Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line's private island of paradise in the Bahamas
Cay is pronounced “Key”
Typically stop here on any Caribbean cruise
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
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.
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. There is also a Teen Beach located at the far west end of the Family Beach.
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 definitely 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!
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.
New ashore time 7:30 am for 2024
Book verandah on starboard side for Castaway Cay toward AFT
Castaway Cay look to book excursions in the morning because the wind picks up as the day goes on
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)
Book stateroom STARBOARD side to see the island when docked
If you purchase a reusable place bag what ever you purchase can be shipped back to the ship in order for you to pick up at a shop (therefore no need to carry it around all day)
All Around Information
Pronounced “Key”
Arrive 8 am and stay to roughly 3 – 4 pm
Typically, a beautiful beach day
1000 acres size land
2400-foot-long air strip
5 K
Flat 5 K in a foreign country (Bahamas)
Get a medal
Can get off ship early
Used to meet and get bibs
Post Office
Cash only
Bahama stamp
Takes a long time to receive the mail
Need Key to the World Card to get on and off the ship and to purchase anything on the island
Navigator app works on the island
Chat still works
Can see all the scheduled items
Extension of DCL is on the island
Most of the staff gets off the ship and man’s island
Recommend getting off the ship even for a small/short time
Photo Pass
Works on the island with many characters
Stationed around the island
They know the good spots for photos
Tram
First 2 stops are family beach
Third stop is Serenity Bay 18-year-old plus only
Recommend the 2nd stop because the walkers will stop at the first beach and grab those chairs
Cabanas
Rentable at both family beach and serenity beach
Go very quickly because of limited amount
Pricey but worth it
Very hard to get unless concierge or very high CC level
Excursions
Snorkel equipment rented or bring
Hidden statues and treasures at the reefs
Kayaks for rent
Inner tubes
Rent a bike to ride
Parasail
Food options
Cookies 1 and 2 BBQ
Hamburger, hot dog, BBQ chicken, side dishes, fruit, ice cream soft serve
Soft drinks
No assigned time to dine
Open 11 - 11:30 am to 2 – 2:30 pm
Serenity Bay restaurant is the same as Cookies except add Rib eye steaks and adult only area
Serenity bar is very quiet but rocky bring water shoes
Take the port day easy and relax
Hammocks on the beach but get taken quickly
Covered areas
Basketball hoop, checkers, ping pong
Kids club
Scuttle cove for both age young and old
Do not get taken to the ocean
Water play areas on the island and in the ocean with slides, water cannons, rope swings, but you need to be able to swim to the area
Bring sandcastle toys
Gift Shops
They sell items only on the island
Need key to the world card
Hawaiian shirts
Beach towels
Ornaments
Take time and shop
Cooler bags
DCL will sell cooler bags
Can fill with beer, water, or soda
Nice on the beach so do not need to go to the bar
There will be a few waiters walking on the beach
Can keep cooler and use other times also
Disney’s Castaway Cay Debuts New Character Looks (March 2024)
Disembarkation and Embarkation from Castaway Cay
Guests 18 years and older need photo ID and Key to the World Card
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
Basic Information
Cast Members are on hand to give out beach towels, so you don’t need to bring a towel from the ship
Towel drop-off and pick-up bins at all the beaches
Outdoor showers by the bathrooms at each beach
Typical hours 8 am to 4:45 pm
Post Office
There is a post office on Castaway Cay operated by the Bahamian authorities
It’s located on the right side when walking from the ship and may not be open every day, but you can still mail letters and postcards using the drop box outside
If you forget to mail it stop by Guest Services on the ship and they can help
Stamps can also be purchased from Guest Services (this is a must)
Letters mailed from either the island or the ship will be delivered with the Castaway Cay postmark
Our mailed postcard took about 6 weeks to get to us
Of note if the post office is open you can only use CASH to purchase stamps, they cannot scan your Key to the World Card
How TO Get Around the Island
Guests can walk the entire area of the developed part of Castaway Cay
Trams also run for easier transportation
There are four tram stops and two tram routes for guests to use
First route goes from the dock to Scuttle’s Cove which is near the front of the family beaches and then to Pelican’s Point, about halfway down the family beaches
I recommend stopping at the second stop because it will be less crowded because walkers will stop at the first beach to set up for the day
Second tram route goes back and forth between Pelican’s Point and Serenity Bay, the adult beach.
