Guide to Disney’s Castaway Cay

I can say with 100% certainty that Disney’s Castaway Cay is my favorite part of a Disney Cruise. Once I get to Castaway Cay, I don’t want to leave! Disney’s private island in the Bahamas is paradise, and I am going to give you all the details today to make your stop at Castaway Cay unforgettable!

Disney’s Castaway Cay first welcomed visitors in 1998. Ever since then, anyone who steps onto this island immediately knows that there are no worries, and that the Disney difference is present. From the Crew Members greeting you, to the activities and complimentary ice cream machines, it’s an unforgettable day in paradise.

So what can you do to make your day amazing? I hope all the tips I share here will make your day at Disney’s Castaway Cay magical!

Arrival at Disney’s Castaway Cay

When a ship departs a Florida port, it is going to Castaway Cay. Disney’s Castaway Cay has a custom built dock, just for Disney Cruise Line ships. What is awesome about this? You literally step off the ship and onto the island. There is no tendering, and it is a short walk to the beach and activities to start your day.

When you disembark at Disney’s Castaway Cay, there are trams to take you to the beach area. Or, you can certainly walk! The walk is nice, and there are fun photo ops along the way. Be sure to get a towel ~ or two ~ as you disembark. These are complimentary for guests on Castaway Cay!

Dining on Disney’s Castaway Cay

When you are visiting Castaway Cay, it is like an extension of the Disney Cruise Line ship. They offer an amazing, complimentary lunch at Cookie’s BBQ or Cookie’s 2. The soda machines are out, as are the soft serve ice cream machines. Guests can help themselves to as much as they’d like!

Also, for guests on Serenity Bay, the adult only beach, there is a restaurant. Serenity Bay BBQ serves lunch, and overall has the same menu as Cookies.

You’ll find salads, burgers, hot dogs, BBQ, steaks, etc. Also, they will put out huge plates of fresh fruit for guests to enjoy. So good!

Activities on Disney’s Castaway Cay

The kids clubs are open on Castaway Cay! Scuttles is open for the younger ones. And there is a meeting space in that general area for the Edge and Vibe kids. The “Hideout” for teens is super fun, and gives them plenty to do! Also, older kids and teens can book teen only excursions on Castaway Cay. Crew Members will make sure they get where they need to go, and enjoy themselves.

Parents can check the kids in, and head to Serenity Bay for a few hours, run a 5K, or even take part in their own excursion.

Characters are on Disney’s Castaway Cay. You will pass by the famous “Mount Rustmore”, with the painted faces of your favorite characters. But, be looking for more than that! Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Olaf, Pluto, Goofy, and even Captain Jack Sparrow have been known to make appearances.

For more adventurous visitors, there are tons of port adventures to enjoy!

• Snorkeling
• Parasailing
• Float Rentals
• Bicycle Rentals
• Run a 5K
• Rent a Cabana on the Family Beach or Serenity Bay

Pelican Plunge is the amazing water play are in the middle of the water, which is fun for kids and adults! Or, you can certainly park yourself in a beach chair with a drink and enjoy the scenery!

What to Bring on Castaway Cay

You’ll want to have a few necessities handy for your day. First, be sure to have shoes of some sort, sunscreen, and a beach bag to carry it all.

Also, if you have kids, you may want to bring some sand toys. Or, you can purchase them when you disembark at the shop on Castaway Cay. We chose to purchase some, so we did not take up suitcase space with toys. However, we were able to gift them to another child as we were finished with them and were moving to another activity.

Consider taking a change of clothes, if you do not want to be in a swimsuit all day.

Are you ready to enjoy Disney’s Castaway Cay?