Everything You Need To Know About Castaway Cay

While most people choose their cruising itineraries based on exotic locales and new experiences, Disney Cruise Line changed the game when it became the first in the industry to offer a private island experience with Castaway Cay.

Unlike most ports, when cruisers visit a private island, they don’t have to tender onto the island, the experiences are closer to the ship, and many of the things to do are included in the price of the cruise.

With multiple beachfront areas for families, kids, and adults, free experiences, and unique paid experiences, Disney Cruise Line cruisers return again and again to Castaway Cay, often choosing their itineraries accordingly.

Here’s a list of the most exciting things to do at Castaway Cay, and many of them are free!

What is Castaway Cay?

Leased from the Bahamian government in 1997, Castaway Cay (formerly Gorda Cay) is Disney Cruise Line’s private island. Disney invested $25 million into the island to create the infrastructure, buildings, and 50,000 truckloads of sand. For a deep dive into the history of Castaway Cay, check out this article.

Now, Castaway Cay is a favorite stop of the Disney Cruise Line cruisers. It has tons of beach space, places to play, places to relax, free activities, and exciting (or relaxing) paid adventures.

Below, I’ll go over what Castaway Cay has to offer should you choose to get marooned there, and I’ll share a few tips and secrets along the way.

If you’re heading to Castaway Cay, and you’ve never been on a Disney Cruise before, I recommend you check out my article about taking a Disney Cruise for the first time.

Layout of Castaway Cay

Before I tell you all the exciting things to do at Castaway Cay, I want to explain the layout of the island so that you’ll know where everything is.

West Shore

Boating Beach

The first beach you come to is the boating beach. This beach is reserved for watercraft rentals, and the water in front of it is reserved for watercraft including paddleboats. I spent many an hour (and calorie) peddling my daughters around this area, chasing the fish we could see in the clear water.

Family Beaches

Beyond this first beach and a peninsula (and bar), Castaway Cay has two family beaches separated by another peninsula. The first is close to the dock and is the most popular guest area.

The right side of the water is dedicated to snorkeling, and the left has an open swim area and an obstacle course that families can swim to.

The second beach is just past the peninsula (and another bar). This beach boasts Pelican Plunge, an offshore waterslide/splash pad you can swim out to.

Family Cabanas

Past the family beaches are the family cabanas. For a steep price, you can have a private cabana (and semi-private beach/water area) with concierge services.

Inland Areas near the Family Beaches

Scuttles Cove and the Hideout

Scuttles Cove is a play area for kids 3-12 that takes the place of the Oceaneer Club since the Oceaneer Club is not available on the boat while in port. Parents can drop their kids off here and experience the island alone or check out Serenity Bay.

It has cast members organizing activities, play areas, and a splash pad. The Hideout is a teen area for older kids to meet up and play games, supervised by counselors.

Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too BBQ

These are the restaurants on the island open for lunch from 11 am to 2 p.m. near the family beaches. They are strict about the 2 p.m. rule, so don’t forget to eat. The food is a barbecue buffet, and they (hence the name) are known for their giant cookies.

Spring-a-Leak

This is a family play area that consists of a splash pad. It’s a great area for smaller kids.

Other Places

The rest of the inland area near the family beaches is made of souvenir shops, smoothie bars, seating areas, a game pavilion, and restrooms.

Northwest Shore

Serenity Bay

On the west side of the island is Serenity Bay, the adults-only portion of the island—serene because there are no loud children. I’ll explain this area more in depth below.

Inland areas near the West Shore

Bike Path and Observation Tower

There’s a bike path that leads to an observation tower that allows you to see the whole island. The bike path will also take you past some of the undeveloped beaches at Castaway Cay.

Now, let’s talk about all the exciting things to do on Castaway Cay. 

Free things to do at Castaway Cay

What’s free at Disney’s Castaway Cay?

Going to Castaway Cay is free. Getting off the boat is free. The cast members pass out free towels (and there are several places on the island to drop off towels and get new ones). So, get off the boat and wander around. Now, here’s a bunch of other things that are free.

