these shops can only be purchased at Castaway Cay, so if you see something you like, grab it! You can have your purchases delivered back to the ship to avoid toting it around with you on the island. Use your Key card to charge purchases to your room. Find all your beach essentials and collector’s pins and other souvenirs!
Starboard Side
The starboard side of the ship is the best side for your stateroom to be in order to see Castaway Cay as you pull into port.
Conservation
Disney asks that you please do not take anything from the island, including sand and seashells. Do not disrupt the ecosystem.
An Island Paradise
