castaway disney cruise

The Ultimate Castaway Cay Guide For Disney Cruisers

For many, Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, is the pièce de resistance of their pixie-dusted trip to the Caribbean – and with good reason. Between the crystalline lagoons teeming with sea life, sprawling family and adults-only beaches and all sorts of fun activities, there’s a lot to love. 

So, slather on your sunscreen and bring your beach towel as we dive deep into everything Disney Castaway Cay has to offer, as well as some tips and tricks to help you really make a splash. Let’s jump right in!

Everything You Need to Know About Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island

From Royal Caribbean and Carnival to Norwegian and Virgin Voyages, a trip to a private island is often a cruising mainstay, especially for those setting sail for the Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. 

Acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 1997 from the Bahamian government – the company signed a 99-year lease good through 2096 – Castaway Cay (pronounced Castaway ‘Key’) has long been a favorite of Disney cruisers. 

Where Is Castaway Cay?

Originally known as Gorda Cay, Disney’s Castaway Cay is located just west of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. Sprawling 1,000 acres in size (though only 55 acres are actually developed), this enchanting island oasis is chockful of fun activities, as well as a fascinating history. In fact, before serving as a tropical escape for vacationers, Gorda Cay was a popular stop for both bootleggers and drug runners, a far cry from the island’s family-friendly atmosphere of today. 

But, that’s not all. The island has also played host to mermaids and pirates – on the big screen, that is. Scenes from both Splash , starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah as a wayward mermaid, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl were filmed on Castaway Cay. At one time, you could even see the Flying Dutchman ghost ship of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest fame, which was docked at the island from June 2006 to November 2010.  

Which Disney Cruises Stop at Castaway Cay?

Sadly, only some Disney cruises go to Castaway Cay. After all, cruising from California or Alaska all the way to the Bahamas would be quite a lengthy voyage. However, most Disney Cruise Line itineraries heading to the Caribbean, Bermuda or, of course, the Bahamas do include a stop at Castaway Cay. 

How Much Time Should You Spend on Castaway Cay?

It depends on how many of the island’s amenities you’d like to take advantage of, as well as if you opt to do one of Castaway Cay’s port adventures. In general, you can expect your Disney cruise ship to be docked at the island for between six to eight hours. This gives you plenty of time to hang out by the beach, go biking and/or snorkeling, do an excursion or two, and indulge in a delicious BBQ buffet. It’s all up to you!

How Busy Is Castaway Cay?

Only one Disney cruise ship docks at Castaway Cay at a time. This ensures that the island isn’t completely overrun with guests, turning your lazy day at the beach into an overcrowded, stressful and sandy mess. 

Still, even with the island’s one-ship limit, Castaway Cay can feel pretty busy, especially if you’re hanging out on the Family Beach, which is on the part of the island closest to where the cruise ship docks. An early arrival will help you avoid a battle for a beach chair or, for a relaxing retreat away from the crowds, splurge on one of the Castaway Cay cabanas. 

How’s the Weather on Castaway Cay?

Thanks to its location in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay enjoys balmy weather all year round, with an average temperature of 79 ° F. In the summer, temperatures top out around 90 ° F, while winters dip to the 60s to 80s. The water at Castaway Cay is similarly pleasant, ranging from as low as 68 ° F to as high as 86 ° F.

What’s Included and Not Included at Castaway Cay?

Similar to being onboard, guests have access to both complimentary amenities and for-purchase extras. These include:

Castaway Cay Freebies

You don’t need to pay to have a good time at Castaway Cay. Disney’s private island has enough free activities and food to keep you fed and happy all day long. In addition to the tram that transports people around the island, guests also enjoy complimentary access to the Castaway Cay beaches (including things like beach towels, loungers and hammocks), kids club areas, Castaway Cay 5K, and the Pelican Plunge and Spring-a-Leak water play areas. However, while it won’t cost you anything to access the Snorkeling Lagoon, snorkel gear is extra. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for lunch – and you won’t have to pay a penny more. Castaway Cay cooks up a free beachside barbecue at three locations island-wide, including Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ. Be sure to save some room for another favorite Disney cruise freebie: bottomless soft-serve ice cream. 

Additional Cost Extras at Castaway Cay

While you will find a fair few freebies at Castaway Cay, some of the island’s available activities do come with a cost. Castaway Cay excursions, including sea kayaking and parasailing, as well as rentals like bikes, tubes and cabanas. Adult-friendly upgrades like refreshing cocktails and luxurious massages also have an additional fee.

Do Cell Phones Work on Castaway Cay?

Another thing that doesn’t come free on Castaway Cay? Cell phone signal! Although the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app does work on the island, if you want to call or text someone or need to search for something online, you’ll either need to pay for Disney’s pricey Wi-Fi plan, which can be spotty at times, depending on where you are, or splurge on steep roaming charges. Luckily, Castaway Cay does have a cell phone tower, so your mobile data should get plenty of bars. 

How to Make the Most of Your Day at Castaway Cay

Think of Disney Castaway Cay as a Choose Your Own Beach Adventure kind of place. From where you decide to hang out to how you want to get around, there’s something for everyone. To maximize your time and keep your stress levels low, plan your attack ahead of time. Here are some things to keep in mind when figuring out your day.  

Arriving at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay was the first of the cruise line private islands where the ship could dock directly on the shore. As a result, since guests don’t need to ride a tender to the island, getting to and from the beach is about as easy as it gets. 

Typically, the all-ashore announcement comes between 8 AM and 9 AM, with Castaway Cay 5K and shore excursion participants usually allowed to disembark first. After that, cruisers are free to get on and off the ship as much or as little as they’d like until it’s time to go.  

With a little bit of planning, you can even enjoy a sneak peek of Castaway Cay from the comfort of the ship. For an especially memorable morning, book an exterior stateroom or have breakfast on the starboard side of your Disney cruise ship. As this is the side of the boat that looks out over Castaway Cay, you’ll have sweeping views of the island as the ship comes in to dock and when leaving at the end of the day. 

Getting Around Castaway Cay

You have a few different options for getting around Castaway Cay, and two of them won’t cost you a thing. A complimentary tram is available between the dock and the Castaway Family Beach, as well as another between the family area and Serenity Bay on the far side of the island. Or, if you’d rather get your steps in after all that soft serve, Serenity Bay is just a well-marked, 20-minute walk away. 

Alternatively, if you don’t mind paying extra for a bit of two-wheeled adventure, you can also rent a bike to get around. Bike rentals cost $13 per hour on the island, with bicycles available in a variety of sizes, and include a helmet. 

Things to Bring to Castaway Cay

Honestly, since Disney provides most of the beach necessities like lounge chairs and towels, you don’t need to bring too many things for your day at Castaway Cay besides a few essentials. Along with your Key to the World Card and passport or photo ID, be sure to pack your beach bag with things like sunscreen (you can buy some in the shops on the island, but it’s expensive), sunglasses, a swimsuit coverup and a good book. You’ll also need some cash for Bahamian stamps from the post office if you want to mail a postcard and snag a covetable Castaway Cay postmark. 

Things to Do at Castaway Cay

Although only 55 of Castaway Cay’s expansive 1,000 acres are developed, you’ll find no shortage of things to do , no matter what you’re interested in or who you’re traveling with. Let’s dive in and take a look.

Castaway Cay Excursions

It wouldn’t be a cruise without a selection of shore excursions. While occasionally overpriced, these port adventures are a great way to get away from the throngs of people and experience more than just Castaway Cay’s beaches and water park. 

Castaway Cay excursions are available for a variety of activities and price points, from relatively affordable rentals like sea kayaks and paddle boats (both from $18) to more expensive experiences, including stingray and fishing adventures (from $36 and $164, respectively), jet boat tours ($85) and glass bottom boat rides ($59). 

The best value for Castaway Cay port adventures is the Getaway Package. Priced at $46 for guests ages 10 and up, the Castaway Cay Getaway Package includes snorkeling gear and a float rental for the day, along with an hourlong bicycle rental.   

Castaway Cay Activities for Cruisers of All Ages

Castaway Cay is a family-friendly paradise filled with all sorts of activities for guests of all ages, whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens. The island’s family area is located just a short walk or even shorter tram ride from the dock, making it easy to get to and from the ship, a boon for families with little ones. 

To keep your visit as hassle-free as possible, consider splurging on one of the Castaway Cay cabanas at the family beach. Starting out at $549 for a Family Beach Cabana and $899 for a Grand Family Beach Cabana, these tricked-out retreats come packed to the gills with refrigerated drinks, snacks, lounge chairs, a shower and extras like snorkel equipment, sand toys, tubes and bikes. 

Here’s everything on offer for families at Castaway Cay.

Castaway Family Beach

With gentle waves, plenty of shaded seating and kid-centric activities like tube rentals and the Monstro Point dig site only a short walk away, Castaway Family Beach is the heart of the family-friendly action. Tons of loungers, hammocks and umbrellas are available to choose from. Just be sure to arrive early to stake your claim on the best spot, as this can be one of the busiest places at Castaway Cay. 

Snorkeling Lagoon

Looking to take your aquatic adventures to the next level? Paddle past the Swimming Beach and out into the big blue world of Castaway Cay’s Snorkeling Lagoon. Snorkelers of all skill levels are welcome to explore this enchanting undersea realm, from the novice-level Discover Trail to the more experienced Explorer Trail. 

Along the way, keep an eye out for splashes of underwater pixie dust, including Hidden Mickeys and submerged statues of Dumbo and Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid . Bring your own snorkel equipment for complimentary access to these sunken treasures, or rent your own for the day for $34.

Spring-a-Leak and Pelican Plunge

Castaway Cay also boasts its own aquatic play areas, both just a short walk from Castaway Family Beach. The Spring-a-Leak splash pad is made with the littlest cruisers in mind and features freshwater jets to cool off in. 

Or, to get your heart pumping, splash into the saltwater in style from Pelican Plunge, Castaway Cay’s pint-sized floating water park named for the island’s resident pelicans. Although Pelican Plunge is easily reachable by wading out to the platform, its two water slides empty swimmers out into the lagoon. So, only relatively strong swimmers should take the plunge. 

Sports Beach and In Da Shade Game Pavilion

Ready to dry off for a bit without putting the fun on hold? Make your way to the Sports Beach or the In Da Shade Game Pavilion. Perfect for a little friendly competition, these hands-on areas are stocked with fun activities the whole family will love. 

Soak up some more Vitamin D and show your skill during tetherball or beach volleyball on the Sports Beach or step out of the sun for a bit with games like basketball, pool, foosball and table tennis at the In Da Shade Game Pavilion. 

Castaway Cay 5K

Want to kick the competition up a notch (or, at the very least, burn off some calories from all that delicious cruise food you’ve been devouring)? Sign up for the Castaway Cay 5K. Available to guests 10 years and older at no additional charge (unless you opt to upgrade to the Premium Package before you set sail, which comes with a Disney Castaway Cay 5K hat, cinch sack and water bottle), this race past palm trees and sandy beaches is a great way to work out and see the sights all at once. All finishers are rewarded with an exclusive Castaway Cay 5K medal. 

Disney Character Meet-and-Greets

What could be better than meeting some well-loved Disney characters in paradise? From Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their beach gear to everyone’s favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, Castaway Cay is a unique meet-and-greet spot worth waiting in line for. Just think of the photos! On the bright side, the lines tend to be on the short side, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. 

Scuttle’s Cove & Teen Hideout

Just like on Disney cruise ships, Castaway Cay offers dedicated areas and activities specifically for kids, tweens and teens. Best of all, as with the likes of the Oceaneer Club, access to these youth-focused spaces is completely free. 

Scuttle’s Cove, located just next door to Monstro Point, is designed for kids ages 3 to 12 and features everything from supervised activities to its own aquatic play area. For the older kids, the Hide Out is a haven for 14 to 17-year-olds, while tweens ages 11 to 13 can enjoy their own special time at Pelican Plunge and the In Da Shade Game Pavilion. 