1. Transportation at Castaway Cay

The island uses a tram to get everyone from one place to another. You can also walk, but I recommend the tram, especially if you are heading to Serenity Bay. It’s a long way.

The tram is similar to the tram that takes you to the parks from the parking lot at Disney World. The big difference is that the whole time you are riding, a recording with an amazing Bahamian accent is giving you information and instructions.

2. Swimming at Castaway Cay

The family beaches and Serenity Bay (adults only) have free places to swim and play in the water. All of the swimming areas are diligently watched by the incredible Disney lifeguards.

The Disney lifeguards, whether at a Disney resort or on Disney Cruise Line, are one of my family’s favorite parts at Disney because of their professionalism and diligence.

They allow us to relax a little bit. All of the swimming areas are enclosed by the natural coral reef and a net that keeps larger fish and sharks out of the swimming area. The water is usually extremely calm, light blue, and easy to see through.

3. Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay

Pelican Plunge is an offshore dock that boasts two large water slides and a small splash pad. It’s available for anyone who can swim to the dock.

However, the water slides have a minimum height limit of 38”, and children between 38” and -48” are required to wear life jackets. Life jackets are available for free for all cruisers.

The two waterslides are two to three stories high. One is enclosed and the other is open air. The enclosed slide is much steeper, faster, and darker (obviously), offering a greater thrill. Both slides will spit you out several feet above the water at such a velocity that you will receive the greatest saline rinse of your life. Don’t try to time your exhale; just hold your nose. Trust me.

The splash pad area is primarily made up of a large bucket that dumps 500 gallons of water on suspecting and unsuspecting guests as they make their way to the line for the slides. It also has a few water cannons you can shoot a buoy with.

You can find Pelican Plunge just past the peninsula that separates the family beaches in front of the second beach. Remember, you have to swim out to it, and you won’t be able to touch the ground. Therefore, we always take the life jackets even though we can swim—makes it easier to drag my kids along. Don’t forget—it’s free.

4. The Castaway Cay Ropes Course

Just offshore from the first family beach is the ropes course. For some reason, Disney has yet to see fit to naming it with the rest of the lore. It’s not even labeled on the map (it is visible on the map though).

This is a shame because the ropes course is an incredible feature. It consists of multiple suspension bridges, ropes, wood monkey bars, and ropes to slide out on. It’s a great way to get out some energy and show your kids how bad your shoulders are getting.

Beware of the barnacles clinging to the posts beneath the water as you get aboard. They’ll scratch you.

5. Castaway Cay 5K

In the past, the Castaway Cay 5k was a big event that participants had to sign up for prior to the port at day at Castaway Cay. Runners would be allowed on the island prior to the rest of the ship, and everyone would start together, celebrating completion right around the time of general disembarkation.

I imagine hordes of overachievers clutching their medals, watching with superiority as the rest of the cruisers shamble onto the island.

Since Covid, the Castaway 5k has become an event that anyone can participate in at their leisure. There is no starting gun, clock, or judge. However, the course is still clearly marked, and if you complete it, you still get a medal.

It’s open to anyone of any age or ability.

The start is the second tram stop at Pelican Point (not to be confused with Pelican Plunge). The path takes you onto the airstrip, up a path that loops past the observation tower, back to the airstrip to Serenity Bay, then does the entire course backward to the starting line.

Once you finish, head to the bike rental booth to receive your (rubber) medal. The Castaway Cay 5K is a fun, bucket list activity to check off if you’re athletically inclined or want to run every RunDisney event. However, when I run on a paradise island, I’d prefer a track with a view of the ocean. Maybe if they decide to bring back the fanfare, they can change the course to make it a little more scenic.

6. Scuttle’s Cove

Scuttle’s Cove is the Kids’ Club that takes the place of the Oceaneer Club on the boat. It’s available for kids ages 3-12. Parents can drop off their children from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM if the parents want a little alone time from the kids (or the kids need alone time from the parents).

If your kids are there around noon, lunch is provided. Just like the Oceaneer Club on the boat, parents check in their kids with the magic bands, and security is tight. You’ll have to keep your phone with you for updates about your kids.

