Top 11 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay

One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is a day at Disney’s famed 3-mile long private island. If you’re lucky to be sailing away Disney style, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Disney Castaway Cay…

1) Getting around Castaway Cay

Disney keeps things easy and fun so getting onto Castaway Cay is simple. No taking tender boats and no long walks to the action, simple scan your Key to the World card at security and you’re there. You’ll be greeted by some favorite Disney characters and staffers will direct you to you the trams and nearby beaches. Tip: If you don’t need to take the tram, the walk isn’t too far and has some awesome photo-ops along the way.

Taking the tram around Castaway Cay is a great option for tired kids.

2) What to bring to Disney Castaway Cay

Aside from your key card, sunglasses and sunscreen, you won’t need too much to enjoy your day on the beach. Lounge chairs, towels and lunch are all provided. The island is very casual so wear swimsuits, cover-ups and beachy footwear. Tip: If you’ve got little ones, bring along sand toys and age appropriate floats like a puddle jumper if your kids don’t like wearing life vests. Binoculars are always fun for older kids.

So many awesome lookout points on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

3) Eating on Castaway Cay

Just like on your cruise, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Specialty drinks in souvenir cups and adult beverages are plentiful and can be charged to your cabin. The lunch menu is a BBQ with ribs, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, fish, salads, corn on the cob, chips, plenty of fresh fruit and soft-serve ice cream. Tip: If you have a picky child or want a fancier meal, you can always go back on board for lunch.

Kids will love the fresh fruit buffet on Castaway Cay.

4) Avoiding crowds on Disney Castaway Cay

Most guests seem to settle at first area of the family beach so be prepared to walk a little to avoid crowds. Tip: If you’ve got kids, pick a spot by Pelican Plunge for big kids or by Spring-a-Leak water play area for little kids. If you’re kid-free, head to adults-only Serenity Cay.

Miles of white sand beach await at Disney’s Castaway Cay.

5) Things to do on Castaway Cay

Activities abound on Disney Cay. Families can rent paddleboats, kayaks, bikes, floats, and tubes. There are also organized activities like snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, stingray feeding and more. There is no pressure to partake in these activities and most families simply stay on the beach but active families will have plenty of options. Tip: Sign up for popular activities in advance (up to 120 days prior to your ship’s departure).

6) Disney Castaway Cay fun for kids

From playing in the sand, riding waves and floating in the ocean to splashing around at Spring-a-Leak water play area and exploring the slides, water canons and tipping water buckets at Pelican Plunge, kids are guaranteed a fun time at Castaway Cay. Tip: If your kids prefer organized activities, check them into the Scuttle’s Cove kids program which is supervised by Disney counselors from the ship.

Pelican Plunge is a favorite spot for kids on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

7) Shopping on Castaway Cay

There are two main shops on the island, She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else and Buy the Sea Shore, so be sure to check them out as your travel around. Tip: The island is the only place to buy Castaway Cay merchandise so if you love something, be sure to buy it.

8) Only on Disney Castaway Cay…

One unique offering on Castaway Cay is a working post office so send a postcard home featuring a special Castaway Cay postmark. Tip: The post office only accepts cash but you can also buy stamps in advance on the ship.

9) The Disney Castaway Cay 5k

If you’re looking for an active way to explore Castaway Cay, consider running or walking in the island’s 5K. This free event takes place in the early morning and is open to guests 10 and older. Tip: All participants receive award certificates and medals so pack your sneakers if interested.

10) Spotting the Disney Characters on Castaway Cay

There are several character photo ops all around the island so be sure to stop and take photos when you see them. If your kids like to dance, check out the character dance party. Tip: If a certain character line is long, skip ahead to then next one and then go back.

Don’t miss the Disney characters on Castaway Cay.

11) Snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay

There are organized snorkel trips or you can bring your own snorkel and mask. Guests can snorkel right from the family beach lagoon. Tip: In addition to fish, be on the lookout for some underwater Disney characters.

Adventure awaits on Disney’s Castaway Cay.

Have you been to Castaway Cay before? Be sure to check out 20 Things to Know Before Taking a Disney Cruise before you go.

My most recent Disney Cruise took place as part of the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration #DisneySMMC. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!