Adult-Friendly Castaway Cay Activities

Hoping for some time away from the kids? Whether you’re traveling as a family or doing a Disney cruise for grown-ups , Castaway Cay offers an adult escape from the craziness of the family beach. 

Serenity Bay

Castaway Cay doesn’t only offer dedicated areas just for kids and teens. It also touts a secluded, adults-only beach: Serenity Bay. Nestled on the other end of the island, close to a mile from Castaway Family Beach, Serenity Bay is an idyllic retreat complete with soft, white sand, swaying palm trees, umbrella-covered loungers, two-person hammocks and icy alcoholic beverages. 

Since this adults-only beach is further from the dock, the competition for a good seat isn’t as stiff. However, things can still get pretty busy, and if you don’t claim a spot early, you could be left out of the shade. Or, for the ultimate in relaxation, snag a coveted Serenity Bay Cabana, which starts at $399. 

Massage Cabanas

There’s nothing more relaxing than a soothing beachside massage. Offered in open-air cabanas overlooking the water, located right next to the Castaway Air Bar and Serenity Bay BBQ, this indulgent experience is the perfect way to unwind. 

Castaway Cay Bars

After splashing around in the water, cool off even more with a cool drink from one of the Castaway Cay bars . Over at Serenity Bay, sidle on up to Castaway Air Bar or order a cocktail from one of the roving servers and let the alcohol come to you. Talk about relaxing! 

But you don’t need to hang out at Serenity Bay to enjoy an adult beverage. Castaway Cay’s family area boasts a few different bars, which make for the ideal temporary escape from all the beach-crazy kiddos. 

Dining at Castaway Cay

For some, one of the best meals of the entire cruise is the barbecue buffet on Castaway Cay. Available at Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ at the Castaway Family Beach and Serenity Bay BBQ on the other side of the island, this sun-sational picnic dishes up bottomless cookout classics like hot dogs, burgers, ribs, corn on the cob and potato salad. Adults can even tuck into freshly grilled ribeye steaks, exclusively at Serenity BBQ. Just remember to save some space for unlimited soft serve from one of the nearby stands.

Keep in mind that this beachy barbeque is only served for a limited time, running from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Needless to say, make sure to eat breakfast before you get off the ship (this is a great day for room service) or risk being hangry before lunchtime rolls around. Additionally, crew members are prompt about taking down the food. So, if you miss the cut-off, you’ll need to walk back to the ship to scrounge something up.  

Other Tips & Tricks for Your Day at Disney’s Castaway Cay

Ready to take on your day at Castaway Cay? Here are some simple hacks to help you make the most of your time. 

Get Off the Ship Early (or Late) for a Better Chance at a Good Seat

Typically, folks tend to go to the island pretty early, as the competition for a lounge chair or hammock is fierce. So, if you don’t want to be left stranded without shade or a place to kick back and relax, try to be one of the first people off the ship. Alternatively, as many cruisers head back onboard around two hours before the ship’s departure time, waiting it out until later in the day can also be effective. 

Mail a Postcard from the Post Office for a Unique Souvenir

Looking for an affordable yet unique souvenir? Send something from the Castaway Cay Post Office. Located near the dock, this outpost will mail postcards, letters and even messages in a bottle. Best of all, it will even get an extra-special Castaway Cay postmark. Just remember to bring some cash for Bahamian stamps, as your Key to the World Card won’t be accepted. 

Save Money by Booking Port Adventures or Rentals Ahead of Time

When it comes to Castaway Cay excursions, it often pays to reserve things in advance. For example, the Castaway Cay Getaway Package – which includes a bike, tube and snorkel gear – is a great deal for active cruisers hoping to explore the island by both land and sea. 

However, this rental package can only be booked online prior to sailing away or onboard the ship before reaching Castaway Cay. Should you choose to wait until you get to the island, you’ll wind up paying $20 to book the exact same rental equipment individually. 

Don’t Forget Your Camera

Castaway Cay is jam-packed with photo opportunities, whether character meet-and-greets, family pictures in front of Mount Rustmore (Mickey, Pluto, Donald and Goofy painted on big buoys) or requisite beach selfies. Going snorkeling? Bring an underwater camera (or live on the edge and use a waterproof phone pouch) to snap shots of the Snorkeling Lagoon’s undersea statuary. 

Well, Disney cruisers, that concludes our deep dive into all things Castaway Cay. Have you been to Disney’s private island before? What is your favorite thing to do at Castaway Cay? Let us know in the comments! Then, find out how to save on your next pixie-dusted adventure at sea by booking your Disney cruise with us .

Castaway Cay Guide & Tips

Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, and is a common port of call for virtually all DCL Caribbean-bound itineraries. This guide provides info & tips for visiting, including things to do, planning advice, and how to make the most of your day. ( Updated December 27, 2019 .)

For starters, Castaway Cay is a 3-mile long, 1000-acre island used exclusively by Disney Cruise Line guests and Crew Members. DCL’s ships dock right on the island, making for an easy on-off experience. We’ve done several cruises to the Bahamas, and Castaway Cay is our favorite stop–it’s actually the main reason why we keep doing these itineraries!

You’ll want to take your Key to the World card and an ID with you when you exit the ship. In addition to that, we recommend packing a small day bag without any valuables in it to ‘guard’ your beach chairs is a good idea–but you could.

As soon as you get off the ship, pick up towels, and pass by the old gas station and post office (make sure to send something from here–they have a special Disney postmark) as you head towards the trams to get to the Family Beach and Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach. Alternatively, you can take the walking trail to fully explore Castaway Cay, which has its own touches of Disney details.

We’ll start our guide with how to explore the island to see these details!

Exploring the Island

There are a couple of trams on the island, but one of our biggest pieces of advice for Castaway Cay is to not over-rely on these trams. Castaway Cay is not just a private island, it’s Disney’s private island. This means that it’s themed!

Some of my best memories of the island are just its sense of place that I soaked up as I wandered around and explored the environments. It’s not as heavy on Imagineering as Typhoon Lagoon, likely because Disney wanted to strike a balance in making it appeal to Disney fans and ‘serious’ cruisers, but there is a ton to see, and plenty of Easter eggs.

We recommend walking to Serenity Bay and taking the shuttle back at some point during your day at Castaway Cay, even if you don’t plan on enjoying the adult beach. This is because you’ll the Imagineered-highlights all the way there, and then get to see additional details on the ride back over the runway. The walk really isn’t that bad, and can actually be faster than the trams.

Like so many things Disney, there is a convoluted backstory to go along with Castaway Cay, some of which you can pick up on as you wander the island, looking at signs and other little clues. However, it’s not possible to grasp the whole backstory from what you see alone. We recommend reading the full backstory ahead of time–or even taking it with you . I’ll give you context to some of what you see, and make the experience more enjoyable.

As for the real life backstory of Castaway Cay? It was previously known as Gorda Cay and was literally overtaken by an American businessman named Frank Barber used the on the airstrip as a hub for smuggling drugs into the United States, before ultimately being arrested. If you ask, some Crew Members will give you this real backstory to the island, although it is not the Disney-approved backstory, for obvious reasons.

If you ask me, Disney should just sanitize the real backstory a bit and have Castaway Cay tell the story of rum-running in the Caribbean. The Pirates of the Caribbean films have certainly opened that door, and a rum-running backstory would make more sense on the context of the island and would be easier for guests to grasp.

Castaway Cay Family Beach is the main beach on the island, and as the name implies, is for everyone. This beach is sort of like multiple beaches connected into one, and it’s the area that is closest to the ship. It’s also where almost all of the beach activities are located–we will cover these in ‘Things to Do’ below.

This combination of proximity to the ship and things to do is a dangerous mix, which results in this beach being by far the most popular. If you plan on spending all day at the Family Beach, arrive early and stake claim to your spot. Your swords from Pirate Night will come in handy as you defend your spots from other guests attempting to pillage and plunder.

If you don’t plan on doing the Family Beach all day, our recommendation is to get here early or late. We noticed that it was least busy and most pristine first thing in the morning, so if you plan on doing any activity, early in the morning is the best time for that. If you just want to enjoy the beach, the last hour or so on Castaway Cay is the best time to go.

Guests tend not to want to be stranded on the island, and overcompensate for the fear that this will happen by leaving the beach about 1-2 hours before the ship leaves. The ship will not leave you behind, and unless you’re hiding in some bushes, you couldn’t get accidentally left behind if you want since Crew Members “sweep” the island to clear it of guests. Stay until the last 15 minutes to enjoy Castaway Cay almost all to yourselves!

The teen area is for…you guessed it…teens! We thought about pulling a 21 Jump Street and trying to infiltrate their beach, but I don’t have quite the boyish good looks of Jonah Hill, so we aborted this mission. Basically, it’s a bunch of athletic activities like volleyball and tetherball. Actually, we’re pretty sure the games and activities here are open to guests of all ages, despite this being called the teen beach. You can leave your disguises at home.

Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach, and is most distant beach on the island. As compared to the other beaches, it is much, much quieter. Serenity Bay is a great place to kick back and just relax in paradise. It’s perfect for that. If you want to actually do something, though, Serenity Bay is your worst option on the island. Beyond simply relaxing, eating, and a limited set of activities like massages and cabana rental, there is not much substance to Serenity Bay.

However, I don’t like spending a whole day just lying on a beach chair, so my recommendation would be spending the middle portion of your day at Serenity Bay, and spending your morning and afternoon elsewhere. Consider making an effort to doing the hours around lunch at Serenity Bay, so you can avoid the large crowds elsewhere, but doing something else before and after that.

The reasons for this are so you can avoid the crowds elsewhere during the busiest parts of the day, but still be able to enjoy the fun activities elsewhere on Castaway Cay. Of course, this is a your mileage may vary type thing. If you have kids, you won’t be doing Serenity Bay at all. Conversely, if you have no interest in actual activities and just want to relax on the beach reading, Serenity Bay could be an all-day activity for you.

There are three BBQ locations on Castaway Cay that are included in the cost of the cruise, just like dining aboard the cruise ship. Cookie’s BBQ is located on the near side of the family beach, Cookie’s Too is located on the far side of the family beach, and Serenity Bay BBQ is the adult beach option.

Each of these locations serves almost exactly the same items, namely BBQ, including ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, and self-serve soft serve. Our server at Palo recommended always checking out the Serenity Bay BBQ, if possible, because sometimes they have a slightly better menu if the ship has a surplus of certain items. The main difference is that Serenity Bay BBQ has ribeye when the other locations do not.

Another option is to go back aboard the cruise ship, and have lunch in one of the regular dining rooms. Some people prefer this for greater variety and a chance to regroup, but we think time on Castaway Cay is already too limited, so we do not recommend this, nor would we do it. Plus, we thought the BBQ at Castaway Cay was pretty good and offered something for everyone.

There are also four bars located around the island, each of which have drinks available for purchase. There are signature mixed drinks available, the most popular of which is the Konk Kooler (a blend of rums and tropical fruit juices) and you can also purchase special ‘beach bottles’ of beer. Prices actually are not that bad, at around $5.50 per drink not in a souvenir mug.

Things to Do

Most of the things to do are located around the Family Beach. Pelican Plunge is the floating water slide and play platform located in the ocean, which has two water slides, a giant “bucket dump” of water, and water cannons that you can use to shoot targets. Minimum height for the Pelican Plunge water slides is 38″ and anyone under 48″ must wear one of the provided life vests. Note that the floating platform is out in the ocean, and requires being able to swim to access (I could not touch the ocean floor out by the platform).

Also near the Family Beach is the Spring-a-Leak water play area for kids. Basically, water sprays everywhere from broken pipes and things on a splash pad that young children can enjoy. Scuttle’s Cove is another area for kids, which offers youth activities that are supervised by Disney counselors from the ship. We don’t have kids, so I’m not entirely sure of all the activities offered here, but it looked there was basically a whale bone play area, and some organized activities for kids that don’t go in the ocean. Anyone else know what other activities are offered at Scuttle’s Cove?

