Castaway Cay

Most three- and four-night Bahamian itineraries from Port Canaveral and many longer Caribbean sailings include a Castaway Cay day. Larger Wish-class and Triton-class ships also call here, though some sailings substitute Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point if Castaway Cay is overbooked or weather-affected. Check your itinerary — the island is the headline stop on most Disney Bahamian cruises.

Yes. The island is privately leased and operated by Disney Cruise Line; only Disney ships call there. You cannot visit on a Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or independent cruise, and there are no flights or ferries from Nassau or the U.S. mainland.

The family beach is closest to the pier, has the most activity (Pelican Plunge, Scuttle's Cove kids' club, character meets), and is where lunch at Cookie's BBQ is served. Serenity Bay is adults-only (18+), at the far end of the island, reached by a 10-minute tram ride. It has its own bar, a smaller lunch counter (Serenity Bay BBQ), cabanas, and noticeably fewer people.

No cash is accepted or needed. Lunch at Cookie's BBQ, Cookie's Too, and Serenity Bay BBQ is included. Soft drinks at the buffet are included; alcoholic drinks, snorkel rentals, bike rentals, parasailing, the stingray encounter, cabanas, and gift-shop merchandise all charge to your Key to the World card and appear on your stateroom folio.

If you enjoy running, yes — it is free, runs early morning before the heat sets in, and the route loops around the airstrip and back to the family beach. You sign up onboard the day before; finishers get a medal. It is not a serious race; expect strollers, walkers, and a lot of family photos along the route.

Disney occasionally has to skip Castaway Cay because of high winds (the channel is shallow and the pier becomes risky for docking) or rough seas. The most common substitution is a sea day or a stop at Nassau. You will be notified onboard the night before; pre-paid cabana and excursion charges are refunded automatically.