Scuttle’s Cove features lots of activities such as sandcastles, dance parties, sand soccer, water games, capture the flag and scavenger hunts. It also includes an area called Monstro’s Point where kids pretend to dig for whale bones.

We love dropping our kids off here for some alone time at Serenity Bay or maybe to go snorkeling since they aren’t skilled enough for it. However, as our older girls get older, they have become more aware that they’re missing out on beach time.

Therefore, they’re more reluctant to stay for long at Scuttle’s Cove unless they have good friends there. For safety reasons, Scuttle’s Cove is nowhere near the water.

7. The Hideout

The Hideout is the Edge and Vibe combined on Castaway Cay. Teens ages 12-17 can hang out here and listen to music, play games, or just hang out away from their lame parents and younger siblings. It’s staffed by cast members to keep them from any shenanigans.

8. Spring-a-Leak

Spring-a-Leak is an inland splash pad for kids and parents to have fun at. If you’re nervous about watching your kid on the beach and want them to get some energy out, this is the perfect place.

Many parents with infants and toddlers like to head here for that reason. If you’re traveling with an infant or toddler, check out my article on taking a Disney Cruise with an infant .

9. In Da Shade

In Da Shade, as the name suggests, is a shaded play area with foosball tables, ping pong tables, basketball hoops, and other recreational options for guests of all ages.

10. Beach Sports

The Beach Sports area offers tetherball, volleyball, and soccer for any guest interested in playing. If you’re interested in getting some aggression out on that perfect family that sits next to you in the dining rotation, here’s your chance.

Like with the 5k, however, I’d prefer beach volleyball to be on the beach when I do my Top Gun Maverick/Goose high five. Instead, this area is inland.

11. Serenity Bay

Serenity Bay is the adults-only portion of Castaway Cay. Located on the west shore, it’s the last stop on the tram before it heads back to the boat. Just like the family beaches, there are swimming areas, beach chairs, and a bar.

The only difference—there are no screaming kids, only screaming adults who aren’t used to fish touching them.

At Serenity Bay you can find live music, an adult-only bar called Castaway Air Bar, and lunch at Serenity Bay Barbecue. For a fee, you can get a massage. 

A note about the Serenity Bay experience: Due to recent storms over the last few years, some of the added sand has been washed away. This makes for a smaller beach than it used to be, and it also creates a rocky walk through the first 10 yards or so into the ocean. Step gingerly or wear beach shoes. Don’t worry, after that first stretch, there will be soft sand and great swimming. 

Additionally, unlike the family beaches, Serenity Bay does not have a land barrier that stops waves (it does still have the shark net). This means that the waves will be larger than only the family beach, though still small compared to Atlantic or Pacific waves. That’s up to you to decide if that’s a good thing or not.

Since the beach at Serenity Bay is much smaller than the family beaches, I recommend paying attention to how many families with kids are onboard. For instance, do adults-only trivia events feel more crowded than family events? If there are more adults on the ship without kids, you may actually have a more relaxing time at the family beaches as the chairs at Serenity Bay may fill up.

12.  Serenity Bay Yoga

One activity offered at the adult-only Serenity Bay that you won’t find anywhere else on the island is yoga. This typically happens at 11 AM, but I would check your DCL Navigator App beforehand.

I would also recommend registering (if possible) just in case it fills up. However, I don’t see how they can stop you from standing off to the side and doing the movements.

13. Observation Tower

The most northern developed part of Castaway Cay is the observation tower. The tower is only accessible by bike or footpath, so be prepared for a little exercise. At the top of the tower, you can see the entire island. It’s a great place to see the beauty of nature, take a picture of the ship at the dock, and view the whole island.

You’ll realize how much bigger the island is than what Disney has developed. Only 55 acres of the 1000 acres of the island have been developed, so the observation tower is the only place where you can get a good look at the vast jungle that makes up the other 95% of the island.

14. Food

Lunch is free on the island at Cookies BBQ Cookies Too BBQ for everyone, and Serenity Bay BBQ just for adults. I will describe this in-depth in the section below.  