There are a couple of game pavilions near the Family Beach, that offer a variety of different sand and shaded games like volleyball, tetherball, foosball, ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, basketball, and golf wiffleball. There is no additional charge for any of these games.

Another option is the Castaway Cay 5k. This is a great way to get off the ship early and see the island quickly. It’s fun and not too challenging–depending upon the weather outside. I’ve done the Castaway Cay 5k once…which was good enough for me. I got the medal, saw the course, and that’s enough. From here on out, stuffing myself on soft-serve ice cream and other all-you-can-eat snacks takes priority. Give it a try if you like running more than you like ice cream. We regret nothing! 😉

Character meet and greet opportunities are available throughout the island, and we found these meet and greets to be the best chances to meet characters on Disney Cruise Line. This is mostly because the natural, outdoor lighting is superior to the lighting on the ships, and because the backdrops are gorgeous.

We have been lucky to find very short waits (a couple minutes or so) for the characters first thing in the morning, and in out of the way places. Captain Jack Sparrow at Serenity Bay is also a neat experience, and is like a scene straight out of the movie!

Those are about the extent of the no-added cost activities on Castaway Cay. Everything else requires a rental and an additional fee. “Marge’s Barges & Sea Charter Dock” is the place to go for boat rentals, and you can here for a wide variety of boat rentals. Options include a glass-bottom boat, a power catamaran, parasailing, Hobie Cats, fishing tours, and more. Exact pricing is listed on the ship or at the island.

At Gil’s Fins and Boats and Flippers & Floats, you can rent snorkel equipment to use in the Snorkeling Lagoon, plus other smaller-scale aquatic rentals like inner tubes, paddleboats, and kayaks. Our recommendation is the 3-in-1 Castaway Cay Getaway Package, which provides snorkel equipment for the day, an inner tube for the day, and bicycle rental for one hour.

This 3-in-1 package bring us to perhaps the most interesting aspects of Castaway Cay: the Snorkeling Lagoon and trails. Although technically the Snorkeling Lagoon is free, it’s most likely going to cost money for the equipment rental. We brought our own fins and masks, and were made to get vests, which we were not charged for.

The Snorkeling Lagoon is pretty fun, large, offers a variety of fish to see with plenty of visibility, and has some cool hidden Disney “stuff.” Bike rental provides a way to see other areas of the island via a series of trails that cut through some of the more undeveloped areas. Even though Castaway Cay is an 1,000-acre island, only around 10% of it has been developed. In some of these areas, there isn’t a whole lot to see, but they’re worth exploring if you like nature.

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure is another popular option, which provides the opportunity to snorkel with some 40 stingrays that are in the water off the island. There is an additional charge for this experience, but stingray encounters are always fun. Sarah compared this to “a light version” of Stingray City in the Cayman Islands.

If you don’t want to spend any money, simply wandering around the developed areas of Castaway Cay, looking at the Imagineered details and posing with the photo ops is a lot of fun.

During November and December, Castaway Cay gets decked out for the holidays. This is one of the highlights of DCL’s Very Merrytime Christmas Cruises , with the large Christmas tree and “sandmen” around it being really cool.

You’ll find other Christmas decorations around Castaway Cay, mostly consisting of garland and other decor in the areas closest to the ship. There’s also beach-inspired holiday music and other little touches. All of these Christmas touches on Castaway Cay are arguably better than what you’ll see aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships!

There are a variety of shopping options on Castaway Cay…which should surprise no one, since it’s a Disney island! There are two primary spots to buy things on the island: “She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else” and “Buy the Sea Shore,” with the former being the larger of the two venues having slightly more variety.

In terms of souvenirs, if you want something to remember your visit to Castaway Cay by, you’re pretty much stuck buying something here at the typical souvenir prices. Castaway Cay logo items are only available on Castaway Cay, and cannot be purchased on the ship. We found the selection to be fairly good for Castaway Cay logo items, with some neat items and a good mix of classic and ‘trendy beach’ designs.

The supplies are a different story. Pack wisely so you don’t have to purchase items here. Things such as sunscreen, disposable underwater cameras, and beach toys are all for sale here, and the prices are around triple what you might expect to pay for the same things in the real world.

What to Pack

There are a few things you’ll want to bring to Castaway Cay that you might not otherwise consider. First, quality water shoes . You’ll want these because the paved walkways and even that white sand can get hot, plus there are crushed up seashells and other things that can cut your feet in it. Second, beach bug repellant .

Castaway Cay is mostly an unimproved island, and depending upon the time of year you visit, the sandflies (or “no-see-ums”) can be really bad . On our first visit in early February, these bugs made Serenity Bay virtually intolerable. Bugs aren’t always an issue, but it’s better to be safe than sorry…and not get eaten alive.

You’ll want to take an underwater camera. There is a lot to see and photograph underwater (including Hidden Mickeys!), so we think it’s a good idea to pack an underwater camera. Nowadays you can pick up a decent digital underwater camera for less than $100, making it really foolish to waste money on a disposable one on Castaway Cay.

We just mentioned those Hidden Mickeys underwater, well, those aren’t the only Hidden Mickeys on Castaway Cay. Since the island is Imagineering-designed and themed, taking the Hidden Mickeys Go to Sea book for Hidden Mickey hunting can make for a fun activity while on Castaway Cay!

Two ‘depending upon the circumstances’ type things you should bring are your own snorkel set and fins, and beach toys. Other items are more common-sense based: sunscreen, hats, and other beach-ware. You might also want to check out our Unique Disney Packing List , but those items are mostly geared towards the cruise itself and not Castaway Cay.

That covers it for our coverage of Castaway Cay! Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise! For some quick, must-know things, read our Top 10 First Time Disney Cruise Line Tips .

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

Do you have any tips to add for enjoying Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay? Any favorite excursions or things you think are a good value? Drink recommendations? Any other secrets to share or questions? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please leave a comment below!

Written by Tom Bricker

great info!

To the Daymond John of Fubu. More magazine editor Jonny Lichtenstein recently got involved in dangerous coraption business with crazy CBS anchor Otis Livingston to steal money from Fubu company employees bank accounts never trust Jonny Lichtenstein and Otis Livingston they belong in prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, I’m just curious about the POTC ship that was there….I know it has been gone for a number of years but are there any plans to replace it with another from the movies?

Does anyone recommend wetsuits on Castaway Cay island in February? Thanks!

We went in February, and the water was warm. People were wading and swimming with just the normal swimsuits on.

We just came back from our first cruise aboard the Disney Magic, which visited Castaway Cay. That had to be one of the most memorable vacations my family as ever taken. We had so much fun and there was plenty for us to do. On Castaway Cay I would highly recommend taking a bike ride around the island. Riding the bike on the airstrip was pretty cool. I also took some photos of Castaway Cay: http://www.jc-ruiz.com/cruising-on-the-disney-magic-to-castaway-cay/

Can you ride bike on 5K trail? We are going next week!

Do they have bikes with training wheels? If not can u get a seat for a 7 yr old like a toddler carrier?

Those that stay and eat ice cream also serve (soft, that is…)

I would love some feedback from anyone who has travelled with an individual in a wheelchair.

There are sand wheelchairs available on the island. We transferred my dad when we got to them. It would have been a hard push all the way to the water but we could have done it. Since he was in a chair due to an injury he was content to transfer to a lounge chair once on the beach. Great! My daughter is only 10 but has CP. transferred her to a sand stroller- also provided. Also great

i gas a question about Cast away Kay. I was wondering if Disney Has the island swimming area netted off for safety. I have watched too much shark week lol

I am shark-phobic and asked the lifeguard at the family beach. The answer is that (at least for the family beach area) there is an underwater net. Some passengers joked that everything is very tightly controlled, that the fishes are probably individually barcoded. Long story short, there should be no shark. Although my previously blind faith in Disney was corroded a bit from the WDW alligator attack, so always better to use some caution and common sense!

Does anyone know what is involved with the cabanas i.e.: costs? Rental period? Is reserving one worthwhile?

The cabanas come for over $500 a day (closer to $600). They are for the entire day (usually 7 hours). There are only about 2 dozen of them so you need to book early since they get sold out. As for if they are worthwhile the money, it depends. I you want a sort of private beach for your family and a shaded place to relax in, go for it. Personally, the chairs and umbrellas in the public beach were good enough for me.

Does anyone know what you do with your kids during the 5K at Castaway Cay? I am fairly certain it would be too much for my children to handle, but am curious as to what we do with them while we are running? Thanks!

Kids can be left in the Kids Club or nursery anytime thst you are in port. My husband and I left our daughter in the kids club (on the ship) while we did a snorkeling excursion in St. Marttin. On Castaway Cay, you can check kids into the kids club on the Kids Beach. We didn’t venture over there on our last cruise because we were having so much fun on the Family Beach, but it sounds like we probably should on out upcoming trip so that we can go check out Serenity Bay! This post is awesome! So many great tips!

Love the tips, but I have a question. Are fins provided when you book for snorkeling? or should we bring our own?

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What to Know About Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Line's Loyalty Program

Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, including membership tiers and exclusive perks.

Jacqueline Dole is a freelance food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things.

Castaway Club Membership Tiers

Tips for making the most of your status.

• Disney Cruise Line Tips and Tricks

Amy Smith/Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has gained a huge following since the Disney Magic first set sail in 1998, and for good reason. With Broadway-quality shows, some of the best food on the open seas, and unparalleled customer service, travelers of all ages are loyal to the line. Disney Cruise Line rewards this loyalty with the Castaway Club, a program with tiered categories based on how many voyages you’ve completed. Each of the different tiers holds unique perks, from free meals at Palo, an adult-exclusive restaurant on board, to discounts on merchandise and even free gifts each time you sail.

Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, starting with the status tiers. 

Steven Diaz/Disney Cruise Line

Guests are awarded Silver status after completing one voyage with Disney Cruise Line. “Silver Castaway Club Members receive their membership perks as soon as they complete their first sailing. This means that when it’s time to book your second sailing, you have early access to both reserving new itineraries and planning your cruise activities for your upcoming sailing online. To make the most of your benefits, be sure to keep up with Disney Cruise Line’s itinerary releases,” says Adrianna H., a PlanDisney Specialist . Silver status allows guests to book new itineraries at least one day before the general public can. This is a huge advantage for some of the more popular routes and even new ships, like the upcoming Disney Treasure . 

Silver Castaway Club members can book onboard cruise activities like spa treatments and specialty dining as well as Port Adventures, Disney’s lingo for shore excursions, 90 days before sailing. Some of the more popular activities and restaurants fill up fast, like reservations for the private cabanas at Disney’s island, Castaway Cay , and brunch at Palo, the adults-only Italian restaurant on board, so this extra time can help ensure that you get to spend your vacation exactly as you’d like. 

Silver Members can complete online check-in, select their port arrival time, and register children for youth clubs 33 days before sailing. By securing an early port arrival time, you’re able to board the ship early and start your vacation right away. 

Some ports also have exclusive cruise terminal check-in for different tiered members, allowing you to access a shorter line for day-of check-in protocols. Silver members are also given an exclusive phone number to call for any questions or requests before their sailing. 

All Silver members receive a “Welcome Back Aboard” gift during their sailings. Castaway Club members of every tier receive a Castaway Club lanyard for easy access to their Key to the World card, which allows you to charge purchases to your room, open your stateroom door, and enter and exit the ship while at port. “My favorite Castaway Club perk is the Welcome Back Aboard gift.  The lanyards are a great conversation starter with fellow passengers. I love to hear about everyone’s favorite ship and itinerary. It’s these connections with other guests that make cruising with Disney special,” according to Tracie M., a PlanDisney Specialist . In addition to the lanyards, Silver members currently receive a complimentary tote bag, which is great for carrying towels to the perfect beach lounger at Castaway Cay.

