Tips For Visiting Disney's Castaway Cay Private Island

1 Run the Castaway Cay 5K

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The Castaway Cay 5K is a free runDisney race to anyone aboard the ship. Guests who want to run need to register before getting on the ship or on the first day since space is limited. Runners are always the first people to get off the ship, and get to run through the beautiful trails along Castaway Cay.

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2 Pick Up Exclusive Sounviners

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There are some items you can only get at Castaway Cay, including island pins, spirit jerseys, and Castaway Cay 5K merchandise. There are stores throughout the island that each sell different things. If you see something you love, buy it at that shop since it might not be anywhere else!

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3 Drink Castaway Cay Exclusive Drinks

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Castaway Cay has quite a few souvenir cups that can be filled with the signature cocktail of the island, the Konk Kooler. The slushy drink is made with rum, orange juice, cream of coconut, and passion fruit for the ultimate island flavor.

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4 Explore the Island

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Guests are can be on the island from early morning until late afternoon when they need to return to the ship. While you're there, take some time to truly explore the island and all that it has to offer. There are so many hidden trails and hideaway nooks that the only way to see them is to explore.

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5 Rent a Bike

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Castaway Cay used to be an old rum runners' island years before Disney bought it for its Cruise Line. Guests can rent bikes and tour the plane landing strip where people would bring rum in.

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6 Get Off The Ship Early

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When the ship docks at Castaway Cay you're going to want to get off the ship as early as possible. Typically debarkation starts anywhere from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., and getting off early allows you the best selection of open beach chairs in a prime location. You'll just need your room key and an ID to return to the ship!

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7 Catch the Tram

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The easiest and most convenient way to get around Castaway Cay is to take the complimentary tram service. The tram picks guests up right past the ship, then takes them to either the family beach or the adults only beach.

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8 Rent Or Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear

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Castaway Cay features its own "shipwrecked" snorkel area within the family beach lagoon. Guests can bring their own gear or rent snorkel equipment to catch a glimpse of sea life and fun statues of Disney friends.

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9 Adults Can Enjoy Serenity Bay

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Serenity Bay is the adults only beach at Castaway Cay. This quiet oasis is lined with beach chairs, hammocks, golden sand, and not a kid in sight!

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10 Play at the Castaway Family Beach

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The Castaway Family Beach is located just past the docking area for the ship. This beautiful beach is filled with beach chairs for parents while the kiddos splash and swim in the crystal clear ocean.

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11 Head to the Observation Tower

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Guests can head to the Castaway Cay observation tower by catching the tram to the adult only beach and heading down one of the trails. The tower gives sweeping views of Castaway Cay and the islands that surround it.

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12 Have Lunch on the Island

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Lunch is served at three different locations throughout Castaway Cay, two in the family beach area, and one near Serenity Bay. The beach BBQ lunch is all you can eat, with all of the sides and accompaniments, and endless ice cream.

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13 Dive Into The Water at Pelican Plunge

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The giant waterslide out in the middle of the Family Beach lagoon is Pelican Plunge. Kids and adults can have fun on a winding water slide that drops off right into the cool ocean. It's best to do this early, because the wait can get long as guests start finding their spot on the beach.

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14 Dedicated Kids Spaces Are Available

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If the adults want to go to Serenity Bay they can drop their kids off at Scuttle's Cove. This kids only play area is for ages 3 to 12 and is no extra cost to families. Kids can have fun in the giant splash zone while adults go relax for a while.

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15 Send Yourself a Postcard

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In each stateroom desk there are a few Disney Cruise Line postcards. Be sure to fill one out before getting off the ship at Castaway Cay to send to yourself at the local post office. The postcard will arrive at your house a few weeks later and serve as a fun reminder of all of the magical memories you and your family made on Disney Cruise Line!

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