Disney's Castaway Cay

When you go on a Disney Cruise, depending on which one you select, you might get to spend a day (or two!) on a private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. Originally 'Gorda Cay' the Walt Disney Company purchased the 1,000 acre property near Great Abaco Island in 1996. This is an exclusive port for Disney Cruise guests only.

There's so much to do both in the water and out, that you'd have to go a handful of times to experience it all.

My family and I were there on February 23, 2013. The pictures you see here are from our trip. :)

Spend a day at the beach...

Intro Image: Yup, that's my photo too.

The Saturday that we were there we could go on the island at 8:30 am but I don't think we made it out there until around 11:00. We slept in and then rode the Aqua Duck water coaster on the Disney Dream while the line wasn't so long.

While we were still onboard, Castaway Cay was already bustling with a Run Disney 5K race bright and early, and an Island Power Walk around the island after that. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Goofie, Chip & Dale, Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook & Smee, and Lilo & Stitch were all out at various spots for photo ops and autograph signings.

Once we made it outside we grabbed beach towels that they offer at the Arrival Plaza we walked to the 1st tram stop (it's the orange 16 on the map below). We skipped the next stop and kept going toward the middle of the island getting off at the Pelican Point Tram Stop (orange 18). We decided to eat lunch first, and asked someone where my husband's Gluten Free food was going to be delivered. -Oh, I should tell you about that. If you have certain food restrictions, just let your servers on board know that you'd like to have a meal made ahead of time.- We were directed to Cookies BBQ (blue 3 on the map). My daughter and I went through the line while my husband was being helped by a staff member. Lunch on Castaway Cay is included just like meals on the ship, so you won't have to fumble with cash or worry about how much everything costs. There's plenty of covered seating so you can get out of the hot midday sun.

After we ate all we wanted to do was relax. We found some lounge chairs on one of the family beaches, claimed our spot and I stayed put. My husband and daughter went out to the water. I did go and join them for a bit, but it was too cold for me. The weather was absolutely beautiful on this day in February though. The sun was shining. :)

While we were taking it easy there were plenty of other options for those who wanted to be active. There was a Dance Party, Yoga on the beach, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, and a Sandcastle Competition. There were separate activities for little kids, teens, and adults, and many things for families to do together including a number of excursions you could pay for like Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure, Seahorse Snorkel Adventure, Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage, and Parasailing among others. There were also rental opportunities for bikes, snorkeling gear, paddle boats, kayaks, floats, and more. Oh! And cabanas. They have cabanas that you can rent that offer more privacy than the beaches. We did not get one, but they do look pretty cool. If you plan on renting one do so BEFORE your cruise. They fill up quickly.

Castaway Cay also has a post office, and a few stores with souvenirs you can't get anywhere else, except maybe ebay. ;)

If for whatever reason you choose not to spend much time outside on the island, you can always go back on the cruise ship. While we were there everyone had to be back onboard by 5:00 pm.

(Click to open a larger image.)

Every time I see "Cay" I want to say 'K' (have you been saying K as you read it too?) but nope, it's pronounced 'key'.

Ariel 2-Piece Swimsuit for Girls
$19.95

A super cute two piece bathing suit in shimmering scale-like fabric with Ariel screen art and pleated tulle skirt. SPF 50+ UV protection. Available in sizes 2, 3, 4, 5/6, 7/8, and 9/10.

The Ariel Swim Collection also includes a coordinating cover-up, flip-flops, sunglasses, beach towel, sun hat, and swim bag.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates Swim Trunks for Boys
$19.95

Swashbuckling board shorts with Jake screen art and appliqués, Never Land print, elastic waistband with string tie in front, and one pocket. UPF 50+ UV protection. Available in sizes 2, 3, 4, 5/6, and 7/8.

The Jake and the Never Land Pirates Swim Collection also includes a coordinating rash guard swim shirt, flip flops, swim shoes, goggles, sunglasses, and beach towel.

Note: Swim collections are currently out of season.
Check out DisneyStore.com to find more clothing and gifts.

Disney Magic
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from San Juan
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
12-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Wonder
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (2 days on Castaway Cay!)
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral (2 days on Castaway Cay!)
5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami
6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami
15-Night Panama Canal Cruise from Miami

Disney Dream
3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
Disney Fantasy
7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Check out the official website of Disney Cruise Line for details.