Guests are awarded Gold status after completing five sailings with Disney Cruise Line, and they receive all the same perks as Silver members, plus some new ones. With this status, members can book new itineraries at least two days before the general public. As some itineraries sell out quickly and prices generally only go up as the sail date gets closer, it’s a good idea to book your trip as soon as possible.

Gold Castaway Club members can add onboard activities and Port Adventures 105 days before sailing, and they can complete online check-in, select port arrival time, and register any children for youth clubs 35 days before sailing. These extra two days might not seem like much, but on crowded sailings, it can be the equivalent of additional hours on board as the early time slots fill up quickly. 

Gold members are also invited to a private reception for higher-tier Castaway Club members on sailings that are eight nights and longer, featuring special entertainment, refreshments, and a chance to meet the ship’s captain and officers. And that’s not all — sometimes Gold sailors can get exclusive access to other members-only experiences on the ship. “On a transatlantic itinerary I experienced last year, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at one of the musicals in the Walt Disney Theatre,” says Adrianna H.

Once you reach Gold, you receive a small discount on select experiences and merchandise on board, generally about 10 percent. “To make the most of your status, I recommend visiting the Disney Cruise Line website to see your exclusive perks because sometimes they can change. My son’s favorite perk is the discount in the gift shop. He recently added the towel animal plush elephant to his collection. He even used his Platinum discount to purchase it himself,” says Tracie M. from PlanDisney. Gold members also receive a Castaway Club lanyard denoting their tiered status, the tote bag gifted to Silver members, and a wet/dry bag.

Guests are awarded Platinum status after completing 10 sailings. This tier allows you all the same benefits as the Gold tier, with some additional perks. Platinum Castaway Club members can book new itineraries at least three days earlier than the general public and add onboard activities and Port Adventures 120 days before sailing. Platinum-level members can also complete online check-in and select their port arrival time 38 days before sailing. 

Platinum members receive a Castaway Club lanyard denoting their tiered status, the tote bag gifted to Silver members, the wet/dry bag gifted to Gold members, and a beach towel. “One benefit that Platinum guests sometimes forget is the Platinum Member Gift. Once on board, they can call room service and ask what the gift options are — for example, a cheese and fruit platter, a truffle chocolate box, or a bottle of Prosecco,” says Chris Konecny, owner of DCL Cruising Dad .

Finally, one of the most exciting benefits of being a loyal passenger aboard Disney Cruise Line is a complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse, an adults-only restaurant aboard the fleet of ships. The Northern Italian-inspired menu is a fan favorite, offering a four-course prix-fixe menu for $45 per person or the option to order à la carte. If you opt to order à la carte, you will receive a $45 credit per guest to apply to the final bill. Only guests 18 years and older can dine at Palo, and reservations are subject to availability, so be sure to book as soon as possible. 

The newest Castaway Club tier, Pearl, debuted last May. To qualify for this level, guests must have completed 25 sailings, and members of this elite tier are granted all the benefits from the Platinum level, as well as some additional advantages. 

Pearl Castaway Club members can book new itineraries at least four days before the public, and they can add onboard activities and Port Adventures 123 days before sailing. Pearl Members can complete online check-in and register children for youth clubs 40 days before sailing. Plus, Pearl Castaway Club members are not required to select a port arrival time when checking in for an upcoming sailing. They are automatically placed in the first boarding group for their cruise, a perk they share only with guests traveling in concierge staterooms. 

Additionally, Pearl members are given a complimentary unlimited digital photo package which allows guests to download all the photos from their journey. Pearl members also receive a Castaway Club lanyard denoting their tiered status, a tote bag, a wet/dry bag, and the beach towel and room service offerings provided to lower tiers, plus a pair of insulated stemless flute tumblers. 

Finally, the highest honor of all: Once you have completed 50 cruises with Disney Cruise Line, you will have the opportunity to display your family’s last name on a commemorative display at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

• Utilize your Castaway Club status to book itineraries as soon as they are released as prices will generally only go up as room availability goes down. “Use your early cruise booking window for best pricing and room availability. The prices for Disney cruises typically only go up after opening day, and room types become more limited on special sailings,” advises Brian Flock and Samantha Kanner, hosts of the DCL Duo Podcast . 
• Figure out which popular activities you want to do and prioritize these as soon as your booking window opens. This includes Palo reservations — especially brunch and seatings on Pirate Night — private cabanas on Castaway Cay, and any popular Port Adventures you may want to experience, such as the Glacier Explorer onboard Alaska itineraries. 
• Be sure to use your status to your advantage and check in for your sailing as soon as you can. Select the earliest possible port arrival time, and if you’re a fan of swimming, either wear or pack your swimsuit. One great way to spend these first few hours is to hop in the pools before everyone else does; in the past, I’ve had the whole pool deck to myself on the first day, something that rarely happens for the rest of the voyage. 

Related: Disney Cruise Secrets and Tips You Should Know Before You Go

Disney Cruise Line Tips and Tricks 

• Fans of DCL: Don’t wait too long to book your next trip. As of December 2023, Disney Cruise Line changed the eligibility requirements for Castaway Club membership effective immediately. In order to maintain their status, Castaway Club members must book or sail on at least one eligible cruise within five years of their last voyage. 
• If you find yourself plotting your next Disney Cruise Line vacation before you even disembark, take advantage of the placeholder deal before you leave the ship. “For a small deposit, you can make a placeholder reservation for a future Disney Cruise. It’s a great way to save some money on your next Disney vacation at sea,” says Tracie M. This placeholder includes a 10 percent discount on your next voyage, as long as it’s within 24 months after the placeholder reservation is booked.
• If you see something you want in the gift store, don’t wait. Adrianna H. explains, “If you see something in the onboard stores that you can’t live without, it’s a good idea to purchase it sooner rather than later. Some popular items sell out and do not get restocked during your voyage.”
• And don’t be afraid to try something new on your next trip. While the onboard restaurants are all fantastic, sometimes the best days are the most spontaneous ones, and you might as well take full advantage of Disney Cruise Line’s unique complimentary room service policy. “If you’ve never skipped your dinner seating to enjoy room service in your stateroom while watching a Disney movie, the next cruise you take is the perfect opportunity to do so. Don’t forget to order a Mickey Bar!” says Adrianna.

Disney Castaway Cay – The Ultimate Guide

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Are you wanting to know more about Disney Castaway Cay? One of the highlights of a Disney cruise is a trip to Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. Here I will share with you some of the secrets I have learned from many visits to Disney Castaway Cay island.

Most Disney cruise guests say that their visit to Castaway Cay is the highlight of their trip. We agree!

We will give you all the Disney cruise tips and hacks that you need to make your day on Disney’s Castaway Cay a memorable one. You will also learn about the less than perfect history of the Castaway Cay island – long before Disney arrived.

Here is our complete Disney Castaway Cay tips and review which will help you get the most from your experience.

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Disney Castaway Cay Tips

Disney was one of the first cruise lines to offer their guests a private island to explore. Disney wanted to be the very best. They made sure that the island had the perfect location in the Bahamas and offered an amazing experience for their guests.

Disney’s Castaway Cay private island is 1,000 acres in area. However, most of this is not developed.

Disney cruise lines have made a 55-acre paradise in the Bahamas for their cruise guests. Disney Castaway Cay Bahamas is often the highlight of a Disney cruise.

A very limited number of cruises also stop at Castaway Cay twice in one sailing. There are known as Castaway Cay Double Dip sailings and you can read about them here.

Disney Castaway Cay History

It is fun to know a little about the rather dubious past history of Castaway Cay. Contrary to popular belief Disney does not actually own Castaway Cay.

The island of Castaway Cay actually belongs to the Bahamian government. Disney Cruise Lines have a 99-year lease which began in 1997, the year before Disney Magic was launched.

They are reputed to have spent $25 million on making this island a true Disney paradise for their cruise guests.

However, this 1,000-acre island in the Bahamas, which was known as Gorda Cay, was not always used for family-friendly activities!

Disney Castaway Cay has an interesting history …….

Disney Legend has it that pirates used the island to hide and wait for passing ships to ambush. There is some evidence that this is actually true as there were some treasures found on the island from a ship that sank in 1733.

Fortunately, the only pirate who you will encounter on Castaway Cay now is Captain Jack Sparrow. He will be out and about and available for photos on Castaway Cay .

Before it was renamed Castaway Cay it was called Gorda Cay. The island was used in the last century by farmers who lived on the neighboring islands. An entrepreneur, Alvin Tucker, bought part of the island in the 1960s. He built a runway to improve access to the island.

However, the fact that it was a great place to grow things and had a very useful airstrip built in the 1960s, meant that it was discovered by drug smugglers. When Alvin Tucker heard about this he tried to stop it but failed.

It is rumored that even the local police were supporting the operation. Tucker sold his interest in the island to a private company which later was revealed to be backed by drug smuggler Frank Barber.

Frank Barber thought it would be a great idea to use the island for tourism as well as running his drug operation there! However, in 1983 his reign came to an end when the police raided the island and found $100 million worth of cocaine.

Disney leased the island from the Bahamian government in 1997, just a year before the launch of the first Disney cruise ship, the Disney Magic.

It is believed that they spent $25 million converting Gorda Cay into an island paradise for Disney cruise guests. This included blasting out some of the sea bed to build a dock and importing 50,000 truckloads of sand to build the beach.

Want more Disney Cruise Tips? Click Here

Getting Off The Ship at Disney’s Castaway Cay

Photo Credit

It is an incredible experience to watch the ship approach Castaway Cay. You will arrive early in the morning.

If you have a verandah stateroom it is a great idea to get a room service breakfast that day. You can then enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst you watch Castaway Cay get closer and closer.

If you do not have a verandah then you should head on up to the buffet to get some breakfast. You can still watch your arrival at Castaway Cay from the buffet whilst you get a bite to eat.

Our tip is to start the day early at Castaway Cay. You only have a limited time there and the best way to get the maximum benefit from it is to start out early. You can also get some precious island time before the sun gets too strong.

It is very easy to get off the ship and on to Castaway Cay. Disney thought of pretty much everything when they were creating their private island. Tender boats are a pain, and so Disney made sure that their ships could dock directly on the island.

Many cruisers get off the ship early at Castaway Cay. However, because the process is so easy you won’t experience those awful lines to disembark which some other cruise lines have.

Remember to take your Key to the World Card with you . This is your way to get on and off the ship. You also use your KTTW for any purchases that you want to make on the island.

There isn’t really much else that you actually need to bring with you when you get off the ship. We always advise hats and sunscreen though.

When you exit the ship one of the first things that you will see is a stack of towels. You can pick up one of these to use for the day – no need to bring towels off the ship.

The weather at Castaway Cay is fabulous for most days of the year. The summer months can be very warm so be prepared, This is also the time you may experience rain showers. In the cooler months which are usually between December and February, the water may be a little cooler than you want – but usually, it is just perfect!

Another Disney cruise tip that people with young children need to know is that you do not have to bring a stroller off the ship. Disney has everything covered for you. There is free stroller rental right off the ship.

Kids usually think it’s fun to have a different stroller. Take advantage of this free Disney cruise perk which includes strollers, wagons and even jogging strollers.

There are free wheelchairs available too with huge wheels so that you can take them on the beach.

You will pass the Disney Castaway Cay Post Office on your right. This is a great place to send a postcard as it will be stamped with the Castaway Cay postmark. It will take some time to reach its destination but it is a cool thing to do!

The first decision of the day that you will face is whether to take the Castaway Cay Tram or not. We suggest that you do not take it on the way out to the beaches.

It really isn’t that long of a walk and you may find that it is quicker than taking the trams at the beginning of the day. We usually don’t take it on the way out, but take it on the way back.

Walking to the beaches has the advantage that you tend to get to the beach earlier than most people, who are still stuck waiting for a tram. You can also get more of a sense of the island and see some of the Disney details along the trail.

