Making the Most of Castaway Cay

"Castaway Cay" those two little words can instantly bring so many memories; the smell of the ocean, the feel of the sand in your toes, the near death experience when the tram driver almost runs you over...ahh memories!

If you've been on a Disney cruise, you know what "Castaway Cay" means and if you haven't, you will soon understand the obsession. Castaway Cay is everything you'd imagine your tropical island paradise to be, Disney-fied.

Just like the cruise ship, there are places for kids, families and adults only. You should have a general idea of what the island has to offer before you dock so you can make the most out of your day on Castaway Cay. You won't want to leave, but I guarantee if you try to hide out on the island they will find you; so don't even think about it. Plus, I hear the bugs there at night are atrocious.

This post would be enormous if I tried to conquer the whole island at once so let's look at what the grown up's can experience.

• Private Cabanas on Serenity Bay-20 private cabanas are available for rental. Each Cabana is 325 sq. feet and is furnished with tables, chaise lounges (cushioned or course!) a stocked refrigerator, fresh water shower and hammock. Privacy comes with a price and for a cabana the price is $499 for up to six people and $50 for each additional person (up to four additional guests are allowed). Come and go as you please from your cabana all day long. Relax in the hammock or on the porch or stay "inside" in the shade. 
• Cabana Massage-The open air Cabana massage is a popular entity. A cabana Swedish Massage (50 minutes) is $147 and a couples cabana Swedish Massage is $294. These open air massages are popular so as soon as your booking window opens you'll want to log in and reserve it your cruise activities. If you are unable to book at your registration time inquire at the spa when you board the ship and see if they can fit you in or put you on the cancellation list. 
• Serenity Bay-Serenity Bay is very aptly named. The best thing about this beach is the volume...or lack thereof. This is strictly 18 or older...thus the "serenity". There are lounge chairs all down the beach front as well as a umbrellas scattered between the chairs of the back row of loungers. Umbrella areas go quickly so be sure to head straight to Serenity Bay and claim your territory if you plan on spending your day on the beach. Drag a beach chair into the water with a book, or a drink and relax and soak up the sun. Did I mention there are bartenders walking the beach taking drink orders? You can head to the bar yourself to pick out (and pick up) your beverage or ask one of the servers as they go by. 
• Note: If you are ordering your drinks from the server give them ample time, they are making trips up and down the beach trying to get as many orders as they can and it's not easy trucking through the sand in tennis shoes with a tray. 
• Tube, float and bike rentals-The "Castaway Getaway" package includes snorkel equipment, bike rental and a tube or float. There are marked bike trails throughout the island or you can just browse around on your own. 
• Note: The snorkeling on Serenity Bay is a waste of money, even if you bring your own equipment it's not really worth it, there is nothing to see. The water is so clear you can see your feet all the way out so you can just look down to see what's in the water. 
• Castaway 5K-Fitness junkies, this is for you! There is an early morning 5K on the island. Look for the early start time in your Castaway navigator the night before; you are in a race against the sun so the 5K starts early.
• Konk Kooler-Hey, I said this was adult only activities so alcohol counts. Be sure to get a Konk Kooler when you're on Castaway Cay. This delicious beverage is to good for words so you'll have to try it for yourself. It's frozen (Conched Out Bar has the best because it comes out of the sub-zero machine instead of the blender) and it has rum; need I say more? I didn't think so. 
• Note: Purchase a Castaway Cay sipper, for just a little more you'll get 22oz of your choice beverage instead of 16oz. You can keep this souvenir sipper and even use it for the 24/7 complimentary beverage station onboard. 

Ahh, how I long for island life again! No matter how many ports of call you experience and where the ship docks when it docks at Castaway Cay you feel like you have reached your home away from home. I don't think it's exaggerating to say this is the preferred port of almost all Disney cruisers. Once you experience it for yourself, you'll understand. 

Don't forget with every cruise booking you'll receive a onboard credit based on your cruise price. 
$1,000-$1,999       $25
$2,000-$2,999       $50
$3,000-$3,999       $75
$4,000-$4,999       $100
$5,000-$5,999       $150
$6,000-$6,999       $200
$7,000-$7,999       $250
$8,000-$8,999       $300
$9,000-$9,999       $350
$10,000+               $400