Best Excursions on Castaway Cay

For this article, I’ll differentiate between excursions in this section and paid activities on the island in the section below. I’m defining an excursion as anything that requires transportation away from the areas on the map provided.

For a full list of Port Adventures (which includes all currently available rentals and experiences, on and off the island, follow this link to Disney’s website.

To be perfectly candid, if you have not experienced all the free and on-island activities at Castaway Cay yet, or if you’re only going there once during your cruise (some itineraries go twice), then I don’t recommend taking an excursion. We’ve found that there’s so much to do and see that taking an excursion cut into our ability to enjoy the island.

That being said, if you want the adventure, love fishing, or just want to be on a smaller boat than the cruise ship, have at it!

Here are all the excursions available at the time of writing.

Important Note: Please be prepared to tip the guides in cash for these excursions if it’s not included in the cost of the excursion. This is one of the few times on a cruise that you need cash, and while it’s not required or expected, it’s greatly appreciated, and they are worth it.

15. Parasailing

• Cost: $129 per person
• Age: 8+
• Duration: 1 hour

 Parasailing is among the most popular and exciting of all the Port Adventures at Castaway Cay. You will be harnessed to a parachute and pulled behind a boat. Then you’ll reach an incredible 600-800 feet above the water. With the sensation of flying, the wind in your face, and the tropical aerial view, you can see why this is so popular.

I highly recommend you don’t try to take pictures or videos without a harness for your camera. If you drop it, there’s no way you’re getting it back.It lasts one hour, but each person only gets about 5-7 minutes in the parachute. This is a great experience not only because of the thrills but also because it doesn’t take up too much of your island time for the rest of the day. I loved my experience parasailing, and I highly recommend it.

16.  Walking and Kayak Adventure

• Cost: $73 per person
• Age: 10+
• Duration: 3-3.5 hours

 If your idea of a tropical vacation is a wilderness adventure rather than a leisurely day on the beach, the walking and kayak adventure might be for you. In this Port Adventure, a guide will take you by foot and by kayak into the undeveloped parts of Castaway Cay, finally ending on a secluded beach not accessible to the rest of the guests on the island. Just be prepared for a lot of exertion and missing out on a good portion of time on the rest of the island. This is the longest excursion currently offered at Castaway Cay.

17.  Snorkel By Boat

• Cost: $95 (ages 10+), $69 (ages 6-9)
• Age: 6+
• Duration: 2.5-3 Hours

 The snorkeling offered from the beach of Castaway Cay is very tame. The net keeps out larger fish and you’re mostly looking around for the statues they’ve hidden in the water (which is still awesome). So, if you’re looking for a real snorkeling experience with large, tropical fish darting in and out of the reef, this is a good excursion for you. You’ll spend 30-45 minutes of actual snorkeling, so make sure you’re physically ready for that.

18. Bottom Fishing

• Cost: $164 per person
• Age: 6+
• Duration: 2.5-3 hours

This is the most basic of the fishing tours. You fish from a boat in an effort to catch some of the amazing fish that the Caribbean has to offer, only doing bottom fishing from the boat. All fishing at Castaway Cay is catch and release.

19. Bonefish, Trolling, and Bottom Fishing

• Cost: $219 per person
• Age: 8+
• Duration: 2.5-3 hours

This fishing tour is similar to the Bottom Fishing experience. However, your guide will lead you to fish in a variety of different ways in order to catch different types of fish. You’ll fish for bonefish, do troll fishing, and bottom fishing. All fishing will be done from the boat and is catch and release.

20. Fly Fishing

• Cost: $259 per person
• Age: 8+
• Duration: 2.5-3 Hours

Unlike the other fishing tours, the Castaway Cay Fly Fishing tour is much more intimate. Only two passengers can fish per boat. You’ll also be fishing from a flatboat in the shallows of Castaway Cay (though far away from the crowded beaches). The guides will instruct you on form and skill. All the fishing tours are catch and release at Castaway Cay.