If you are thinking of sailing on a cruise on the Disney Cruise we always suggest contacting a Disney Authorized Travel Agent. We recommend Destinations in Florida – Get a Quote Now! . Their services are free and you may even get a discount!

Which Disney Castaway Cay Beach Should We Choose?

Another great thing about Disney Castaway Cay is that there is more than one beach to choose from.

The closest beach to the ship is Castaway Cay Family Beach . As you would expect, this is the most popular beach on the island. The Castaway Cay Family Beach is set out in a number of different areas.

The Family Beach on Castaway covers the most space on the island. There are different places that you can aim to settle for the day.

Human nature being what it is, most people don’t want to venture far from the Disney ship. Therefore the rule seems to be that the further you get from the ship, the less populated the beach is.

It’s kind of like the principle of how you can search forever for a parking space close to the store. However, if you are prepared to walk for two minutes there will be plenty of space.

As the day progresses the beach gets more crowded. The Disney Wonder and Magic have many fewer guests than the Disney Dream and Fantasy.

This means that you will have fewer people on the island if you are on the classic ships.

We don’t think that Castaway Cay ever seems that crowded. But it isn’t empty either. If you want to get your preferred spot on the Castaway Cay Family Beach you need to be one of the first groups of guests off the ship.

People also leave early in the afternoon. Another tip is to go for the last couple of hours on Castaway Cay when everyone else is heading back to the ship. Guests and we admit this includes us, tend to go back to the ship earlier than is really necessary.

Maybe it’s the mostly irrational fear that you will be waving goodbye to the ship and stranded on this island of paradise!

Whatever it is, people tend to start leaving the island around 2 hours before the departure time. If you want to take advantage of this, leave your beach time until the end of the day.

Disney probably won’t thank us for this insight, but they aren’t going to leave you behind. We have seen guests left behind in other ports. However, do you really think Disney isn’t going to make sure you are off their own private island?

Don’t take advantage of this and inconvenience other guests and the Captain by being late. Be cool about it. However, you can leave the island 15 minutes before the scheduled departure and still be fine.

If you are childfree you will definitely want to Serenity Bay Castaway Cay . This is the adults-only beach . If you want a fabulous, perfect, pretty much empty beach you will find it on Serenity Bay Castaway Cay.

If lying on the beach and going for a swim in the perfectly clear and calm ocean is your thing then this is paradise.

Sitting on a beach is definitely not my thing – anywhere else in the world except Serenity Bay. However, here Disney has created the perfect beach paradise which even people like me can actually relax on for more than 15 minutes!

You can leave the kids in Scuttle’s Cove if you want to catch some time on Serenity Bay. We say it is worth it, even if it is just for a couple of hours out of the day.

There is also Teen Hideout for those over 13 who probably don’t want to spend the whole day with you anyway!

Castaway Cay Cabanas

One of the most sought after commodities on Disney’s private island are the Castaway Cay Cabanas. If your budget can stretch to a Castaway Cay Cabana you will be very happy in your very own private paradise. However, you have to be very lucky to get one.

There are 24 Castaway Cay Cabanas and they generally all sell out as soon as booking opens. What this means is that usually, you have to be a Disney cruise concierge guest to even have a chance of booking one.

The concierge guests have priority booking of 120 days out from the cruise and they are usually gone on day one of the booking window.

Most of the Cabanas are on the Family Beach, but there are some available on Serenity Bay. The Serenity Bay cabanas are slightly easier to book – most people go on a Disney cruise with their children.

So why are the Disney Castaway Cay Cabanas so popular? They offer your own haven of shade and comfort on the island.

They are wooden cabana structures that have the front open to one of the Castaway Cay beaches. They also give the lucky few who book them some extra things such as free rafts, tubes, and snorkel gear. There are more things which we will detail later.

If you book a Castaway Cay Cabana you will receive a note with special instructions in your stateroom. Here you will get a wrist band so you can be identified as having snagged that elusive Cabana reservation.

Once you get off the ship you will go to the Disney Castaway Cay Cabana Check-In. Once you have checked in a helpful Cast Member will take you by golf cart to your very own cabana.

The Cast Member will give you a tour of your Castaway Cay cabana. They will make sure that you know about all of the perks and amenities. If you want anything then a Cast Member can easily be called with the push button in the cabana. They will even come back and transport you anywhere you want to go with the golf cart at any time during your stay.

The furnishings inside and outside the cabana are of very high quality. There is a fabulous porch with comfortable furniture on the deck outside.

It is an amazing experience to sit outside on the deck – there is a ceiling fan in case you get too warm. You will probably find that you spend a lot of your time outside there on the deck close to the sand.

Another great perk of the Castaway Cay Cabanas is that you get your very own hammock.

Guests who experience the Disney Castaway Cay Cabanas usually feel as though they are worth the cost.

What extra perks do you get with the Castaway Cay Cabana? You will have use of your own refrigerator which is stocked with hand towels, bottled water, and soda.

There is a safe, which is great for peace of mind if you are carrying cameras and phones. There is also a power socket so you can charge these.

There will be basic snacks in your cabanas such as fruit, bags of chips and granola bars. You are even provided with sunscreen, sand toys, and magazines.

Although there are snacks in the cabanas you will have to make your way to the barbecue for lunch. The advantage is that you can eat it in your own private space if you want to.

There is a freshwater shower and a changing curtain for privacy. You can also have music in your cabana. If you have young children you can request a Pack N Play.

The one thing that you don’t get with your Castaway Cay Cabana is a bathroom. You still have to walk to the bathrooms and depending upon where your cabana is located, this can be a bit of a trek.

As you can imagine all of this comes at a price. How much do the Castaway Cay Cabanas cost?

The Family Beach Cabana is $549 and accommodates up to 6 guests, the Grand Family Beach Cabana is $899 and will accommodate up to 10 people. The Serenity Bay Beach Cabana is $399 and will accommodate 4 guests.

You can add extra guests to each Castaway Cay Cabana for an extra fee. If you want more than 6 in the Family Beach Cabana there are charged at $50 per person up to 10 guests.

The Grand Family Beach Cabana can add up to 6 guests for an additional $50 per person up to 16 guests.

If you want to have more than 4 guests in the Serenity Bay Cabana they are also $50 per person up to a maximum of 10 guests.

A Castaway Cay Cabana is the most difficult thing to actually book on a Disney cruise as there is such limited availability. There are only 21 cabanas and demand far exceeds supply. You really have to at least be a Platinum Castaway Cay Club member or Concierge Guest to even have a chance of getting one of these.

However, we have occasionally heard of guests getting a last-minute reservation when someone cancels.

Our Disney cruise tip is to go to Guest Services when you board the ship and ask to be put on the waiting list. Nothing ventured nothing gained. You may get very very lucky and get a last-minute cancellation of a Castaway Cay Cabana.

If you want a complete guide to Castaway Cay Cabanas then you can read that here.

Disney Castaway Cay Activities

You can spend the whole day on Disney’s Castaway Cay simply relaxing on the beach, but there are also many activities on the island to keep you occupied.

Some of the activities are free such as Pelican Plunge on the Family Beach. This is a 2,400 square foot floating platform that has slides and water canons.

It is a lot of fun for the kids. However, you do have to swim out to it though so they have to be comfortable out in the water. There is one open and one enclosed water slide.

Disney’s Pelican Plunge is a very popular feature of the family beach. If you want to avoid the crowds make sure that you get there early or stay late. The part of the beach which is closest to Pelican Plunge is always the busiest.

Spring a Leak is also a lot of fun, particularly for smaller children. It is a 2,400 square foot water splash area. It has lots of water fountains and sprinklers for the kids to play in.

There are some paid activities and excursions on Castaway Cay as well. There are a variety of Disney Castaway Cay excursions to choose from. You really can enjoy Castaway Cay without spending any additional money at all. However, there are some activities for an extra cost which may interest you and your family.

Some of the least expensive and good value extras are the equipment rentals on Castaway Cay . You need to head to Marge’s Barges and Sea Charter Dock on the Family Beach for rentals.

We always rent a Float or a Tube to enjoy the ocean on Disney’s Castaway Cay. They are $10 for the day. Bicycle rentals are also a great idea.

Castaway Cay has a great bike trail and you will get to see parts of the island that you usually wouldn’t. These are $10 by the hour.

It is good value to get a day package which gives you snorkel equipment rental and an inner tube for the day, as well as bike rental for an hour. The price of this is $40 so this offers good value if you think you will take advantage of all of these things.

Snorkeling is a very popular activity. There is a special area on the Family Beach for snorkeling. Of course, Disney puts its very own special magic on this activity and you will find some unusual items in the water.

You can rent snorkeling equipment for $29 for adults, $14 for children for the whole day. This is a great introduction to snorkeling.

You can have a lot of fun with the boat rentals too. These are priced at $14 for a 2 person paddle boat and $18 for a 4 person paddle boat for 30 minutes.

A Hobie Kat is $27 and a Sea Cycle is $24. You can also rent a 1 person sea kayak for $14 and a 2 person for $18. All prices are for 30 minutes. They are rented from the Family Beach.

Take our advice and make sure you wear hats and use a lot of sunscreen. It’s hot out there and you can get burned quickly – we know from experience!

One of the most popular of all of the Castaway Cay excursions is the Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure . If you want to get up close and personal and learn something about these creatures, this very popular adventure is for you.

The current price is $52 for adults and $41 for children under 10. Your kids have to be at least 5 years old to participate. Most people review this experience very highly. It is limited in numbers each day so it is advisable to book the excursion as soon as you can.

Disney Castaway Cay Stingray Adventure

One of the most expensive of the Castaway Cay excursions is the Parasailing Experience . This is available for anyone aged over 8 and the experience costs $104.

The actual above-ground experience lasts less than 10 minutes but is one of those things that you will never forget. If you are a thrill seeker this is as good as it gets on Castaway Cay.

There are a number of other port adventures that you can enjoy at Castaway Cay. We actually view Castaway Cay as an amazing experience in itself and rarely spend much on port adventures apart from renting the inner tubes and bikes. We prefer to save our money for other ports of call.

There are so many Castaway cay excursions we have written a separate article for you which you can find here .

Disney Castaway Cay 5K Run

If you want to burn off some of those extra calories you will be eating on the ship you might want to enter the now very poplar Disney Castaway Cay 5K Run. This is a great way to start the day on Disney’s private island. Everything is very relaxed and this is an amazing place to run your first 5K.

The Disney Castaway Cay 5K Run is free to enter. You will be rewarded at the finish line with a Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal.

You need to register for the 5K at the ship’s Guest Services. 

It used to be that you were given a ticket with a time and place to meet on the ship for the morning of your day at Castaway Cay. This was so 5K participants could get off the ship earlier than other people.

Unfortunately, people were abusing this system and signing up for the 5K so they could get off the ship first, and then not actually participating in the race.

The system now is that you do still have to sign up for the Castaway Cay 5K, but you simply exit the ship and meet at the start line.

You have to be at least 10 to take part in the Disney Castaway Cay 5K. This is very much a family event and not one is really taking any notice of how fast or slow you are!

If you have kids under 10 you can drop them off at Scuttle’s Cove so that they can be taken care of whilst you run the 5K.

You will need to decide if you are going to go back to the ship to get a shower and get changed after the run. This is up to you. If you go back to the ship you will of course not have as much time on Castaway Cay.

If you decide that you won’t go back to the ship you can take your swimwear and change of clothes in a backpack and leave them in the free lockers provided.

The route is flat, but of course, it can get pretty hot, even that early in the morning. Make sure that you drink plenty of water along the way.

Many participants take the chance to take a lot of photos along the way and just enjoy the experience rather than try and get the best time.

When you have finished you will get a Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal. If you want you can also buy one of the shirts.

Disney Castaway Cay Dining

You will never go short of food on a Disney cruise and Castaway Cay is no exception.

The food is fine and functional. It is not gourmet and it isn’t as good as that offered on the ship. However, as a beach food venue, it is fine.

