Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line's private island of paradise in the Bahamas
Cay is pronounced “Key”
Docks right at the island, allowing Disney cruisers to simply walk off the ship directly onto this island with beautiful white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters
You then proceed down the path to the Tram Stop. Although you CAN walk to the Castaway Family Beach (it's about a 15-minute walk) it's much faster to take the trams waiting for you at the tram stop. If you want to go on to Serenity Bay Beach (adults 18 and over only) you must exit the tram at the Family Beach and take a separate tram to Serenity Bay Beach.
Distance from boat to bike rack is 0.7 miles if walking
Family beach is first beach
Pelican plunge is the 2nd beach
Serenity bay is the adult only beach
Sea-lice spray for castaway Cay base on the time of the year (Sunscreen combo product)
Overview
A favored stop on most Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries is Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private island with turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and swaying palm trees that is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests.
With an authentic island barbeque and plenty of snorkeling and water sports, Castaway Cay provides Disney Cruise Line guests with a day of adventure, relaxation and quality time with the family.
Like the Disney ships, Castaway Cay is designed with unique activities and areas for every age group, providing an exceptional experience for all guests.
Book stateroom STARBOARD side to see the island when docked from your stateroom
As you debark the ship, you'll see crew members stationed just beyond the gangway with all the towels you could possibly need! There is no need to take the towels from your room, and no need to pack any from home. When you're done, you can simply toss them in the used towel bins - just be sure not to mistakenly throw them in the waste cans!
Pro Tips On Selecting Family Cabanas
Sandcastle Family Cabanas Pick When:
Want to be closer Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ
Want to swim on the family beaches or snorkeling lagoon or use Pelican Plunge
Want to be closer to the shops
Highly recommend if still new to Castaway therefore can experience the island easier
Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas Pick When:
Want to try the newer cabanas or new food location
Want more seclusion or privacy from the rest of the island
Have guests staying on Serenity Bay
Experiences on Castaway Cay and want to experience something new
Disembarkation and Embarkation from Castaway Cay
Guests 18 years and older need photo ID and Key to the World Card or Disney Band +
Guests under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult and their Key to the Word Card
A parent or guardian may complete a Traveling with Minors form during online check-in to allow another specified adult to accompany their child off the ship
On the ship, they may complete a Debarkation Authorization for Minors Form at Guest Services to allow the child to leave the ship on their own
What is the form titled “Authorization for Minor to Travel without a Parent or Legal Guardian,” and is it required for all children?
The Authorization for Minor to Travel without a Parent or Legal Guardian form authorizes an adult (age 18 and older) other than the parent or legal guardian to retain care, custody and control of a child during the span of a Disney cruise vacation. It is required for each child traveling without a parent or legal guardian.
A parent or legal guardian must complete this form, naming each of the children it applies to, and it must be presented by the authorized adult during check-in at the port terminal.
Port Adventures
Find your perfect paradise at Disney’s private island, reserved for Disney Cruise Line Guests sailing to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Enjoy azure waters, sandy beaches plus a host of family-friendly activities and amenities.
Look to book excursions in the morning because the wind picks up as the day goes on
Attractions
Post Office CC Postmark
Drop a letter or postcard to your friends and family—maybe even as a memento to yourself—at our very own island post office, located on the dock. Letters mailed from here are delivered with the Disney Castaway Cay postmark.
Castaway Cay post office is the place to purchase special Disney Cruise Line stamps and mail those postcards that will have the Castaway Cay postmark. You will need cash, if you want to purchase postcards or stamps. Also, be aware that it could take weeks or even months for your postcard to arrive at its destination.
Pro Tip: as the Post Office is very rarely open, you can purchase the correct international postage from the Guest Services Desk on your ship
Scuttle’s Cove
Youth Activities
Little ones will have the time of their lives at this fun-filled play and activity area. Under the supervision of the same specially trained Disney Youth Activities counselors found on board at Disney’s Oceaneer Club, youngsters can build sandcastles, hunt for hidden treasures and play soccer and capture the flag. They can even channel their inner paleontologist and uncover giant whale bones at a “whale dig site.”
Open 9 am to 3:00 pm (when dropping off confirm hours)
Scuttle’s Cove is the “hub” of youth activities for kids (ages three to 10) and features a 1,200-square-foot water play area with a soft wet deck and an array of pop jets, geysers and bubblers. It also connects to Monstro Point, a dig site filled with artificial whale bones.
Castaway Family Beaches (2 beach areas)
Find your place in the sun at this gorgeous beach set aside for family fun. Make a splash at the waterslides. Have a blast sailing, paddling a kayak, or snorkeling in the blue lagoon. Savor a feast at Cookie's BBQ. And take advantage of a host of good-time activities—from lively music and dancing at the Gazebo to tetherball, volleyball and soccer at the Sports Beach. Children can even engage in an array of supervised games at the fanciful In Da Shade Game Pavilion!
Castaway Family Beach has plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks for a perfect day in the warm sun and comfortable shade, plus tube and float rentals for splashtacular fun in the swimming lagoon.
Snorkeling Lagoon (2 areas)
For water sport enthusiasts there are water cycles, paddleboats, sea kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards and snorkel gear for rent. The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures, including a submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and statues featuring the likeness of several favorite Disney characters.
