Castaway Cay: Disney's Private Island

I've killed Castaway Cay my "Happy Place" for years now and with good reason.  Disney's private island in the Bahamas is a dream come true.  Just imagine a beautiful tropical island and add in the efficiency of Disney.

There is nothing I'd change on this island.  So let me run through all the great things I love about this wonderful island that Disney put together. 

Disney leased the island back in 1996 and made a perfect spot for their ships to stop at.  The reef surrounding the family beach keeps the waves pretty calm, which makes for excellent swimming for the little ones.  It also keeps out seaweed and big fish.

Lounge chairs are plentiful, so no worries about finding a spot to sit.  Waiters and Photographers roam along the beach to get your drink order and get cute family pics.

The water is always BEAUTIFUL and crystal clear.  Of course temperature will vary depending on the time of the year...  If you're looking to do more than just lounge about the beach there are lots of options.  You could rent a bike to go around the island, there's also a 5k walking trail, there's a fishing excursion, rent an aqua bike (also paddle-boats and inner-tubes, go snorkeling, go parasailing, or even pet stingrays on their Stingray adventure.  (Rentals and Excursions at additional Cost). You could always go shopping or get your hair braided too!

​There's also a couple of water slides you can enjoy in addition to the climbing adventure structure in the middle of the water. 

I know my kids aren't fond of the water slide that drops you into saltwater, but they've always had fun climbing around that structure.  It's like an aquatic jungle gym with different ways to climb out over the water.

Fun fact:  Most of the island is designated a nature preserve that Disney takes care of.

Disney does an amazing job of keeping everything clean and fresh.  Just like in the parks there is no trash to be seen.  It's just kept immaculate.

The island is also loaded with great Disney photo spots.  That splash of Disney added to this beautiful island just makes me smile every time I'm there.

And of course there are opportunities to interact with classic Disney characters.  Got to get those photos!

And since this IS a cruise, all the food is included on the island!

There are 3 great spots to grab food, which is generally burgers, hot dogs, and barbecue.  Not the most impressive menu, but it's usually the kind of thing I want to eat when I'm hanging out on the beach.

The adults can always run off to the 18+ side of the island, Serenity Bay and grab some steaks over there.  Yes, they prepare steaks and salmon over on the adult side.

Speaking of Serenity Bay, it's SO QUIET and CHILL over there!  After grabbing some food AND a cocktail we will usually just relax in the splendor of Serenity Bay.

Most adults are just relaxing and reading a book or just hanging out in the crystal clear shallow waters along the beach.  Sometimes some of the performers will play music over by the bar too.

Now, what good would an adult beach be if you have your kids with you on vacation?  Well Disney provides a Kid's Club on the island as well.

Scuttle's Cove is an extension of the Kid's Club that takes care of your 3-10 year olds while you are on the island.  Have no fear, they don't have any swimming in here, it's all shaded splash-pads and activities for the kids to do while you get a chance to relax on the island.
They don't feed the kids though, so make sure to feed your little ones before or after their stop here.

The island also has it's own Cabanas that you can reserve on both the family and adult sides of the island.  I previously wrote a blog about these so feel free to dig back for that one.

But it's great to have your own separate strip of beach from the rest of the family beach.  The cabana also comes with a stocked drink fridge, sand toys, and sun screen.

Enjoy a lovely slideshow of our various times on Castaway!

Disney Cruises are fantastic, but I always prefer the ones that stop here at Castaway!  Disney Cruises are definitely a different vibe than hitting the theme parks but you still get that amazing Disney vacation feel.

Want to relax on a Disney Cruise, reach out to us for more information.
When it's time to plan for Disney:

It's Mouse O'Clock!

I'll leave you with one more soothing video of Castaway Cay...