21.  Glass Bottom Boat

• Cost: $59 (age 10+), $39 (ages 0-9)
• Age: Any
• Duration: 1 hour

 The Glass Bottom Boat tour is by far the most approachable of the excursions. Unlike all the other Port Adventures, this tour requires nothing from you. It’s also the only adventure kids under 5 can go on. Everyone will board a glass bottom boat, which will allow amazing views of the ocean below from the comfort of your seat—no swimming, snorkeling, or goggles required.

22. Crazy Horse Jet Boat Tour

• Cost: $85 (ages 10+), $75 (ages 5-9)
• Age: 5+
• Duration: 30 min-1 hour

 This Crazy Horse Jet Boat is sightseeing, a history lesson, and a roller coaster all in one. Aboard the Crazy Horse Jet Boat, passengers will learn the rich history of the Bahamas, see the beauty of Castaway Cay, and experience crazy fishtailing, 180-degree turns, and going at high speed.

I like to imagine this as the Jungle Cruise with a turbo engine. I’ll have to pitch that to Bob Iger (Disney CEO—by the way, somewhere on the island is a tribute to the current CEO and other execs).

23. Banana Boat Ride

• Cost: $45 (ages 10+), $35 (ages 8-9)
• Age: 8+
• Duration: 30 min

 This is a fun, quick, and (relatively) inexpensive experience. It costs only a fraction more than snorkeling on the island (not the snorkel by boat) and less than the stingray adventure. You’ll be pulled behind a boat on a giant banana-shaped float, enjoying the thrills, waves, and ocean spray. It only takes 30 minutes, so you’ll be back to your beach chair in no time.  

Things that cost extra on Castaway Cay

It wouldn’t be a Disney experience if there weren’t options to spend more money that lure you away from the free stuff. Here are all the things and activities (on the island) that cost extra money but might still be worth doing.

Just like with the excursions, if your experience involves a cast member beyond just handing you rented equipment, it’s customary to tip if it’s not included. On top of what’s listed, there are packages that you can buy that will get you multiple items at a discount.

24. Snorkeling at Castaway Cay

Cost: $34 (ages 10+), $18 (ages 5-9)

Snorkeling at Castaway Cay is an absolutely unique adventure, especially if you love Disney. You’ll be inside the safe swimming zone, which means you’ll be inside a net that keeps out large fish and sharks.

You’ll also have lifeguards diligently watching you. Unfortunately, that means that the exciting marine life sightings might be limited.

However, in place of this, Disney has sunk lots of items for you to find—a Daisy figurehead, a large Mickey, the statue of Eric from the Little Mermaid, a submarine from the old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride, and a bunch more!

Each hidden item is marked by a buoy so that you know where to look. If you’re a Disney fan, this is an incredible experience.

But, it does cost money to rent the equipment. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth it for what I described. On the other hand, if you know that this is something you want to do, you are more than welcome to bring your snorkeling gear. Then it’s free (and has less chance of germs)! Disney will ask that you wear one of their life vests, which are also complimentary.

25. It’s a Small World! Nursery

Cost: $9/hour, Ages: under 3

After I discussed the kids’ and teens’ clubs on the island, you might be wondering, what about babies? There is no nursery on the island. However, if you want to navigate the island without your baby for a little bit, you can sign them up for the nursery on the boat.

This was a great option for us when we brought our infant son because he was too little to do anything but eat sand. Once you start feeling guilty, you can go get them any time you want

.Unlike the other youth activities, the nursery does cost money. However, it’s the cheapest activity on the whole boat. It’s cheaper than having a drink every hour.

The nursery books up quickly for Castaway Cay and at sea days, so make sure you book it ahead of time, or as soon as you get on the boat. See my article here for a full explanation of the It’s a Small World Nursery

26. Float Rental

Cost: $13 per float
Age: any age, but only 18+ can do the renting

If you want to relax so hard you don’t even want to swim, you can rent floats or tubes to drift around in the water. There aren’t many things more relaxing than spinning around in a float with a drink in your hand.

You can rent floats at the family beach or at Serenity Bay. Since you are not allowed to bring floats aboard the boat (and therefore cannot bring them to Castaway Cay) this is your only chance to achieve maximum buoyancy.