If you want better quality food you should go back onto the ship and we have done this sometimes. You will have an almost empty buffet experience on the ship because most people are out there enjoying Castaway Cay.

It is pretty quick to get back on to the ship and off again, but time on the island is at a premium.

The food on Castaway Cay is fine, not fabulous. If you can just accept it for what it is and enjoy it. Time on Castaway Cay is valuable so we advise eating here even if we admit we are a bit negative about the food quality.

There a three barbecue locations on Disney’s Castaway Cay. Cookies One is located closest to the ship on the Family Beach and tends to be less busy that Cookies Two which is further in but also on the Family Beach. They both serve the same menu. It is a typical barbecue fare and you certainly won’t go hungry.

There is also a Serenity Bay BBQ. If you can possibly eat here we recommend it. The Serenity Bay Beach is the least crowded of all the areas on Castaway Cay so that is an obvious advantage. They also sometimes serve dishes that aren’t on the Family Beach.

You do need to be aware that the buffet is not open all of the time that you are on Castaway Cay. It typically opens late morning and will close by 2 pm.

We actually think this is something that Disney should probably address as not everyone likes to eat on that schedule. However, just as long as you are aware of the opening times you can plan accordingly.

All of the Castaway Cay BBQ venues serve the same menu (although you may get lucky at Serenity Bay). There is a selection of salads and fruit as you first enter the buffet area.

You will also usually find Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Ribeye Steaks, Rotisserie Chicken, Cajun Mahi Mahi, and BBQ Pork Ribs.

If you are vegan or have other special dietary needs it is best if you ask your servers about this when you are on the ship. They will make sure that you are catered for and will tell you which particular venue to go to.

You will also find the usual BBQ favorites such as corn on the cob, fries and fresh fruit. There are also bags of Lays Chips available which for some reason seems to absolutely delight the kids!

Dessert is limited, but you are in the sun on the beach so really it’s not the place to crave sugar! If you do there are some good chocolate chip cookies to enjoy.

There is also self-service ice cream station located next to the serve-yourself soda bar.

Disney Castaway Cay Bars

You can enjoy as many drinks of soda as you want on Castaway Cay as there are drinks stations at each of the three BBQ venues on the island. Just as on the cruise ship, all the soda is free.

If you want to enjoy a more adult drink on the island, of course, there are plenty of places you can purchase these too.

There are four bars on Disney’s Castaway Cay. The very best is of course located on Serenity Bay – the Castaway Air Bar.

If you really want to enjoy a cocktail on Castaway Cay the general option is that the Konk Kooler is the one to go for. This is a mix of Rum, Passion Fruit, Pina Colada and Passion Fruit which will make your time on Castaway Cay all the more memorable. The Deep Blue Sea is also a favorite and includes Bacardi Rum, Blue Curacao, and Sweet Lemon Mix.

The other bars on Castaway Cay also serve the same menu. The Sand Bar and Conched Out Bar are both close to the Family Beach. The closest bar to the ship is the Head’s Up Bar which is near to the Castaway Ray Stingray Adventure. Prices for all the bars are pretty reasonable. You can enjoy a cocktail for less than $6 here.

The bars are not the only place where you can enjoy a premium drink. We particularly like the Summertime Freeze Frozen Drink venue. As everyone knows, Disney’s Frozen gets everywhere.

It is obvious that Olaf is a perfect fit to permanently live on Castaway Cay. Close to the Family Beach on Castaway Cay you can find some great smoothies. Of course, they cost extra, but we think you should indulge at least once when you are here.

The names of the drinks are pure genius and include Worth Melting For, Sven’s Carrot Delight, and Frozen Heart. The prices here are what we think is a reasonable $5.95 or $11.95 in an Olaf Sipper. That souvenir is going to be something you actually use back home so why not treat the kids?

Disney Castaway Cay Scuttle’s Cove

We think of Disney’s Castaway Cay as a place to enjoy with all of the family and so we have always stayed together. However, we secretly admit (well maybe it’s not a secret now) to wanting to go to Serenity Bay for an hour or two! If you want to do that and have children there are Disney kids clubs available on Castaway Cay.

You can check your kids into a supervised program, just as you can on the ship. For your peace of mind, the children have plenty to do, but they are definitely not taken anywhere near the water.

If you have older kids they may not want to spend the day with you anyway! There is a Teen Beach on Castaway Cay.

There is also a Castaway Cay activity which is exclusively for teens which they may really enjoy. This includes a kayaking adventure, cycling, snorkeling as well as a tour of Disney’s private island. This may be a great way for your teens to spend time with their friends and for you to actually get some alone time in paradise!

Disney Castaway Cay Shopping

The shopping on Castaway Cay is surprisingly limited. There really isn’t that much to see, but there are some small shops to browse on the island. She Sells Sea Shells and everything else and Buy the Sea Shore sell Castaway Cay merchandise which can make a nice souvenir.

You can also pick up items that you may have forgotten to bring such as sunscreen and sand toys. Cultural Illusions sells Bahamian craft items but doesn’t have a great selection.

Should I Stay on the Ship at Castaway Cay?

We admit that we are big fans of staying on the ship in port stops that we really are not interested in anymore. Nassau immediately springs to mind! It is a great opportunity to experience a Disney ship without many other guests if you stay on the ship whilst you are in a port that you do not want to experience.

However, we really think, and so do the majority of Disney cruise guests, that Castaway Cay is the highlight of most Disney cruises. Staying on the ship is not an option that we really recommend. There is paradise right out there so we recommend taking the opportunity to experience it.

Having said that, if you do want to stay on the ship it is one of the best times to experience the Aquaduck . You will have pretty much no wait time and can experience it again and again.

The food is also much better on the ship than on the Disney island. Again, we really don’t suggest losing any time on Castaway Cay.

However, we do acknowledge that the food is so much better on the ship. For us, this is not a reason to go back to lunch. You can experience fabulous dining for the other meals on your cruise. Castaway Cay isn’t about the food.

Really what we are saying is that Disney’s private island is not somewhere that you are ever going to spend much time.

Even if you go on lots of Disney cruises you have limited time there. We say, make the most of it. We think that Disney’s Castaway Cay is about as close to paradise as we are going to get!

Getting Back Onto the Ship At Castaway Cay

A lot of people go back to the ship earlier than they really need to. We are not sure why – it really isn’t going to be that Disney leaves you behind.

Most people start to head back to the ship around 2 hours prior to the time that the ship is due to leave the island.

We are not advocating arriving back late and causing thousands of people and of course the ship’s crew, the inconvenience of leaving late. That is just not cool. What we are saying is don’t leave a huge window to get back to the ship. Enjoy the experience for as long as you possibly can.

A trip to Disney Castaway Cay really is one of those experiences which you will remember for a lifetime. Then you will want to work out how you can do it all again soon!

Do you have any Disney Castaway Cay tips and tricks? Share them with us in the comments section below.

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

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Castaway Cay is my favorite aspect of a Disney Cruise. It is the one thing I look forward to on every sailing!

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

April 5, 2023

The 15 Best Castaway Cay Activities [10 of them are FREE!]

Castaway Cay might be my favorite place on earth. I have visited Disney’s Private Island 10 times now and it never gets old. There is always something different to try out, plus there are our mainstays that we have to do every time we go.

Most people I talk to, consider this stop the highlight of their Disney Cruise and I imagine this will continue until Disney opens their 2nd private island .

Our List of the Best Castaway Cay Activities

One of the things I love about Castaway Cay is so many of the things to do, eat and drink are free which is great when you are calculating your Disney Cruise budget . That being said, we have done a lot of Castaway Cay Activities, both paid and FREE (the best kind) so we are breaking down our favorites.

1. Snorkeling on Castaway Cay (Paid or FREE)

Snorkeling in Castaway Cay is one of the boys’ favorite things to do on the island. Not only can you see some amazing fish, but there is also plenty of Disney Magic in the waters.

You will find many sunken ships and other artifacts along the way. If you search far enough you will find one ship with Captain Mickey at the helm. 

If you have your own snorkel gear, snorkeling is free, you just need to wear one of these inflatable yellow life vests (see pic above). They are free to use. Otherwise, you can rent snorkel gear.

Our Other Snorkeling Adventures

On a side note, if you love snorkeling, then you might want to check out some of our favorite snorkeling adventures on past vacations below:

• INCREDIBLE SNORKELING IN MALDIVES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
• MAUI SNORKELING – 5 AMAZING SPOTS TO SEE INCREDIBLE FISH & TURTLES

2. Bike Around the Island

This is a mainstay for us as we bike around the island every time we are on Castaway Cay. You can rent bikes for $8 and ride on a path around the island. The path will lead you to a lookout where you can see the cruise ship way in the distance. The bike ride takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

They have bikes for all sizes and seats for baby’s to safely ride on your bike behind you. The bike rental is located just past pelican’s plunge water slides.

3. Castaway Cay 5k (FREE – Signup Required for This Activity)

If you want to be the first one on the island than the Castaway Cay 5k is for you. You do not have to be an avid runner to enjoy this morning run (walking is perfectly fine).

There is a signup and safety meeting required the day before, but this is a fun event where you can jog around the island and take in its beauty before the rest of the cruise heads ashore.  You can check out my full details about the Castaway Cay 5k here)

4. Enjoying the Family Beach (FREE)

There is nothing like the beach at Castaway Cay. The water is calm, warm and beautiful. The sand is incredibly soft. There are plenty of chairs to relax, so you don’t have to be the first off the ship to get one of the thousands of beach chairs. (Although, we do recommend getting off early to get the most out of the day).

There are also hammocks to enjoy a lovely nap and servers coming around serving delicious beverages to enjoy the day. 

5. Water Slides at Pelican’s Plunge (FREE Castaway Cay Activity)

What is the Castaway Cay Pelican Plunge

Pelican Plunge is a thrilling water play area located on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. A few years ago Pelican Plunge was added to the many Castaway Cay activities. It is a popular attraction for families with kids as it offers a variety of fun water activities suitable for children of all ages.

The main feature of Pelican Plunge is a two-story water slide that sends riders splashing down into the crystal-clear waters below. There you can zoom down one of three slides into the warm Caribbean waters. (Plug your nose as it is saltwater).

My kids love going down the slides and I love making their father go with them. (I am not so much of a waterslide person!)

There are also water cannons, geysers, and other interactive elements that keep kids entertained for hours. There is also a Splash Pad to entertain the little ones at Pelican Plunge!

Parents can relax on the nearby lounge chairs and watch their children play, or join in on the fun themselves. With its exciting atmosphere and endless water adventures, Pelican Plunge is the perfect destination for families looking for a fun-filled day in the sun.

6. Enjoy a delicious BBQ at Cookies BBQ (Free)

One of the best parts of the Castaway Cay is the amazing BBQ on the island. There are two locations to enjoy the BBQ, Cookies BBQ, and Cookies Too. The BBQ is included with your cruise fare. You will find ribs, bbq chicken, mahi-mahi, couscous, potato salad, cheese bread, hot dogs, hamburgers and even veggie burgers. 

There are also some tasty desserts and fruit, plus unlimited ice cream from the soft-serve machine. 

7. Sting Ray Adventure

The Sting Ray adventure is probably the best paid Castaway Cay Activity in my opinion. There you and your family learn about stingrays, pet the stingrays and even feed them, which is really a weird feeling. The adventure takes about 90 minutes. The excursion is available for adults and kids ages 5 and above. 

8. Basketball Free Throw Challenge, Ping Pong & Shuffleboard (All FREE Castaway Cay Activities)

In a nice shaded enclave,  there is a great place to enjoy some fun games with the family and other cruise-goers. “In Da shade” is the place to be on a hot or rainy day. You can enjoy ping pong, chess, checkers, shuffleboard, and basketball.

In addition, usually around noon, they have a Free Throw challenge for all cruise-goers. Our 10 year old won the challenge on one of our visits and it is one of his favorite memories. 

