CASTAWAY CAY, Bahamas – If you’re planning to sail on a Disney Cruise out of Port Canaveral, you’re more than likely making a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
(It’s pronounced “key.”)
The island has a variety of activities for adults and children. One of those excursions includes a Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure.
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This beachside excursion will get you up close and personal with stingrays. Using specially made feeding stations that look like floating slides, the stingrays swim up the ramp, giving visitors an opportunity to feed and pet the sea animals.
“They have no teeth, so they don’t bite,” stingray facilitator Julian Jones said.
“We feed them shrimp and squid, so they eat good. That’s why they stay in the lagoon,” Jones said.
It’s just one of the many adventures you can take part in at Castaway Cay.
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The island was established in 1998, when Disney entered into a 99-year lease with the Bahamian government.
More than 100 Disney cast members live and work on Castaway Cay. Disney keeps fresh water on the island by procuring it in Port Canaveral and making deliveries using its own Disney cruise ships. The island holds an 80,000 gallon storage tank. It also has a solar farm that powers much of the island.
For those who just want to relax away from the noise, there’s an adult-only beach with chairs and hammocks.
There are also several water sport options like snorkeling, canoeing and paddle boating.
Gaskins said it’s all about the people and diversity that make a Disney cruise magical. He said that magic is now expanded with the addition of the Disney Wish cruise ship.
And if you haven’t noticed, cast member name tags also include their hometown. Gaskins is from none other than Nassau, Bahamas.
“It’s part of the experience. I’ve met people from all over the world. It is about sharing those experiences. It’s a conversation starter, but it also makes everyone feel welcome on our ships or on our island,” Gaskins said.
Looking for some other fun ideas while visiting Castaway Cay?
Here are four other exciting things to try:
- Pelican Plunge: This water-play area and platform, which celebrates the island’s native pelicans, take a ride on one of the 2 twisting water slides that carry you into the refreshing lagoon.
- Castaway Cay 5K: Make your way past swaying palms as you run or walk along the air strip to the observation tower and take the lead past sweeping shorelines to the finish line. All finishers receive an exclusive Disney Castaway Cay 5K medal. The event is open to guests 10 years of age and older.
- Olaf’s Summertime Freeze: This ‘Frozen’ themed stop features specialty frozen drinks in fun souvenir cups. Visit Olaf’s Summertime Freeze near the Pelican Point tram stop, by Castaway Cay Family Beach.
- Shopping: Guests can purchase exclusive beachwear, hats, souvenirs and collectible pins with the Disney Castaway Cay logo, all on sale at She Sells Sea Shells...and Everything Else.
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