The Serenity Bay tram has a sign on it and the tram looks different than the other one. Of note no children can even board this tram
From the boat to the bike rack if you walk it is 0.7 miles
Great photo opportunities with or without characters
Typically, there will be both characters and photo pass cast members taking photos outside the post office
This will have a great background with the ship and the character on the back of the ship
Characters you might see typically are Mickey and friends in beach outfits, Captain Jack Sparrow, and Captain Hook
Check your Navigator App for more information
Mount Rustmore is a landmark made of four buoys, each painted with a different face: Mickey, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy.
The round Mickey buoy has a pair of mouse ears, while the Goofy buoy has a tower representing his hat.
family beaches
One large family beach separated into two by Pelican Point
Many lounge chairs, umbrellas, or beach chairs available
Beautiful views of the DCL ship from the beach
Snorkeling Lagoon
22-acre snorkeling lagoon
You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent some
All must wear a vest that is free to use
Search underwater for the Mickey and Minnie statue, Prince Eric statue, Dumbo the Flying Elephant vehicle, Boo’s door and more
Look for the white buoy marker to help find the hidden treasures
Two ways to get to this location
Discover trail is for beginners
Explorer Trail is for experienced snorkelers
Look for the white buoys and check out what is below the surface
Pelican Plunge
A pair of twisting water slides that is out on a floating dock
You will have to swim out there
One slide is more intense, but both are made for kids
Pelican Plunge right slide is closed tube is much faster
While out on the floating dock check out Pelican Point an overlook area between the two-family beaches named in honor of the island’s native pelicans
Kids’ Areas
Scuttle’s Cove
This location is the Oceaneer’s club on the island
The same Cast Members will be there
Feel free to check your kids in and out
Fun activities for this spot will be mentioned in the Navigator App
Make sure to check the kids out to get some delicious BBQ at Cookies
Monstro Point is found here a dig site with whale bones named from Pinocchio
Teen Hideout
Yes, this location is well hidden so make sure to ask or look on the map
Space for kids 14 – 17 years old
Serenity Bay
Adult only area on the island
Has beach chairs, beach lounges and umbrellas
Location of some of the breath-taking cabanas which typically sell out quickly
Look to reserve the same time port adventures are available for booking
Some massages are offered on this beach also
No need to leave the area to eat, there is a BBQ here for you including the addition of steak not served at all locations
Very rocky therefore bring or wear water shoes
Port Adventures and Other activities on the island
Some experiences may not be available, canceled and refunded if it is windy or bad weather
Once off the ship check the chalkboard that updates you
In Da Shade
Is a covered section where you can play billiards, basketball, ping pong, checkers, and foosball
In the outdoor area you can play volleyball, soccer, and tetherball
Rentals
Bike rentals for 1 or 2 people with child seat is located where the Castaway Cay 5 K starts
Between the dock and first family beach is the boat area
It is called Marge’s Barges & Sea Charters Dock
Rental equipment by the 30 minutes at a time include:
2-person aqua trike, stand up paddleboard, paddle boats and kayaks
Snorkel gear rentals found at
Gil’s Fins and Boats (snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boats & other)
Flippers and Floats (snorkel gear and inner tubes)
Windsock Hut (Serenity Bar float rentals)
Castaway Cay Getaway Package
Snorkel equipment, float or inner tube for the day and 1 hour bike rental
Castaway Cay Extreme Getaway Package
Snorkel equipment, floats, or inner tubes for the day and 1 hour bike rental and Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure
Other port adventures include parasailing, fishing, glass bottom boat & more
