Happily Adventures After | Home of HAA Disney

Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

Today, Happily Adventures After is bringing you our weekly series “HAA Disney: Top 10”!  

Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite places on Earth—Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. I LOVE this place. Honestly, I’d book a Disney Cruise just to spend the day here. Skip the ship, skip the shows—just give me that island breeze, turquoise water, and all the Disney magic I can soak up.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Castaway Cay so special, let me paint the picture: you wake up on your Disney Cruise, step out onto your verandah, and see an island that looks like it was plucked straight out of a postcard. Clear, sparkling waters. White sand beaches. Palm trees swaying in the breeze. The best part? It’s reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. No crowded beaches. No fighting for a lounge chair. Just pure relaxation in a Disney-designed tropical escape.

A Quick Bit of Castaway Cay History

Before becoming a slice of Disney paradise, Castaway Cay was once known as Gorda Cay—and in the 1980s, it even had a past as a hotspot for smugglers (yes, really!). Disney began transforming the island in 1997, and by 1998, it officially opened to guests as the magical destination we know and love today. Located about 75 miles north of Nassau, the 1,000-acre island is fully operated by Disney and leased from the Bahamian government—meaning the entire guest experience is infused with that signature Disney excellence.

What Makes Castaway Cay So Special?

• Exclusivity – Only Disney Cruise Line guests can access it.
• Seamless Experience – Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, lunch—everything’s included.
• Disney Details – Hidden Mickeys, character meet-and-greets, and that magical ship horn playing “When You Wish Upon a Star” as you arrive.
• Something for Everyone – Family Beach, Serenity Bay for adults, and a chill teen-only area.
• Activities Galore – Snorkeling with Disney-themed shipwrecks, water slides, biking, and private cabanas.

It’s everything you’d dream of in a beach day—and more. From soft sands to BBQ feasts, character moments to peaceful hammocks, Castaway Cay is basically the Disney Parks’ island cousin… with flip-flops and floaties.

And here’s the kicker—I absolutely adore Hawai‘i. It’s my go-to for peace, beauty, and that blend of adventure and calm. But you know what? Castaway Cay is right up there with it. The waters are just as clear, the beaches just as serene—and then you add the Disney-exclusive magic? Perfection.

Ready to see what makes a day here so unforgettable? Let’s dive into my Top 10 reasons why Castaway Cay is the best part of any Disney Cruise.

10. Walking Off the Ship Into a Private Paradise
The moment you step off the ship, it feels like you’ve entered another world—no chaotic ports or pushy vendors, just instant island bliss with palm trees, smiling Disney crew members, and that signature magical welcome. If you love a stress-free start to your beach day, you’ll adore how effortless and peaceful this experience is from the very first step.

9. The Castaway Cay 5K (A Fun, Free Challenge!)
Even if you’re not a morning runner, the Castaway Cay 5K is a fun, no-pressure way to explore the island’s trails while earning a cool Disney medal. It’s the perfect mix of light activity and island adventure to kick off your day before hitting the beach.

8. Island Shopping – Exclusive Castaway Cay Merch
I’m obsessed with Castaway Cay merch—there’s something special about snagging that tropical Mickey shirt or rare pin you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re a Disney merch collector (or just love exclusive souvenirs), shopping here is a must-do.

7. Snorkeling in a Disney-Themed Underwater World
Snorkeling at Castaway Cay is like diving into a Disney movie, with hidden Mickeys and sunken treasures waiting to be discovered beneath crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect blend of magical theming and tropical marine beauty that makes snorkeling here a whole new experience.

6. Lunch at Cookie’s BBQ (It’s Included!)
There’s nothing like enjoying barbecue on a beach, and Cookie’s BBQ serves up ribs, burgers, and soft-serve with laid-back island vibes—and it’s all included. If you’re craving a delicious, no-fuss lunch without leaving paradise, this beachside buffet hits the spot.

5. The Serenity Bay Adults-Only Beach
Serenity Bay is the ultimate escape, where calm waters, hammocks, and quiet create a dreamy retreat just for grown-ups. If you’re looking for peace and a touch of indulgence on your cruise, this serene oasis is pure perfection.

4. Pelican Plunge – A Floating Water Playground
Pelican Plunge is like a splashy playground in the middle of the ocean, with waterslides that bring out your inner kid no matter your age. If you’re looking for a little thrill with your beach day, this floating fun zone is where the smiles never stop.

3. Bike Riding Around the Island
Biking around Castaway Cay is one of my favorite ways to explore—flat trails, shady palm-lined paths, and even a scenic lookout tower make for an unforgettable ride. Whether you’re into a little adventure or want to see the island from a new angle, this activity is a total hidden gem.

2. Floating in the Crystal-Clear Water
There’s nothing more peaceful than drifting in the calm, turquoise waters of Castaway Cay—it’s like a warm, salty hug from paradise. If floating in serenity sounds like your kind of vacation, this is the beach moment you’ve been dreaming of.

1. The Overall Disney Magic – A Private Island Like No Other
Castaway Cay is everything I love about Disney and the beach rolled into one—thoughtful details, exclusive experiences, and tropical beauty that feels tailor-made for magic. If you dream of combining your love for Disney with a perfect beach day, this island is truly the best part of any Disney Cruise.

Would you go on a Disney Cruise just for Castaway Cay? I absolutely would. Let me know your favorite part of a Castaway Cay day in the comments! Ready to set sail? ✨🚢 Stay tuned for more Disney magic right here on Happily Adventures After!

Have a great and blessed day,
London