How much do you know about Castaway Cay? No matter how many times you’ve been to Disney’s private island paradise, there’s a good chance that you still learn something new with each visit. If you’re looking forward to your first day at this little slice of paradise in the Bahamas, here are seven fun facts about Castaway Cay …

The island is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. If the Castaway Cay post office is open, be sure to stop by to mail a message (and brag) to friends back home. Also check out the merchandise you can only get on the island, like beachwear, hats and collectible pins with the Castaway Cay logo, at She Sells Sea Shells … and Everything Else!

You can walk right off the ship to the island. The dock built at Castaway Cay eliminates the need to tender, making the ship easily accessible throughout the day. Trams provide transportation to and from various points on the 1,000-acre island. All you’ll need is your Key to the World card to get on and off the ship as you please.

There’s something for everyone. Disney Imagineers designed Castaway Cay much like their ships, with unique activities and areas for every age group. Places for the family to spend time together are plenty, but when it’s time to do your own thing, kids can head to Scuttle’s Cove, teens to the secluded Hide Out and adults to the pristine Serenity Bay.

All that you need is included. From complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas to an all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet and ice cream station, Disney has you covered. They even provide beach towels, wagons and strollers to make your day more comfortable. There isn’t much you’ll need to bring onto the island with you, except for of course plenty of sunblock and a good book!

There are plenty of Port Adventures options for your family. Just like in other Disney Cruise Line destinations, they work with local operators to offer excursions such as parasailing, deep sea fishing and boat tours. Plus, you won’t want to miss the activities exclusive to the island, including Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure, the Castaway Cay Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure and the teen-only Wild Side Adventure.

The island is stocked with toys for water sports enthusiasts. Water cycles, paddleboats, sea kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, floats and snorkel gear are all available to rent. There’s also a watercraft ski adventure for the chance to drive a personal watercraft through mangroves and around the island.

You can stay cool even in the warm sunshine. Besides joining the water fun with one of the many activities listed above, the Pelican Plunge slide is a great way to cool off. When you need a break from the sun, shaded areas are located around the island, including covered seating near the lunch buffets and bars, In Da Shade Game Pavilion and private rental cabanas.

What are your favorite fun facts about Castaway Cay? How many days until your next Disney cruise?

From the Disney Parks Blog:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Most Disney cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s gorgeous private island paradise in the Bahamas. With a family beach, an adults only beach, water playgrounds, and more, your whole family will love spending the day here!

Once you choose your tropical getaway to Castaway Cay, be sure to read up on these eight things you need to know about Castaway Cay before you visit …

1. The island is your own slice of Bahamian paradise. Castaway Cay is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests, and only one ship docks there at a time. This means you get more of that powdery white sand to yourself as you enjoy the island’s lush landscape and turquoise waters. Plus, Bahamian shops and a post office add local flavor to your day in the Abacos.

2. All that you need for a fun beach day is included. Towels, beach chairs, umbrellas? We’ve got you covered. Lunch? A delicious all-you-care-to-eat buffet and soda fountains are steps away from the family beach. The only thing you need to bring is sunblock (though if you forget it, you can always purchase a bottle at one of the island’s shops).

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. It’s easy to get around. The dock at Castaway Cay means you’re one step closer to fun in the sun since you don’t need to take a tender boat from the ship. Then it’s just a short walk to the tram, which will take you to various points on the 1,000-acre island. Want a more adventurous way to explore? Rent a bicycle and stretch your sea legs!

4. The island is a haven for water sport enthusiasts. Take a banana boat thrill ride or cast off on a fishing tour. In addition to more than a dozen guided Port Adventures out on the water, paddleboats, water cycles, sea kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards and snorkel gear are all available to rent.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

5. Your stateroom key card is gold. You’ll need it to get off and on the ship and make purchases on the island. Treat your family to frozen drinks at the Olaf-inspired Summertime Freeze or yourself to Bahamian specialty drinks at one of the bars. Then shop our collection of exclusive Castaway Cay merchandise at She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else!

6. There’s something for everyone. Just like on the ship, kids, tweens and teens have activities and spaces designed specifically for them. And while your little ones ages 3-12 are hanging out with the youth counselors at Scuttle’s Cove, you can get some “me time” at our pristine stretch of beach reserved for adults.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

7. Castaway Cay has all the ingredients for fun and relaxation. Fly high above the island on a parasail adventure, snorkel in a 12-acre lagoon, or lounge in a hammock gazing at the crystal-clear waters. Start the day off right with yoga on the beach, or for the ultimate indulgence, schedule a massage in a private cabana at the adult-exclusive Serenity Bay.

8. Disney pals join the fun on the island, too. You won’t want to miss a warm hug from Olaf or a high-five from Goofy. Bring your camera for that perfect photo opp with Mickey and the gang wearing island attire in front of a picturesque backdrop—turquoise water, silky sand and swaying palm trees.

Want a taste of the island life? Check out which of our cruises you can take to visit this one-of-a-kind destination!