Castaway Cay 5K
Guests can explore the island running a fun 5K which can be started at any time
It is free to participate
Signs at the starting point and throughout the path, which goes down the airstrip, and back
Once completed make sure to grab your rubber medal
Observation Tower
40 feet tall with just under 50 steps to the top
Binoculars are at the top to explore the views of the island
Located in the middle of the island where two nature trails connect
Dining
BBQ food in included and offered during lunch
Cookies BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ and Air Bar BBQ at Serenity Bay
There are covered areas to eat or take it with you back to the beach
Make sure to check out the fresh fruit, cookies, and soft serve ice cream
Lots of gluten free options on Castaway Cay and they will give you the menu the night before at dinner
Gluten free menu includes hot dogs, burgers, chicken, salmon, ribs, lemon cake, carrot cake, ice cream and cookies
Extra charge options will include alcoholic drinks, cocktails, beer, soda (soda is included at the restaurants) or some of the specialty drinks and sippers (Olaf sipper and Olaf’s Summertime Freeze)
Some bars include Conched Out Bar, Head’s Up Bar, and Air Bar on Serenity Bay
Of note servers can deliver drinks straight to you on the beach
Shopping
Many shops located on the island
Of note many Castaway Cay specific items are ONLY found and offered on the island. These will not be sold anywhere else.
She Sells Sea Shells and Everything Else
Located by Family Beach next to Scuttle’s Cove
Buy the Seashore
Located near Pelican Point
Local Bahamians travel by boat to run various shops selling local goods
Located by In Da Shade area
Cabanas
Price Increase for Castaway Cay Cabanas (as of 1/31/2024)
Look 10 days out from sailing for any lucky dropped Cabanas
20 cabanas with 4 additional ones on Serenity Bay
Fun fact original idea for the cabanas was to be used as a perk for concierge rooms but honestly now they are typically the only ones that can get a cabana unless lucky
Golf cart to cabana which includes snorkel gear, water, fruit and soda in fridge and sand toys, towels, floats, and bikes to use
Very shallow water in front of the cabana
Family Beach Cabanas #2 - 20 (Max 10 guests including infants)
$880 (up from $797.50) up to 6 guests
**FUN FACT THEY SAVE #17 FOR WEDDING REQUESTS**
Can accommodate up to 10 guests
An additional $56 (up from $50) + tax charge per person for guests 7-10 if child age 0 - 2 cost is $0 and guests age 3 and up are a charge
Family Grand Cabana #21 (Max 16 guests including infants)
Only one available for $1,238 (up from $1,127.50) up to 10 guests
Grand Cabana can accommodate up to 16 guests
An additional $56 (up from $50) + tax charge per person for guests 11-16 if child age 0 - 2 cost is $0 and guests age 3 and up are a charge
Serenity Bay Cabana #22 - 27 (Adult only Max 10 guests)
Adults only
$523 (up from $493.90) up to 4 guests
Can accommodate up to 10 guests
An additional $56 (up from $50) + tax charge per person for guests 5-10
Castaway Cay 5k and Medals over the years
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.
Olaf’s Summertime Freeze
Beginner’s Guide to Disney Castaway Cay
Ahoy Disney cruisers! If you’re sailing on a Disney Cruise Line Bahamian or Caribbean cruise, you might see Disney Castaway Cay on your itinerary. Castaway Cay is a private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to enjoy world-class beaches and ample amenities with a touch of Disney magic. Here are some of the offerings you’ll find ashore:
1. The Perfect Beach Day
You can expect the same signature Disney hospitality on Castaway Cay as you find on board the ship. Towels are provided as you disembark, and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are set up on the white-sand beaches for maximum convenience. Has all the fun in the sun worked up an appetite? Castaway Cay has you covered! A delicious all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch and unlimited soft serve ice cream is included in your visit.
