The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Castaway Cay: Your Private Island Paradise

Welcome to the Happiest Island on Earth

Picture this: You wake up on a Disney Cruise, step onto the deck, and are greeted by turquoise waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and a private Disney island where no detail is overlooked. Welcome to Castaway Cay, Disney’s slice of Bahamian heaven reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. It’s not just a beach day—it’s a whole vibe.

The Island Layout (Or: Where to Point Your Flip-Flops)

Castaway Cay is delightfully walkable, but there’s a tram if you’d rather coast in style. Here’s how the island breaks down:

Castaway Family Beach – White sands, calm lagoon water, and plenty of beach chairs. Paradise, basically.
Serenity Bay – Adults-only beach with peace, quiet, and a bar that doesn’t serve juice boxes.
Scuttle’s Cove – A kids’ club on the island run by the Disney counselors—aka: parent free time.
Pelican Plunge – Two waterslides anchored in the ocean. Swim out, slide down, repeat.
Bikes, Trails & Cabanas – Rent a bike to explore the 5K trail or splurge on a cabana (they sell out faster than Mickey-shaped ice cream bars).

What to Do (Other Than Nothing)

Snorkel Lagoon – Crystal-clear water with sunken surprises (hello, hidden Mickeys and an underwater Minnie statue).

Castaway Cay 5K – Yes, you can run a 5K on vacation and earn a medal. Great for burning off those cruise buffets.

Pelican Plunge – Our girls love these slides and go on them every trip to the island. Get there early and you can go multiple times before the lines get long!

Character Meet & Greets – Mickey and pals drop by in their beachwear. It’s like a surprise pool party with celebrities.

Excursions (Port Adventures) – Stingray encounters, glass-bottom boat tours, parasailing, or just floating on a raft. Your call.

Pro Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear, you will use it on every cruise, it’s more sanitary and it’s worth the investment

What (and Where) to Eat

Food on the island is included! Yep—your all-you-can-eat dreams continue.

Cookie’s BBQ & Cookie’s Too – Open-air dining with burgers, ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, and soft-serve ice cream that defies gravity in the Bahamian heat.
Serenity Bay BBQ – A slightly upgraded adults-only version with steak, fish, and fewer children screaming about ketchup.

Pro Tip: Hit the BBQ early before the crowds roll in. The ribs go fast. Also, get a brownie or a cookie (or both!) and break it up into a cup of soft serve (they have wooden spoons by the soft serve machines)- delish!

Insider Tips & Tricks

Early Bird Gets the Umbrella – Disembark early to score prime chairs and shade. Our favorite spot is Pelican Plunge, first row on the beach.
No Wallet Needed – Your Key to the World card is all you need. It’s cashless island bliss.
Towels Are Provided – Grab them as you get off the ship. No need to haul your own.
Postcards from Paradise – Mail a postcard from the Castaway Cay post office with a Bahamian postmark (if it’s open!).
Cabana Goals – If you want a private cabana, book it the literal minute your booking window opens.

Final Thoughts: Your Best Beach Day Ever

Castaway Cay is the ultimate unplug-and-recharge stop on your Disney cruise. Whether you’re sipping a Konk Kooler (the island’s signature frozen drink), snoozing in a hammock, snorkeling with tropical fish, or watching your kids go full sandcastle architect—it’s all magic, no stress.

So toss on your ears, slather on that SPF 50, and prepare to make some sun-soaked memories. And remember: the only thing better than a day on Castaway Cay… is two.

Want packing tips or cruise-specific Castaway advice? Just say the word!