It is mandatory to wear a snorkel vest in the lagoon. Complimentary vests are provided at all snorkel rental locations and lifeguard stations
You’ll be pleased to hear that yes, you may bring your own snorkel gear onboard a Disney cruise ship and then onto the island for your special day at Castaway Cay! Swim fins, snorkels, full face snorkel masks, and swim masks may be brought onboard and are not considered prohibited items. You may use your own gear on Castaway Cay and at beaches in any port of call that allows this activity. Please know that you cannot use this equipment in the pools onboard your Disney cruise ship. Guests are required to wear life vests provided at no cost while snorkeling in the lagoon, so be sure to grab one before diving in.
Pelican Plunge
Water Slide
Ride one of 2 twisting waterslides into a crystal-clear lagoon at this water-play platform for Guests off all ages.
Located within swimming distance from shore, Pelican Plunge is a 2,400-square-foot floating platform featuring water slides, water cannons and other get-wet fun.
Beach Sports
Tetherball, Volleyball and Soccer
Meet at the Sports Beach for beloved beach pastimes, including volleyball and tetherball.
Serenity Bay
Exclusive Adult Beach Area for 18 Years and older
Escape to this secluded oasis reserved exclusively for adults 18 years of age and older. Unwind beneath swaying palms, swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters and savor a delicious barbecue at Hangar 98 BBQ. For an additional fee, treat yourself to an open-air cabana massage or enjoy a frozen specialty drink from the Castaway Air Bar.
Located almost a mile from the main family beach, Serenity Bay is a pristine stretch of beach exclusively for adults. At Serenity Bay, where sparkling azure waters meet the pristine white sand, and palm trees sway in the breeze, special amenities and activities offer the ultimate in relaxation for adults
Amenities and Rentals
Arrival Plaza
Area located next to the docked ship
Gil’s Fin and Boats
Snorkel, Tube and Float Rentals
Rent snorkel gear for all family members, along with kayaks, paddleboats, aqua trikes and other water equipment for your day as a marine adventurer.
Bike Rentals
Nature-lovers rejoice there are a number of paths to the island’s interior that can be explored either on foot or by bicycle.
Getting around Castaway Cay is easy with bike rentals! You’ll find yourself pedaling along winding pathways through tropical grounds during a breezy ride the whole family will love. At the end of your adventure, bask in the waters of our private beach on your very own inflatable tube or float.
Sandcastle Family Beach Cabanas
Family cabanas for all ages
Sandcastle Family Beach Cabana – Family (18 reg, 1 ADA, 1 Grand)
#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 (no #13)
Fun fact they save #16 for wedding requests
Sandcastle Family Beach Cabana Accessible - Family #1
Sandcastle Family Beach Grand Cabana – Family #21
Massage Cabanas
Massages in open-air cabanas are also available to adults at Serenity Bay
Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas
Family Cabanas for All Ages
Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabana – Family (27 reg, 2 ADA, 1 Grand)
# 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 (no #13)
Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabana Accessible - Family
# 9, 11,
Mickey and Minnie Cove Grand Cabana - Family
# 29
Merchandise
Food, Drink and Seating
Cookie’s BBQ
Grab a quick lunch of delicious grilled ribs, chicken, burgers and more, steps from the fun on Castaway Family Beach
Buffet-style Barbeque
Open 11:30 am to 2 pm
A delicious all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet is served at the open-air Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too, located steps away from the main family beach under covered pavilions.
Summertime Freeze
Inspired by everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, Summertime Freeze located on Castaway Cay near the Pelican Point tram stop, features a creative menu of non-alcoholic specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups
Smoothie Specialty Drinks
This wintry watering hole features specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups. Visit Olaf's Summertime Freeze near the Pelican Point tram stop near Castaway Family Beach.
Open 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Summertime Freeze, an Olaf-inspired beverage location serving non-alcoholic specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups, allows guests the chance to cool down with creative menu items inspired by the animated hit “Frozen.”
Cookie’s Too BBQ
Feast on all-you-care-to-eat chicken, fish and burgers grilled island style, with fresh salads, ice cream and more
Buffet-style Barbeque
Open 11:30 am to 2 pm
A delicious all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet is served at the open-air Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too, located steps away from the main family beach under covered pavilions.
Tram Stops
Scuttle’s Cove Tram Stop
Service to Castaway Beach or back to Kargo Handling Tram stop
Next Tram Arrival: less than 6 minutes (Bahamian Time)
Operating Hours: 8 am to 4:45 pm
Extras
Castaway 5K and Medals Over The Years
Take off on a spectacular 5K around the island—finishers receive an exclusive Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal.
Guests looking for a way to exercise in paradise can take part in the Castaway Cay 5K, a run-on-your-own event that takes runners past swaying palms and sweeping shorelines to a finish line unlike any other.
Mount Rustmore
A decorative landmark near the family beach area — not an actual mountain, but a themed display that serves as a meet-and-greet and photo backdrop.
It’s made up of four large buoys or sculptures, each painted with the face of a classic Disney character: Mickey, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy.
Photo Opportunities/Moments And Character Costumes
Be on the lookout for popular Disney pals on Disney Castaway Cay. These are perfect moments for photo-snapping!
New costumed add to Disney Fab 5 and more
Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Donald, Chip and Dale
Throughout the island, guests are treated to a myriad of surprises from Disney characters, including special meet-and-greets and photo opportunities.
50+ Milestone Commemorative Display
Guests who have completed 50 or more sailings with Disney Cruise Line can commemorate this milestone by displaying their family (last) name on Disney Castaway Cay. Limited availability while supplies last.
In recognition of the families who have sailed with us more than 50 cruises, the Cast and Crew of Disney Cruise Line are pleased to showcase this display as our gift to celebrate the amazing – and countless – memories you’ve shared with us over the years. Thank you for being part of the Castaway Club – and here’s to many more magical moments
