5 Reasons to Love Disney’s Castaway Cay

This time last month we were still taking in that salty sea air while enjoying summer, and sun, and all things hot… Ahhh! Take me BACK! For anyone who may be unfamiliar with Castaway Cay (pronounced: key), I’m here to tell you all the reasons why you, too, will fall in love with this tropical oasis.

First, let me start with the basics. Castaway Cay aka Disney’s private island is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. All of their Bahamian and Caribbean cruises make stops here. And get this – some even include TWO stops at Castaway Cay! These itineraries are known as “double dip sailings”. We’ve barely been home a month and we are already itching to go back!

Fun Fact: Did you know that there are Disney Cast Members who actually live on the island full time?! I’m not sure how one actually lands a job on this little slice of paradise, but sign me up!

Here are 5 reasons to LOVE Disney’s Castaway Cay, including our tips on how to make the most of your day on the island!

1. Disney Theming + Caribbean Atmosphere

Castaway Cay is truly the best of both worlds – the Disney theming we all know and love combined with the perfect Caribbean atmosphere. You can expect pristine conditions (just like the parks!), gorgeous turquoise waters and incredible white-sand beaches. Everything you need for a day at the beach is literally right at your fingertips! Beach towels? They have them. Lounge chairs? Check. Life vests? Yep, they have those, too.

Bonus Tip: Get an early start! This is not the day to sleep in, so make sure to set your alarm and head out as soon as the captain gives the all clear to disembark the ship (usually around 8:30 AM).

2. Character Meet & Greets

The character fun certainly doesn’t stop on the ship. You might be surprised to know that even Mickey owns some pretty stylish island wear! You’ll also find Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy having a blast around the island, too!

Bonus Tip: Plan your Castaway Cay character meet & greets for the morning, before it gets too hot and your kiddos are covered in sweat + sand. You’ll enjoy better photos and shorter lines, too!

3. BBQ Lunch

Oh my word. The BBQ. Can we just talk about how GOOD the BBQ lunch is on Castaway Cay?! This delicious buffet style lunch opens at 11:30 AM and is completely complimentary. There are two dining locations to choose from (Cookie’s and Cookie’s Too) – both serving the same menu. You’ll have your choice of ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, spicy chicken sandwiches (so good!) and a TON of side options! And did I mention unlimited soft serve ice cream and fountain drinks? Yep, just like the ship! Let’s just say this – you certainly won’t go hungry on this island! Oh, and get the ribs. Trust me.

Bonus Tip: Don’t miss this fresh fruit stand right outside of Cookie’s BBQ. Serving up a wide variety of fruit options including freshly sliced pineapples.

4. Photo Opportunities

Make sure to pack your camera! Castaway Cay is full of amazing backdrops to take plenty of family photos. It seemed like everywhere we looked there was another fun photo opportunity. Here is a look at a few of our favorite photo spots around the island.

Mount Rustmore, also a character meeting location, is the perfect photo spot if you’re looking for a fun pop of color with the ship in the background.

If you have a Frozen fan in your house then you definitely won’t want to miss this adorable photo op at Olaf’s Summertime Freeze.

Don’t forget to snap a family photo in front of the ship, too!

5. Pelican Plunge

This awesome floating platform on Castaway’s Family Beach is a must-do with kids! At 2,400 square feet, Pelican Plunge features two water slides and a giant dumping bucket.

But before you take the plunge, there are a few things to keep in mind before venturing out into the bay. Children must be at least 38″ to ride and if they are under 48″ tall, they will be required to wear a life vest. The platform is a good distance out there and water depths are greater than 6 ft, so be prepared to swim a bit!

Bonus Perks: Shopping & Transportation

What’s a Disney vacay without a little souvenir shopping, right?! There are several shops around the island selling everything from sand toys to collectable pins to exclusive Castaway Cay beachwear. And yes, we bought allll the things. In fact, London picked out her very first pin trading kit right here!

Bonus Tip: No need to bring sand toys from home. Instead, “splurge” on the Disney themed sand toys here! Your littles will thank you and they make a great souvenir, too!

The walk to/from the ship really isn’t all that bad. However, if you have little ones who tire easily, I would encourage you to take the tram (especially at the end of your day)!

There are SO many reasons to love Castaway Cay. You can spend an entire day on the island and still not get to see it all. Which, by the way, is why so many people recommend a “double dip sailing”.

Did You Know?

There’s also a really cool kid’s club on the island called Scuttle’s Cove.

Kids ages 3-12 can hang out with the same awesome Disney counselors from the ship while digging for whale bones and taking part in some awesome water play. While the kids are playing in Scuttle’s Cove, mom & dad can head to Serenity Bay (an adults-only area) for some rest & relaxation.

What We’re Planning for Next Time…

We could barely pull these two away from the beach (I mean, can you blame them?!), so we pretty much spent our day right here. Soaking up the sun and building sand castles together.

I’m not sure I’d change anything about our day, but next time I’d love to participate in the Castaway Cay 5K and maybe even head out on a snorkeling adventure, too! We’re already dreaming of our next Disney Cruise and thinking about a 7-day sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. Oh, the possibilities!

It was truly an unforgettable day in paradise and we will most definitely be back!

Until next time, Castaway Cay…

Have you sailed to Castaway Cay? What is your favorite part of a Disney Cruise Line vacation?

xo,

Sumer

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