Updated: Apr 29, 2020

Castaway Cay is Disney’s own private island located in the Bahamas. This island is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. Here is my blog post on what to expect when you’re expecting a trip to Castaway Cay.

How to get to Castaway Cay:

Disney Cruise

If you are interested in taking a Disney Cruise, please see my blog post Disney Dream Cruise. Yes, I spent A LOT of time deciding on a name for each of my blog posts. hehe

Here are your choices:

A) 3- and 4- night cruise to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, located in Florida.

B) 5- night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral, located in Florida.

Airport

Closet airport to Port Canaveral is, Orlando International Airport.

Cost

Castaway Island is FREE.

Castaway Times

If you want to be first off the ship, plan to be at the doors around 9 am. Passengers can walk right off, and on the ship at any time.

Breakfast

When getting off the ship early for Castaway Cay you can order room service the night before for an early morning breakfast delivery! Otherwise, you can head to the buffet for a relaxing breakfast before leaving the ship.

What you should not bring:

Towels and life vests are provided on the island. Cash is not accepted on Castaway Cay, except at the Post Office. Your Key to The World is your form of payment. There Are No Lockers on the Island!

(Disney Cruise Line prohibits guests from bringing on board personal inflatable floats and pool noodles, but float rentals are available on Castaway Cay through Port Adventures.)

What should you bring?

Sand toys, sunscreen, beach bags, and snorkel gear.

Tram

Skip the tram and walk to the beach. It’s a short walk for active families.

Plus, if you take the tram, then you will miss some of the island characters and all the amazing photo spots on Castaway Cay. You will see cast members at all of these locations willing and waiting to take your pictures.

Everyone’s been part of terrible family pictures and here is ours. Can you spot what went wrong?

Once on the beach

Everything needed for the beach is there for FREE. From lounge chairs, towels, hammocks, and beach umbrellas. I was truly impressed, because there are lifeguards everywhere you look!

Free things to do:

Pelican Plunge

Pelican Plunge is a 2,400-square-foot floating water platform with 2 twisting water slides. Keep in mind, it is on a platform in the middle of a cove, so your kids will need to be able to swim out to it. Guests must be at least 38 inches tall to go on the water slide.

A play area in the middle of the water. (12 and under)

Serenity Bay Beach

This is the adult only beach section which is in the perfect spot because it’s the furthest away.

Snorkeling Lagoon

The Snorkeling Lagoon is connected to the Family Beach and offers 22 acres to snorkel, including a beginners trail. (Brett’s thoughts)

Character Meet and Greets

There will be characters you can meet on Castaway Cay and they are found all around the island.

Rentals on Castaway Cay

Floats

Float rentals are available on Castaway Cay at Port Adventures.

Snorkel Gear

Rent Snorkeling Equipment or bring your own snorkel gear. If you want to rent your equipment pick it up from Gil’s Fins and Boats or Flippers n Floats, and it’s yours for the whole day.

Bikes

Bikes are available to rent near Flippers and Floats. Helmets are included. You can rent bikes of all sizes includes ones with training wheels and child seats. The Island is 1000 acres and the bikes give you the ability to explore the entire island on your own for hours.

Misc Water Rentals

You can rent kayaks, paddle boats, paddle boards, and aqua trikes.

Rent private cabanas with your own private beach

Only 25 (325-square-foot) beach cabanas are available on the far side of Castaway Island. There are a few available on the adult-only island too. The cabana features include a refrigerator, lockable storage unit, outside fresh water shower, and a sail cloth for shade on the deck. A variety of a la-carte services and packages are offered, including special food and beverage options.

Lunch on the Island- Free

There’s no need to worry about getting back on the ship to eat lunch. The buffet serves bbq chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs until 2 pm. There are refreshment stations located all around the island serving soft drinks, water, juice, and iced tea.

Cocktails

Cocktails are not included and cost around $5.50 each. Just like Disney World the drinks are strong. I had a good buzz after only one Long Island Iced Tea. It was completely worth the money.

I am surprised the cups are Styrofoam considering Disney is usually “eco-friendly.”

Castaway 5k Run- Free

You can register for the Castaway Cay 5K at any time you are on-board the ship at the Excursion desk. This event is open to Guests 10 years of age and older. You can walk the 5k, but jogging strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs are not allowed. This is a great way to explore the island before everyone else disembarks. All finishers receive an exclusive Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal. Space is limited.

Did you see something you like? Here’s what we wore:

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