9. Parasailing

Another great Castaway Cay Activity is to enjoy parasailing off Castaway Cay. There is something incredible about sailing high above Disney’s Private Island and the massive Disney Cruise Ship. It is such an incredible and exhilarating adventure that adults, teens, and kids love.

10. Find Insta-Worthy Spots (FREE)

Let me be honest, pretty much everywhere on Castaway is an Instagram worthy spot. On our recent visit for Disney Creator Days, we received a map (see below) with some great spots to get some shots that are perfect for your Instagram feed and great for memories. 

11. Drop the kids off at Scuttle’s Cove & Relax at Serenity Bay (FREE)

One of the most amazing things about Castaway Cay is Scuttle’s Cove. The amazing kids club that is onboard your Disney cruise, comes ashore and can entertain your kids in a secure environment at scuttles cove.

You can drop off your little ones and then head off to the adults-only Serenity Bay and enjoy a beach full of….. well, serenity. 

12. Enjoy a Beach Side Massage

Hey, if you have the kids dropped off at Scuttle’s Cove, might as well get the most possible relaxation and enjoy a beachside massage in a private open-air cabana. These dreamy massages do book up pretty quickly, so try to book this Castaway Cay activity as soon as you book your cruise. 

13. Rent a Cabana

Probably one of the hardest things to book on the island (unless you are a Platinum Castaway Club Member or a Concierge Guest) is renting a private cabana on Castaway Cay .

The cabanas tend to book up right away but they are simply amazing. We have never booked one ourself but our friends from Tink’s Magical Vacations recently did. We visited their cabana and now are dying to have one ourselves. 

These cabanas are not cheap by any means, as they run around $600 but if you can afford it they are a dream. Not only do you get your own private beach which looks out at the Disney Cruise or Serenity Bay.

Your cabana includes a cabin steward to attend to your parties’ needs, comfy lounge chairs, snorkel equipment, and your bike rental. You can check out our full review here.  

Keep in mind, if you aren’t traveling with little ones, renting a cabana on the adult’s beach is a bit cheaper. The Serenity Bay Cabanas run $399 for four guests. 

14. Enjoy a Dance Party with Mickey & Pluto (FREE)

One of our kids’ favorite things to do when they were little is the dance party with Mickey, Minnie & Pluto. The event is held in front of the DJ Booth near Cookie’s BBQ. Kids of all ages can join in on the fun!

15. Snap some Pics with your Favorite Disney Characters! (FREE!)

Throughout the day character will visit certain spots on the island to take pictures with cruise guests. These are some of my favorite spots to grab photos because the location is beautiful and the lines are much shorter than on the cruise boat. 

Pro Tips When Visiting Castaway Cay and Booking Activities

Castaway Cay is an amazing day all around. So here are a few tips to make it even better while you are experiencing all the amazing Castaway Cay activities. 

• Eat Breakfast Beforehand – Breakfast is not served on the island so grab a bite before you head off the ship
• Get out there early – I know you are on vacation but this is one of those places you want to get the most out of your day.
• Do the Bike Ride Early – Castaway does get warm, so it is best to do the bike ride early before it gets too hot. 
• Don’t Bring a Stroller – There are free strollers and wagons and wheelchairs on the island
• Pack Sand Toys for the Little Ones – You can buy some on the island, but you can save some money by packing some
• Don’t Buy the Bottled Water- There is free water at the soda stations and at other spots throughout the island
• Don’t bring towels off the ship – They will supply you with towels as you exit. 

Castaway Cay Activities – The Overall!

Overall, have a great time. Whether you are enjoying some BBQ after snorkeling or taking a ride down Pelican Plunge, we are confident that you will enjoy yourself!

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take some amazing pictures to make those memories last forever. 

Map of Castaway Cay Activities

If you have any questions about Disney Cruises or Castaway Cay Activities, feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram !

Pin-it for later: the best castaway cay activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Castaway Cay Activities

What activities are available at castaway cay.

Snorkeling Parasailing Bike Riding Jet Skiing Water Slides Childrens Water Play Area Dance Parties Character Interactions & More Basketball

Are there Rides at Castaway Cay

No, there are a few water slides, but no rides

What are the costs at Castaway Cay?

Castaway Cay is free for the most part. The food is free, the beach is free. There are paid activities like stingray adventures, cabanas parasailing and more. But if you just want a fun beach day, most things are free.

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Are Disney’s Castaway Cay cabanas worth the price?

Twelve days before my family and I were set to embark on our first Disney cruise , I got an email that set my heart pounding. We had secured the holy grail of Disney Caribbean cruises: a cabana on Castaway Cay.

For those of you unfamiliar with this cruise ship private island phenomenon, a cabana is a private beach hut that you can rent for the day. Cabanas range from basic wood setups to full-on luxury buildings with bedrooms, air-conditioning and indoor plumbing. Most come with extras like snacks, dedicated food and drink service or access to an exclusive beach area.

After doing a victory dance in my office (good thing I work from home), I started to daydream about what I could expect from this VIP island experience. Would shade, a stocked fridge and a quieter beach be enough to warrant the hefty price tag, or were there other, unexpected upsides of the Castaway Cay cabanas?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here's what I learned, as well as everything you need to know about Castaway Cay cabanas.

How to book a cabana on Castaway Cay

There's a reason I referred to snagging a Castaway Cay cabana as finding the holy grail. The cabanas sell out in a flash and usually go to people with high status in Disney's Castaway Club loyalty program or people staying in concierge-level suites because they are allowed to book shore excursions before the rest of their shipmates can.

The early booking opportunity is one of the ways I was able to convince my husband that we should shell out for a concierge suite. He wasn't hard to convince because the other benefits of sailing in a concierge suite — like the private sun deck, daily happy hour with free drinks and a guarantee that we wouldn't have to sit with anyone but our family at dinner — are pretty compelling. Getting a better shot at a quiet and comfortable day on Castaway Cay was just the icing on the cake.

I realize that it's possibly irresponsible and a little silly to pay extra for a concierge room in order to pay extra for a cabana, but we did it anyway. Call it "Disney math."

Concierge guests can book their cruise activities 123 days in advance of sailing, while regular passengers without status in Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club can book 75 days in advance. Castaway Club members who have Platinum status can book 120 days in advance.

Here's the thing about booking a cabana as a concierge guest: You aren't actually booking the cabana 123 days out. Instead, 123 days before your embarkation date, you can email the concierge team, and they'll book your cabana for you when the 120-day window opens up. Concierge guests are in competition with the Platinum members of the Castaway Club, but concierge guests have concierges making the reservation, which may or may not confer an advantage.

Note that if you have not paid for your cruise in full by the time your booking window opens, you will not be able to make a reservation, so make that final payment early. This is especially true if you booked and are paying through a travel agent. It could take a few days for the payment to register with Disney if it's going through a third party, and that delay could prevent you from booking shore excursions as early as your room class or status in the Castaway Club allows.

The booking window is based on your sailing date, not the date your cruise stops at Castaway Cay, so mark your calendar accordingly.

The on-shore concierge team sent an email four days before reservations opened with all the details we'd need to request a cabana, as well as pricing. Booking opened at midnight, and we just needed to email our requests to the team. I scheduled my reply email ("CABANA PLEASE!") for exactly midnight and waited. And waited.

After two days with no reply, I emailed again, and the concierge team told me that we were on the waitlist. That's right — despite reaching out at the earliest possible moment for any cruise passenger, we didn't initially get a cabana. I opted to stay on the waitlist and hold out hope, which ultimately paid off.

How much do Castaway Cay cabanas cost?

A regular family cabana on Castaway Cay costs $797.30 for up to six guests, with additional guests costing $56 a head, though guests under the age of 3 are free. You can have up to 10 guests in a regular family cabana. The grand family cabana costs $1,127.50 and can host 10 people. Up to six additional guests can be added to a grand family cabana for $56 per person.

Though I didn't experience Serenity Bay, the adults-only area of Castaway Cay, because I had my kids with me, cabana rentals there are a bit cheaper at $493.90 for up to four guests and $56 per person for each additional guest, with a maximum of 10 people per reservation. All guests must be over the age of 18 to access the Serenity Beach area and its cabanas.

What's included in a Castaway Cay cabana?

A Castaway Cay cabana comes with sunscreen, towels, a large bowl of fruit, some light snacks, sand toys and a fridge stocked with water, soft drinks and chilled towels. There's also a Bluetooth speaker, so you can play your own music. Not having to lug snacks, drinks, towels and sunscreen to the beach was a huge plus (and I imagine it would be an even bigger plus for someone with younger kids).

Cabana guests get free snorkel equipment and bicycle rentals, and the cabana beach has plenty of floats for guests to use. It's really nice that these are included, as those rental costs can really add up, especially if you have a large group.

Of course, the cabana itself is also included. We had family cabana number 12. The cabana itself is rustic, especially when compared to the villas at Silver Cove on Norwegian Cruise Line's private island. My family rented a villa on an NCL cruise in January 2023 and our villa had air conditioning, a full private bathroom, a television with a selection of free films and a private bar and buffet.

In contrast, a Castaway Cay cabana is a simple wood structure that would be at home at any summer camp. It does not have air conditioning, only a ceiling fan. Windows have wooden shutters, but no glass or screen. One side of the cabana is open to the beautiful beach, though there are folding doors you can close.

Inside, the cabana has a comfortable couch and chairs, as well as a small curtained-off changing area. A small closet with a safe is a smart addition because there's no real way to secure the cabana itself. On the other hand, it's pretty silly to bring any valuables to the beach. (All purchases on Castaway Cay are made with your cruise card, so you don't need to bring cash or credit cards.)

The cabanas all have a porch that overlooks the beach and private cabana-only cove. The porch has two loungers and a chair with an ottoman. Each cabana also has a hammock and outdoor freshwater shower, as well as additional lounge chairs on the beach. Cabanas do not have private bathrooms, though a cabana-only restroom is a short walk away. Cabana guests get lunch at the same buffet (Cookie's Too) as guests on the family beach.

Each cabana also has a button you can push to get service, such as drinks or snack refills. The cabana attendants were largely concierge staff, so we recognized their friendly faces. We didn't use the button to get extra service on our cabana day, but the same crew members we saw working in the cabana area provided excellent service when we were on the ship. I can only imagine they were equally helpful and attentive on the island.

Here's one thing that is not included in a cabana on Castaway Cay: crowds. As I floated blissfully alone in the water of the cabana beach, I could see the adjacent family beach. It was a madhouse. When we walked to lunch later, my impression was that the family beach was extremely loud and crowded. By contrast, the cabana area was quiet and serene.

Related: Visiting a cruise line's private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes

Who should book a Castaway Cay cabana

Since there are only four of us in my family, the cabana was an indulgence. For larger groups, a cabana would make your beach day so much easier. You'd have plenty of seating close together as well as a meeting place. Plus, a larger group could more easily share the cost.

If you're traveling with someone who needs a daytime nap, a cabana is also a huge plus. I can attest to that because I took a nap on our couch. It wasn't hard to make the cabana quiet, cool and dark. While I could hear some beach noise, it was quiet enough for me to sleep. If you have a white-noise app on your phone, you could connect it to the cabana's speaker to block outside sounds.

While there's no air-conditioning to blast in a Castaway Cay cabana, it is an excellent way to cool down from the Bahamian heat. If you're traveling with someone who is sensitive to heat and sun (like yours truly), a cabana could be the difference between a full beach day and heading back to the ship early.

What's not great about a cabana on Castaway Cay

Our cabana experience was not entirely Mickey bars and Dole Whip. It missed the mark in a few respects.

For one, certain cabanas are set close together. Because it's so hard to book a cabana, you have to take what you can get. We could hear other families in their cabanas, and I observed several younger kids going to the wrong cabana when they left the water.

The changing area is also not the most private. It's in the corner with a curtain to cover the two open sides, but it's also next to a window, with a big gap between the curtain and the wall. It wasn't a big deal to close the window, but theoretically if someone really, really wanted to, they'd be able to see in. Don't expect to lounge around in your birthday suit.