2. Fun in the Sun
There is so much to see and do at Castaway Cay, from swimming and snorkeling in the blue lagoon to setting out on an adventure in a kayak or paddleboat. If you’re looking for a thrill, swim out to Pelican Plunge and hit the waterslides! Once you’ve had your fill of sunshine, head over to the In Da Shade Pavilion, where the whole family can enjoy various games like ping pong, basketball, and more.
Take advantage of all the island entertainment! Check out the live music and dance parties hosted at the Gazebo and keep an eye out for character appearances throughout the day. Mickey and his friends are dressed in their island best, which makes for a unique photo op.
3. Just For Kids
While there is plenty of family-friendly entertainment on Castaway Cay, there is also programming just for kids! Like the Oceaneer Club on the cruise ships, sailors ages 3-12 can visit Scuttle’s Cove to enjoy age-appropriate, supervised fun. Activities include sandcastle building, water games, scavenger hunts, and more. Teen Hideout allows teens ages 14-17 to have a space of their own in paradise to enjoy island activities without adults (or kids) around!
4. Adults Exclusives
Guests ages 18 and older can escape to Serenity Bay, an adults-only retreat on Castaway Cay. Your little ones can enjoy secured youth programming at Scuttle’s Cove while you grab a specialty beverage from Castaway Air Bar, find a relaxing hammock, and enjoy the serene sounds of the ocean. Indulge in a delicious feast at Serenity Bay BBQ – a peaceful lunch spot reserved only for adults.
5. Port Adventures
Castaway Cay is home to an exciting collection of excursions that are sure to make your visit unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty on the island, get up close with the local sea life, or embrace your adventurous side with a range of water sports, there is Port Adventure for everyone.
You can also download a copy of the Disney Castaway Cay planDisney pocket guide here.
Don’t forget to check out our past editions of the Disney Cruise Line pocket guides, where we cover the basics of each ship in the fleet. Complete your pocket guide collection with the Disney Resort hotel pocket guides to help you plan your next vacation ashore! For more fun tips and great advice for planning your next Disney vacation stop by @planDisneyPanel on Instagram, @planDisney on Twitter, or planDisney.com. We look forward to answering your planning questions.
Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney. Repost from Disney Parks Blog.
Castaway Cay Challenge
Occurs after marathon weekend
Must register for it and it will sell out typically day 1
Any race marathon weekend qualifies for adding CC 5K challenge
Must have cruise pre-booked and will need reservation number
Two separate reservation numbers
Marathon weekend race and then Castaway Cay Challenge
Sign up for marathon weekend race first
Castaway Cay Challenge cost around $95
Regular 5K is around $105
CC is more of a real race
Well organized and get a bib
Bib picked up marathon weekend
Get two medals (plastic and metal)
4-night cruise
Day at sea (pirate night), Nassau, Castaway Cay, sea
Run Disney extra events
Trivia
Crafts (shoe ornament, etc.)
Help desk
Race route up all the time
Run Disney backs for photos
Dopey was on the ship the day of the race
Night before has Q and A about the race
You get to castaway cay a day before the race
Meet up for race around 5:30 am and it starts at 7 am
You cannot go on the beaches
Nice sunrise pictures with the ship
From Nassau the ship is full steam ahead to get to Castaway Cay
No special merchandise on the ship/island for the race
Race morning Marceline Market has continental breakfast
Family and friends can get off the ship and watch the race
This 5K is a difference course than the typically 5K course
Offer bag check
3 different sections of people to start with
Characters on the course:
Mickey and Minnie
Donald and Daisy
Scrooge, Chip and Dale, Max,
No chips for time
Music by the characters only
FAQs
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5k medal might be at guest services if not at the finish line or on the island
Snorkeling and sting ray encounters
Have heard really great things about these both
Cookies 1 and 2 BBQ 11 – 2:30 pm
Exclusive items only on the island in gift shops
Tower on the run has great views of entire island
Serenity bay is adult only area but water is shallow and lots of shells/rocks so bring water shoes
Scuttles cove excellent kids club
Cabanas are amazing and pricy if you can score one
Send one person off early to reserve beach chairs and shade especially on family beach otherwise will have to walk long ways
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This is actually a great day on the ship since the majority of the passengers will be enjoying beach time. You will have the option of the buffet (Cabanas or Marceline Market depending on your ship), quick service options near the pool deck, or even room service. There are plenty of options to keep you well fed either on or off the ship when at Castaway Cay.
