Disney Cruise Castaway Cay

Did you know that Disney Castaway Cay is pronounced Castaway Key? We were aboard the Disney Dream Cruise Ship and one of our stops was Disney’s private island. Only Disney Cruise guests can go to this island. It has SO much to do from bike riding, stingray experiences, snorkeling, waterslides and more!

Disney Castaway Cay

This post is a continuation of my Disney Dream Disney Cruise post. Make sure to check out the other post before this one for more Disney Cruise line fun!

You can find my Disney Cruise Tips and more Disney posts here.

We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration event that included a land and sea adventure. We paid a conference rate to attend. We have traveled to Disney and went aboard the Disney Cruise line on our own have loved every second of it.

Watch our Castaway Cay Video below:

Please note that affiliate links may be used in this post. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

After the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Mermaid experience we set off to Castaway Cay.

As soon as you get off the Disney Cruise ship there is a character waiting to say hello! Here we found Captain Hook.

There are two photographers standing outside the ship taking pictures. I took family pictures with the photographer (since that was the only way I could be in the picture!) but the rest of the pictures were taken by me using my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 15mm fish eye lens.

To get to the right area of the island you can take the tram. Isn’t the view from the tram beautiful? I did NOT boost colors in the picture below…

The children’s play area is near Shuttle’s Cove. The water slides can be found at Pelican Plunge. (Decide where you want to be dropped off ahead of time so that you can take the right tram.)

You can see the Castaway Cay map below. It is a good sized island that is pretty walkable.

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration gave us the Castaway Cay Getaway Package. It is a 3 in 1 rental package that includes snorkel gear, a float or inner tube and a bicycle rental for an hour.

Take some time to just sit and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. That fresh beach air and calm sounds of the ocean enveloping your senses and being. If you aren’t cruising with kids you can go to the adults only section of the beach for even more calm and tranquility.

Pelican Plunge

This is the area where you will find the water slides and snorkeling area.

The water is FREEZING. As you could see in the video… I had a difficult time getting in. But once you get in, you are fine. I have also heard that sometimes, sea lice can be a problem during the warmer months. Many opt to bring Sea Lice Prevention Lotion just in case. We didn’t use any and we were fine. This trip was taken in February 2018.

I got in before my hubby.. he was having a hard time! I also suggest you bring goggles for the kids. As soon as your eyes get into the water they start burning, or at least mine did. My son, who was wearing goggles didn’t have any burning in his eyes.

Water Slides

I don’t think that there was a height restriction because my 4 year old was able to go, no questions asked. All children have to wear life vests, which are provided right there at the entrance of the water. If you plan to use a GoPro6 on the slide, make sure you have a wrist strap. They didn’t allow me to bring it on with a GoPro floating stick.

Castaway Cay Snorkeling

Snorkeling was for ages 5 and up so my 4 year old didn’t get any snorkel equipment. I did, however, bring her snorkel mask from home… She didn’t need it. You have to swim VERY far out to be able to see anything in Castaway Cay.. so I definitely think there is a reason for the age restriction on the snorkel gear. You could put your child in the Castaway Cay kids club during the time you go snorkeling. That would allow you, your spouse and older kids a chance to swim that far out without having to worry about a little one who can’t keep up. There are hidden Mickey’s below the surface as well as a sunken ship to look out for. (My GoPro 6 conveniently died just as I found the sunken ‘ship’!

Lunch

Lunch on the island is free. We were told to go to a specific food place, Cookies Too, because of our specially requested foods. We ordered our food the night before so that our meat requirements were met. We had fries and chicken.

Bike Riding and Tubes

We didn’t get a chance to do the bike ride and use the tubes. My husband was feeling a little tired so instead, we opted to go back to the boat for some swimming pool fun. I hadn’t gone on the AquaDuck yet so we figured the ship would be a little less busy while everyone else was on the island. I do regret not doing the bike riding. The video’s and pictures I saw from those who did the bike riding looked AMAZING! I suggest you do the bike riding in the morning when it is still a little cooler in temperature.