Disney thoughtfully stocks cabanas with sunscreen (including a baby-friendly formula), so guests don't have to lug it from the ship. Unfortunately, the Coppertone sunscreens provided were not reef safe. It's disappointing that Disney wasn't thinking about protecting ocean reefs — especially seeing as they promote snorkeling on Castaway Cay.

Finally, the process for getting a cabana — and your odds of getting one — are also a downside. There's clearly a huge demand, and I wish Disney simply had more of them. Here's hoping that Disney Cruise Line's new island, Lookout Point at Lighthouse Cay, has more cabanas than Castaway Cay does, so more passengers can have the cabana experience.

Are Castaway Cay cabanas worth it?

For my anti-social family, the cabana on Castaway Cay was 100% worth it. To have a quiet beach and not worry about finding shade or a lounge chair or losing sight of our kids in the crowded water was well worth the price of admission. The stocked fridge and snacks were also more "worth it" than I expected. We didn't have to walk to one of the buffets on the island to get a drink or something to eat outside of lunch. Also, the fruit in the fruit bowl was insanely good.

My daughter and I ran the Castaway Cay 5k that morning, and being able to drop our belongings at the cabana, run, then come back and change was incredibly convenient. My husband and son could enjoy the beach while we ran, rather than keeping an eye on our stuff. Being able to rinse off the sand and salt in the freshwater shower was also so convenient and made for a pleasant walk back to the ship, rather than a sticky, sandy hike.

Even though I've experienced more luxurious beach cabanas and villas, a cabana on Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay is the best experience I've had. The relative quiet of the cabana beach, ease of accessing snacks and not having to lug everything we needed for a full beach day made the day feel like an actual beach day. We left our Castaway Cay cabana feeling relaxed and recharged.

If you have the status or the suite and can get a cabana on your Disney cruise, I encourage you to go for it. It's definitely worth the money.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Disney Cruise Line Information

DCL Fan is your source for Disney Cruise Line Information, News, and Discounts

Visit Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay on One Disney Cruise

It’s been nearly 26 years since Disney Cruise Line began welcoming guests to Castaway Cay , its first private island in The Bahamas. This summer, DCL will open its second island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point .

While there will likely be preview and media cruises taking place prior, the inaugural sailing to Lighthouse Point leaves from Port Canaveral, FL, on June 8, 2024, onboard the Disney Fantasy . This sailing is extraordinary because not only will the ship visit Lighthouse Point twice, but it will also make a stop at Castaway Cay. Three luxurious island days during a 7-night itinerary? We’ll take it!

Lucky for you, if you don’t happen to have reservations for the inaugural cruise to Lighthouse Point, there are several more opportunities to visit both islands during the same cruise throughout 2024; take a look at the departure ports and dates below!

SUMMER 2024

Port canaveral, fl departure.

• Disney Fantasy
• July 25, 2024

Fort Lauderdale, FL Departure

• Disney Magic
• July 1, 15, and 29, 2024
• August 12, 2024
• November 2, 2024
• December 18 and 22, 2024
• October 20, 2024
• November 10, 2024

San Juan, Puerto Rico Departure (ends in Galveston, TX)

• November 15, 2024
• Disney Dream
• November 6, 2024
• November 18 and 27, 2024
• December 2, 7, 16, and 30, 2024
• October 7, 21, and 31, 2024

It’s the perfect time to book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation, as right now, you only need to pay 50% of the standard deposit required to book. But you must act fast, as this offer is only valid through February 16, 2024! Reach out to Dreams Unlimited Travel for your no-obligation quote today!

About Post Author

Jackie Gailey

Senior Editor at The DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a ’13/’14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº

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Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Timers

D isney Cruises can be so much fun for families. In addition to the daily port visits, you will also enjoy activities, shows, fun kids’ clubs, delicious food, character greetings, shopping, and so much more.

If you are headed out on your first Disney Cruise Line cruise, you’ll definitely want to be prepared. Preparing for a cruise can often be stressful for families, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. Since we absolutely want you to have the best experience, here are a collection of Disney Cruise Line tips for first timers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and purchasing and/or clicking on some of the links (or calling the number) may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We’ve been on a media preview cruise and two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms (as well as 12+ cruises that I paid for on my own). All opinions are my own.

Book Your Disney Cruise

First, you’ll want to book your cruise. If you really aren’t sure what to do, it’s a good idea to go with a Disney travel agent, who can help you remember key dates (for final payments, etc). Otherwise, you can book directly through Disney. You’ll need to research sailing dates, ships, itineraries, and stateroom categories before you book.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Think about the type of experience you want to have. Obviously, an Alaskan cruise is much different than a Caribbean cruise. For a first cruise, I like the Disney Wish 3-day itinerary. It’s a good way to get started cruising, without too much risk. Many families even combine that agenda with a Walt Disney World trip for a Disney land and sea vacation .

Disney Cruise Line currently has five ships (the Dream, the Fantasy, the Wish, the Magic, and the Dream). While these ships do vary in size and amenities, I would generally recommend starting with the itinerary you want to go, rather than the ship.

You’ll also have your choice of staterooms. My family typically books a family stateroom with verandah. I like being able to stand out on the verandah throughout the day, and it also extends the room a bit. Other options include interior, oceanview (but no balcony), and concierge rooms.

When you book, you’ll also choose a seating time for dinner. I prefer the earlier time when traveling with my kids. Be sure to select a time when booking your cruise, and if your preferred time isn’t available, you can get on the waitlist.

Research Your Disney Cruise 

After you’ve paid your deposit, it’s a good idea to do some research – about the ship, and the ports of call. You’ll find that there are so many excursions offered, and you’ll want to book them ahead of time because they do fill up.

Keep in mind the ages of your kids – some of the excursions are definitely too challenging for younger kids, but the Disney Cruise Line website does a fantastic job showing that info. You should also research the different entertainment and dining options available on board, that way you know exactly what to expect.

Remember that you don’t have to do an excursion in every port, if you don’t want to. There’s always the option to explore on your own, or to stay on the ship.

In Grand Cayman , for instance, I booked a day stay at a hotel on Seven Mile Beach. I contacted the hotel directly for that, and just took a cab to and from our destination. Just keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for getting yourself back to the ship in time at the end of the day. If you don’t want to be worried about that, booking an official excursion is your best option.

Book Hotel, Airfare, and Transportation

I always recommend arriving the night before sailing if you are flying into your port of call. That will help avoid the potential of flight delays.

If flying into Orlando International Airport , I like to stay at the  Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  (see the  reviews on TripAdvisor  and book here ). You should also plan transportation to the port.

When we sail out of Port Canaveral , I prefer to take the Disney shuttles, which makes it nice and easy. Port Miami and Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale) are very close to the respective airports, which makes it easy to get there.

Check In For Your Disney Cruise

As a first-timer, you’ll be able to check-in 75 days before sailing. Disney Castaway Club members are able to check in earlier, which means that you may find some excursions that are already booked up by the time you check-in.

I definitely recommend that you already know which excursions you want, so you can book them right after checking in. Prepare a second and third choice option as well.

At this time, you’ll also fill out the guest information form, the payment authorization form for your on board purchases, and some other forms. If you need special services when on board, this is the time to request them.

You can also book certain on board experiences, like a meal at Palo. Because you’ll be one of the last to check in, you’ll want to do it right when your booking window opens. Your cruise will have to be all paid off before you are able to book anything.

Prep Door Decorations and Fish Extenders

If you aren’t aware, many Disney Cruise Line guests participate in a fun little unofficial program called  Fish Extenders . Essentially, you get together with other families and swap little gifts throughout your cruise. It’s completely optional, but can be a fun thing to do. My fish extender post contains all of the information that you need to know.

In addition, many families decorate their stateroom doors, so you’ll want to check out my post on decorating your Disney Cruise Line stateroom door  if you are interested in doing that.

Most families do some form of decorating, so you’ll probably want to do at least something. It’s a good way to be able to identify your door among the sea of doors that look exactly the same.

A relatively new tradition on cruise ships (not just Disney) is cruise ducks. It’s completely unofficial, but some guests hide rubber ducks on the ship for others to find. You can learn more about cruise ducks on this post.

Shop Before Your Trip and Pack Appropriately

There are shops on the ship, but they aren’t open when the ship is in port, and they have a limited selection of merchandise. So, you’ll want to have everything you need in your suitcase . Be sure to pack any medications you definitely need, as well as anything that you may potentially need on your trip.

Bags are delivered throughout the afternoon and evening, so you’ll want to pack a day bag for the first day on the Disney Cruise Line . We typically put essentials, sunscreen, medications, electronics, and evening dinner apparel in our day bag.

That way, if our suitcases don’t show up before dinner, we are still prepared. We also put our door decorations in that day bag so we can start decorating right away.

You won’t be able to get in your room until the early afternoon, so you won’t want your day bag to be too heavy. If your kids are older, you may want everyone in your family to carry a small backpack to spread out the weight.

If you are traveling to a warm weather destination, you may find yourself wearing a bathing suit much of the day. In that case, you may not need as many daily clothing items as you’d expect.

We often rewear things on a longer cruise because we aren’t wearing them for more than a few hours. Overpacking isn’t a big deal – but keep in mind that there isn’t tons of space in your stateroom.

If your ship will have a pirate night , you may want to bring pirate apparel. It’s totally optional, but many guests do dress up. We never dress up for pirate night, but we are generally in the minority. You’ll see all levels of pirate dress, from t-shirts and bandanas to full costumes.

Bring whatever you are comfortable in. Kids may like to have glow sticks for pirate night as well.

There are a few cruise specific things you may want to bring. The doors in the room are magnetic, and along with door decorations, I like to bring magnetic hooks.

That gives us a few places to hang wet clothes beyond the shower. I bought ours at the Container Store, but these from Amazon.com are similar. You may also want to purchase autograph books in advance. They are also available on the ship, but shops don’t open on the first day until after you set sail.

If you are participating in a fish extender exchange , in addition to your gifts, you’ll want to buy or make a fish extender. There are lots of options on Etsy. Fish extenders can be as deluxe or as basic as your want. I’ve seen some people use a tote bag, while others have personalized, embroidered fish extenders.

Activities on the Ship

Even if your kids don’t generally love kids’ clubs, they’ll probably love the clubs on the Disney Cruise Line. As a result you may find yourself with some free time.

When you book at the activities available to book on the app, you’ll probably see some availability for beverage seminars. These are adult-only, and include martini tasting, wine tasting, and mixology. I’ve done most of them, and we always enjoy them.

During your cruise, you’ll be using the Disney Cruise Line app often. You’ll want to download that while you are still able to access cellular data. The app includes a daily schedule, menus, and information about the various ports of call on the trip.

You can also communicate with other passengers on the ship using the app, even if you don’t purchase WiFi or have cellular service turned on. My family regularly uses the app to communicate because it’s a great way to keep in touch as we head in different directions throughout the day.

Disney’s Castaway Club

Once you’ve completely your first sailing on the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll be a member of Disney’s Castaway Club. Castaway Club members receive a lanyard at check in.

For your first sailing, you won’t receive one. They are pretty handy to have, however, so you may want to bring a regular lanyard or purchase one on board to hold your Key to the World card.

Disney Cruise Line is rolling out MagicBand use on the ships. These are optional, and you do have to purchase them separately.

You won’t have to sign up to become a member of the Castaway Club – it just happens when you complete your first sailing. There are four levels of the club, and you’ll get different perks and benefits as you sail more times.

What’s Included on a Disney Cruise Line trip

As you budget for your Disney Cruise Line trip, you’ll probably want to know what’s included. Alcohol, packaged snacks, premium coffee, popcorn, excursions, premium meals (in Remy, Enchante, and Palo), photos, the spa, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique all cost extra. If you don’t prepay your tips, you’ll do that on board as well.

To know what to expect on your first day, be sure to read this post .

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

The post Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Timers appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .