Disney Cruise Line includes many shipboard amenities, one of which is spending the entire day at Disney’s private Bahamian island called Castaway Cay. Here, guests are treated to an island paradise away from everyday reality. The conveniences begin the moment guests step off the ship, where no tendering is required, allowing guests the freedom to come and go all day long, on immaculate, paved surfaces.
Once ashore, guests are greeted by cast members offering bottled water for sale in convenient, insulated picnic packs and free beach towels. An open air tram shuttles guests to their beach of choice, be it the Family Beach, Adult Only Beach (Serenity Bay), or the Teen Only Beach (Hide Out). Free loungers, chairs, large umbrellas and life jackets are provided for every guest, as well as fountain sodas, fountain water, an amazing beach barbecue at Cookie’s BBQ, all the soft serve ice-cream you care to eat and fresh fruit. Guests will find, within an easy walk, spacious restrooms, showers and island shops. All you need for shop purchases is your Key to the World Card, for the post office bring small bills because they only accept cash.
Castaway Cay offers many activities at a reasonable cost, with the peace of mind afforded by Disney Cruise Line. Port adventures on Castaway Cay include: spa treatments including open air massages, bottom fishing, stingray experiences, glass bottom boat tours, parasailing, snorkelling, kayak and walking nature adventures. Guests can also rent bicycles, boats and small watercraft to tour the island, or participate in a pleasurable 5K run/walk early in the morning or simply bask, relax and enjoy the pristine beaches. Strollers, beach wheelchairs, wagons and water play toys such as floats and tubes can also be rented on the island. Showers can be found all over the place, including a set near the ship, just before you board at the end of the day. That’s convenience!
The beaches at Castaway Cay are immaculate and have powder white sand. They are enclosed, relatively shallow, with small, gentle waves. Near the Family Beach, guests enjoy Pelican Plunge, a floating platform with two watersides and a large water-play area. Guests with small children have the option of enjoying Spring-a-Leak and Scuttle’s Cove. Both offering a large water-play area with fountains, jets and sprinklers, as well, Scuttle’s Cove has a fun, interactive whale bone excavation site. On the Family and Adult Beach, guests have the option of renting a private Cabana for the day. Cabanas have a fee and the amenities are wonderful. Guests are provided with a living room/changing area with a mini fridge stocked with fresh fruit, juices, granola bars, potato chips, bottled water and canned soda. A cast member is a bell ring away and will happily refill the bar area and help with anything else. The Cabana has a covered porch with two, padded loungers, an outdoor private shower, magazines, sunscreen, bicycles and your own hammock. Your private strip of beach awaits, which includes all water floatation toys, snorkel equipment, two loungers, two chairs a large umbrella and beach toys.
A wonderful addition is the highly interactive character greets throughout the day. Character greet and photo opportunities are posted on all island information boards. A most favourite photo spot on the island is Mount Rustmore, pictured below.
Visiting Castaway Cay is always a highlight with guests on most Disney Cruise Line itineraries, and some even make two Castaway Cay stops!
Ahoy!
Do you &/or your family have a favorite part of Castaway Cove? Are you looking forward to experiencing this private island anytime soon? Share with us!
I have visited the Disney Parks, (Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts) over twenty-five times, visited Aulani, and sailed nine times with Disney Cruise Line on all four ships in the fleet. Having a special needs family member places another dimension of planning for and visiting the Disney Parks and sailing with Disney, and I have to say that it is these vacations that have allowed us to see the greatest developmental improvements in our now teen aged son.
