Paradise at Disney’s Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney’s Private Island in the Bahamas. The only way to see the island is to take a cruise with Disney Cruise Line. Most cruise lines have a private island in the Bahamas, but none compares to Castaway Cay in theming and Disney magic. Castaway Cay is simply Paradise.
Cruises
Disney Cruise Line currently has 4 cruise ships but will soon have a fifth in the Disney Wish. Most Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries make a stop at Castaway Cay.
The itineraries that do not make a stop at Castaway Cay are Alaskan, European, and some Mexico itineraries. If your ship leaves from Port Canaveral or Miami, you are likely stopping at Castaway Cay. Some itineraries even include 2 stops at Castaway Cay.
Disney Cruise Line announced that they will be building an additional 2 ships in the coming years and therefore will be creating a new private island at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas. I can’t wait to see what Disney Cruise Line does with this island.
Layout
Disney’s Castaway Cay has things to do for every traveler. The Castaway Cay map includes attractions, food and beverage, and merchandise locations.
Due to the size of the island a tram is also available to help guests navigate to different areas of the island.
When guests exit the ship at Castaway Cay, they will likely meet some Disney characters. On our recent cruise we saw Goofy, Jack Sparrow, Daisy, and Donald. The characters vary throughout the day. Guests can choose to board the tram or walk to their next destination.
Guests will first arrive at some merchandise locations which sell exclusive Castaway Cay souvenirs. You will not find these options on the ship. If you’d like Castaway Cay merchandise, make sure you purchase them on the island.
After passing the gift shops you will see Scuttle’s Cove, the kid’s club on the island as well as First Aid. The amazing thing with Disney is there is a kid’s club on the island. Parents can drop their children off to enjoy some of the adult only parts of the island.
Beaches
Castaway Cay has several beaches for guests to enjoy. You will find family beaches, areas for snorkeling, and an adults only beach, Serenity Bay. Beach chairs and umbrellas are already set up and available to use for free. Guests can also reserve private cabanas in advance for an additional charge.
Guests can rent floats, tubes, snorkeling gear, aqua trikes, banana boats, and bicycles. These can be reserved in advance through the Disney Cruise Line app or website.
Disney has designed the beaches with an inlet so that strong waves are not a concern. We felt more comfortable with our small children swimming because the waters were calm and peaceful. Lifejackets are also provided throughout the island free of charge.
Activities
One of the things I enjoy best about the island is there are many things you can do for free. Many of the other ports have port adventures than can add to the cost of your cruise. At Castaway Cay you can enjoy lots of activities for free.
A popular activity for children is the Pelican Plunge. Pelican Plunge is a water slide and water play area. It gives children hours of endless entertainment. Life guards are also posted throughout the island.
Scuttle’s Cove and the Hideout also provide free entertainment for children and teens. Our kids loved playing at Scuttle’s Cove. Kids can also enjoy the Whale Dig Site and outdoor activities like basketball, billiards, ping-pong and more.
Food
Food on the island is also included at Cookie’s BBQ. Cookies has three locations throughout the island. Cookies, Cookie’s too, and a small version on Serenity Bay are included.
Food, soft drinks, and soft serve ice cream are included. They all serve the same food. There is plenty of seating throughout the island for guests to enjoy.
The island also has bars that serve alcohol and specialty drinks that are available at an additional charge.
Serenity Bay
Serenity Bay is an adult only part of the island. It has a private beach, beach rentals, and a small restaurant and bar. Serenity Bay is the perfect place to relax once you drop your children off at Scuttle’s Cove.
Castaway Cay 5 K
If exercise is on your agenda, Castaway Cay offers a 5k. This is a popular event but has been modified since COVID. In the past participants were the first to leave the ship and had a structured run event.
Currently the 5k is self led. Participants still receive a medal upon completion but do not receive the race bib as they did in the past.
If you’re interested in relaxation and island paradise, I highly recommend a Disney Cruise that includes a stop at Castaway Cay. Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is a true island paradise with activities to delight every age.
Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I also create customized itineraries, book advanced dining, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! Guest who book at Disney Cruise with me also receive a FREE on board credit. Also, did I mention that my services are FREE!!!! Contact me at SLoehrlein@MickeyTravels.com or follow me on Facebook @MickeyTravelsShannonLoehrlein