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Beach wheelchairs are free for guest use while on island.
They are available on a first-come, first-served basis so I highly recommend at least one person in your party disembark the ship early to be sure you have what you need for an amazing beach day together.
Once you disembark you can either take the path from the ship which is a smooth hard surface, wide enough for a wheelchair and family, or use the accessible trams.
There are small groups of these special-equipped wheelchairs to navigate the beach ready for you upon arrival at each tram stop.
You’ll find the beach wheelchairs in a Guest Services area safely tucked away from the tram traffic.
The beach wheelchairs are available at:
Scuttle’s Cove Tram Stop
Pelican Point Tram Stop
Serenity Bay Tram Stop (the area of the island for ages 18-and-older only).
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The process is the same for going ashore in both Nassau and Castaway Cay.
Guests over the age of 15 are required to show a driver’s license or government-issued photo I.D. and their Key to the World card. Everyone in the party will need to show their Key to the World card to get on and off the ship at every port. These are scanned therefore have them ready.
You’ll find your Key to the World card outside your stateroom door on the first day; essentially, it is your stateroom key and onboard identification.
While you need a birth certificate or passport to board, you can keep them safely tucked away in your stateroom safe for the remainder of the cruise. Your birth certificate should be the original or copy of the state-issued birth certificate.
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When it comes to setting up the Port Adventure itself, once your booking window opens, you'll be able to find the Bicycle Rentals (C04) Port Adventure on your Castaway Cay day under the "Book/Manage Cruise Activities" section of the Disney Cruise Line website! When you select this activity, you'll only see one time listed - 8 a.m. - but don't worry, that doesn't mean you have to wake up early on vacation either - it's just the time that rentals start!
When you arrive at Castaway Cay on your cruise, simply swing by the bike rental area, by the far end of Family Beach - you can't miss it! You'll be able to take your pick of several styles of bike, even some with child seats! This makes it an activity the entire family can enjoy together!
I know sand in your shoes isn't everyone's idea of a great souvenir from a day on a tropical island, but I definitely suggest wearing actual shoes and not sandals while pedaling your way around the island! Packing a small backpack or beach bag with your sandals (and sunscreen!) is a great way to stay safe and prepped for your day on Castaway - without having to run back to your stateroom!
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There are many types of bikes available at the bike rental area on Castaway Cay. You can find bikes for adults and for children, and also bikes for adults that have a child seat integrated. Children will need to wear helmets, and they are provided. The bike rental area is located at the far end of the family beach. When you arrive, you will be able to check out all of the bicycles available to be sure that there are some that suit your needs!
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When you reserve your cabana or book any Disney Cruise Line activities the associated charges will be billed to your onboard account. My husband and I always like to reserve a massage at Senses Spa & Salon and although we make those reservations in advance of our sail date, our card is not charged at that time. Instead, our onboard account is billed once we've boarded the ship. Keep in mind that you have until 3 days prior to departure to cancel any reserved activities, unless otherwise noted for a specific activity or rental. After that, the reservation is final and non-refundable.
If your ship is unable to dock at Disney Castaway Cay your pre-reserved Port Adventures on the island, as well as the fees associated with the cabana rental would not be charged to your onboard account. This would also be true for any Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures reserved at other ports where your ship was unable to dock. If your ship is successfully able to port and you skip your reserved activity, you would still be billed those fees.