27. Post Office

Castaway Cay has its own functioning post office on the island. It’s one of the very first things you’ll see when you disembark.

If you want to send a postcard, you can purchase some (and postage) in the post office and send them to yourselves, friends, or frenemies whom you want to brag about your vacation.

This is a fun activity for all ages to memorialize their trip. Many cruisers report that the post office is closed when they dock. However, you can purchase cards and postage on the boat and send them in a drop box even if the post office is closed. Also, it’s important to note (pun intended) that mail can take several weeks to several months to arrive.

28.  Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure

• Cost: $56 (ages 10+), $45 (ages 5-9)
• Age: 5+
• Duration: 1 hour

Castaway Cay has its own stingray farm on the island. The Stingray Adventure allows you to touch the stingrays and feed the stingrays right from your hand!

Then you get to snorkel with them. The barbs have been removed, so you are not in any danger. Castaway Rays is part of the first beach when you exit the boat, between the boat beach and the first family beach.

Side note: It bothers me that Castaway Cay is pronounced “key,” but Castaway Ray gets to rhyme with Castaway, but I digress. Who knows, it could be Castaway Ree, and you swim the with the stingrees. I’ll ask next time (and get annoyed looks).

29. Stingray Snorkel

• Cost: $36 (ages 10+), $25 (ages 5-9)
• Age: 5+
• Duration: 1 hour

If you would like a stingray experience but from a little more distance (and a little less money) than the Stingray experience, then you can opt to only snorkel in the stingray farm.

Unfortunately, you cannot take the snorkel gear over to the other snorkel area—another benefit to bringing your own gear. I’m not sure what happens if you bring your own gear to this experience. You probably still have to pay, and you are expected to tip the stingrays.

30. Watersports Rental

• Cost: $18-32 per vehicle, depending on vehicle
• Age: 5+
• Duration: 30 Minutes per payment

The first beach and water area at Castaway Cay is called the Boat Beach and Boat Harbor. Here, you can rent a variety of watercraft to explore the water. You can rent kayaks, paddleboats (pedal boats), standing paddle boards, Hobie cat (small sailboat platform), fun cat (motorized platform), or an aqua trike. From single rider to up to four people, from grueling workouts to very little effort at all, this is a fun way to explore the water.

As I mentioned earlier, my daughters begged to rent a paddleboat. Since my daughters are tiny and weak, I had to do all the work, but it was fun to chase fish around until my legs gave out. Next time I’m there, I’m really interested in the Hobie cat that I can fit most of my family on and sail the low seas.

31. Bike Rental

• Cost: $13 per person
• Age: 3+
• Duration: 1 hour (per payment)

One of my wife’s favorite activities on any vacation is a bike ride. She loves the wind, the sights, and the endorphins from the exertion. If we find ourselves without the kids, we almost rent a bike.

There is a bike path that goes on the airstrip, a path around the observation deck, and a long stretch behind the Serenity Bay Cabanas that will allow you to see the undisturbed beach far away from the crowds. It does not, however, let you ride on the beach, which is sad to me.

32. Massage

• Cost: Check your cruise app for current prices
• Age: 18+
• Duration: 1 Hour

 If you want total luxury and relaxation for an hour at Castaway Cay, book a massage on the beach. Massages at Castaway Cay take place on the adults-only Serenity Bay in open-air Cabanas. You can hear the ocean as you get a massage. Pretty amazing way to spend an hour. Book it early if you’re interested. If you need even more relaxation after your beach day, check out the Rainforest Room on board!

33. Cabanas

• Cost: $493.90 Serenity Bay (4 people), $797.50 Family Beach (6 people), $1127.50 (10 people). Additional guests cost $50 per person.
• Age: any for family and Grand, 18+ for Serenity Bay
• Duration: all-day

The Cabanas are one of the most expensive options and one of the most exclusive options at Castaway Cay. Each Cabana comes with a private beach area (shared with other cabana guests), a sofa and chairs, an indoor area, a porch, snacks, a stocked drink cooler (non-alcoholic), ceiling fans, and cold towels.

