Disney’s Castaway Cay (pronounced key) was the first, exclusive, private island to be acquired by a cruise line. In 1997, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) made a 99 year lease contract with the Bahamian government to use the island as they wish.
For seniors, couples, and family cruisers that means no congested port shared with another cruise line, specific Disney theming, Disney character interaction, and complimentary amenities!
DCL was the first cruise line to have a dock on their island. This eliminates the need to tender into port. Every cruiser including people and seniors with low or no mobility can easily transfer from ship to this island. Only one Disney ship docks at the island each day. This creates a less crowded environment and a greater opportunity for guests aboard that ship to enjoy the expansive beaches and the many activities during their visit.
The Backstory of Disney’s Castaway Cay
Every Disney attraction has a fictional backstory and Disney’s Castaway Cay is no exception. It is an amazing tale of three explorers and their families whose ship washed ashore during a storm in the 1920s. Enchanted by the island, the explorers called it Castaway Cay and got to work constructing rustic buildings and rough streets to make it their home. Soon ships arrived with travelers and the explorers found themselves in the tourist industry rounding out visitors’ experiences with shops, restaurants, and water adventures. A more detailed version of the story can be found online by keying the words ‘the legend of Castaway Cay” in your server’s search bar.
The real story: Disney’s Castaway Cay was originally called Gorda Cay. It was the site of many shipwrecks and a terminus for the smuggler trade.
Visiting the Island
*Before heading out to Disney’s Castaway Cay make sure you eat breakfast as the island restaurants only serve lunch.
*Take your Key to the World card (your room card) and your ID and carry them in a lanyard. You will need both items to get back onto the ship.
*Pack a bag with sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protector, and a water bottle. You can fill the bottle at any of the cold water stations around the island. Take your watch or phone to keep track of your excursion and activity time slots, timed rentals, and ship boarding time. Take note that Disney WIFI does not work on Castaway Cay.
*Do wear beach clothes such as shorts, tee shirts, swim suit, cover up, flip flops or water shoes, a hat or sun visor.
*For seniors traveling with grandchildren, do not take strollers onto the island. They won’t work well in the sand. Instead borrow one of the sand-friendly strollers on the island. Bring your own beach toys as they can be a little pricey at Castaway’s store.
Amenities on Disney’s Castaway Cay
Disney’s Castaway Cay has many amenities that won’t cost seniors and their fellow cruisers extra money. Included in your visit are:
*beach paraphernalia such as towels, hammocks, beach chairs, beach wheelchairs and strollers, (limited in number-first come, first serve), and shade umbrellas
*cold water stations throughout the island
*beach sports such as swimming, volleyball, and tetherball
*accessible tram transportation between the dock and the beaches
*games such as ping pong and shuffleboard
*a 5K run (requires sign-up, but no cost to join in)
*a kid’s club where adults can safely leave their children while they take some me time
*waterslides and water play area
*nature trails
*beach showers
*lunch at Cookie’s BBQ, Cookie’s BBQ 2, and Air Bar BBQ
*dance parties and character meet and greets throughout the day.
The island is divided into three main areas; Family Beach, Teen Hideout, and the adults-only Serenity Bay. Each section has its own restaurant that includes a drink station, fresh baked cookies, and soft-serve ice cream.
Seniors will love eating at Serenity Bay’s Air Bar BBQ as it is seldom crowded. Served buffet style, the offerings vary from burgers and hot dogs to mahi-mahi, veggie burgers, BBQ chicken, and BBQ ribs, all complimented by a plethora of salads and fresh fruit. For those seniors who enjoy a cocktail with lunch or during the afternoon, frozen specialty drinks can be purchased at the adjacent Castaway Air Bar. Additionally, there are four other pay-bars at various island locations serving beer, cocktails, frozen drinks, and smoothies.