Each cabana rental also includes snorkel rental, floats and tubes, bikes, and a concierge attendant that will bring you alcoholic drinks (extra fee), more snacks, and take you on a golf cart anywhere you want to go on the island.

Cabanas book up extremely fast. In fact, it’s almost impossible to get unless you are staying in a concierge suite or have Castaway status Gold or higher. Even then, there are only 27 on the island for thousands of cruisers. If you want one, you need to request at midnight when your booking window opens, long before your cruise.

 34. Smoothies

Castaway Cay has an Olaf-themed smoothie bar where you can order delicious smoothies for an additional fee. The main reason people go there is for the souvenir cups. We have an awesome Sven sipper that our kids love that we purchased there.

35.  Alcohol

There are several bars scattered across Castaway Cay. You can order a variety of drinks there. Cast members will also be combing the beaches bringing drinks to guests. I prefer to go directly to the bar, especially when it’s busy.

Otherwise, you’ll wait awhile in your chair for the cast member to bring your drink and room card back. The drink prices are similar to those on the ship. If you want to drink for free on the island, you’ll need to bring the drinks you brought on the ship with you or purchased in other ports—NO GLASS on the beach. 

What is included at Castaway Cay?

 As you can see, many things are included in your Castaway Cay trip and many more that cost extra. The one thing we haven’t talked about in-depth yet is the food. So here we go. 

Is Food Free on Castaway Cay?

Yes, the food is free on the island. There are three places to get food, corresponding to three beaches. Cookies BBQ is near the first family beach. Cookies Too BBQ is near the second family beach, and Serenity Bay BBQ is adults only, and, as the name suggests, at Serenity Bay. 

Each restaurant has a buffet with a variety of Caribbean-inspired protein (fish, chicken, ribs, hotdogs, hamburgers), lots of fresh fruit, beachy side items, and of course, amazing cookies.

All the food and drinks are similar to (but less varied than) Cabanas. We’ve been on several all-inclusive excursions at other ports, and Cookies has far better food and seating than any of them. 

It’s open from 11:30-2. Don’t wait until the end to eat. They will start to run out of items, and if you’re too late, you’ll have to wait to get back on the boat to eat any real food. 

Are there free drinks on Castaway Cay?

There are free sodas, tea, lemonade, and water available at the various restaurants. All of the alcoholic drinks and specialty smoothies cost per item.

Are there Disney Characters on Castaway Cay?

There’s a variety of Disney characters ready to take pictures with you on the island. You’ll see the fab 5 (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy) walking by or riding by in classic Woody Jeeps.

At least one of them is usually hanging out at Mt. Rustmore, giant painted metal balls that serve as one of the best photo spots on the island. Mickey likes to hang out near the Dig Site.

Olaf can sometimes be seen near the Summertime Freeze stand, and Chip and Dale like to have dance parties near Cookies BBQ.

Finally, Jack Sparrow, Smee, and Captain Hook sometimes make appearances right near the boat. 

When is the best time to visit Castaway Cay?

The best time to visit Castaway Cay is probably in the Winter or early Spring. Temperatures are high enough to enjoy the beach but mild enough to not melt you to the pavement.

Summer and Fall run the risk of lots of rainfall. Summer can also be extremely hot if you don’t stay in the water permanently.

That being said, Castaway Cay is fun no matter what (unless the weather doesn’t let you dock or get off the boat).

How to visit Castaway Cay

The only way to get to Castaway Cay is to take a Disney Cruise that goes there (or work there). It’s a private island that belongs to Disney.

For tips on how to get the most out of your trip to Castaway Cay, check out this post.

Castaway Cay FAQs

Final Thoughts

Castaway Cay has so many exciting things to do! Your whole day will easily be filled up with swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, biking, eating, and so many other options.

Go ahead and make a plan about what you and your family want to do so that you’re ready when the gangway opens.

If you’re reading this in preparation for a Disney Cruise coming up soon, check out this article on the ideal packing list for a Disney Cruise.

If you need help planning out all of this, ask Chantelle here to help you book your next Disney Cruise!

Bon Voyage!