When we set sail on our Disney Fantasy cruise, one of the days we were most looking forward to was our stop at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s original private island in the Bahamas. After hearing so much about it for years, we were excited to finally experience it ourselves, especially with our baby, Gem*, in tow. Now that we’re back, I’m spilling all the details on this magical port of call!
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Arriving at Castaway Cay
One of the first things we noticed—and loved—was how easy it is to get from the ship to the beach. Unlike Lookout Cay, which requires a long pier walk, Castaway Cay docks right next to the island, so you can be lounging in the sand within minutes. Major win for families with littles!
While there’s a tram service available, we opted to walk the short 10-minute path with our Vista V2 stroller and found it super manageable. The island is well-paved, stroller-friendly, and shaded in just enough spots to keep everyone comfortable.
Getting Around + Amenities
The tram system is a nice perk if your crew needs a break from walking or the sun. It loops regularly and has several convenient stops across the island.
You’ll also find shaded pavilions, outdoor showers, changing stations, and even private cabanas for rent (definitely a splurge item, but dreamy if it’s in the budget).
We packed our usual essentials—sun hats, sunscreen, water shoes, a stroller fan, and extra clothes for the baby. Everything was stroller-accessible, and it felt really safe and easy to navigate. We ended up walking all over the island and left the stroller parked under a palm tree the majority of the day.
Beach Time with a Baby
We headed to the Family Beach, which offered soft sand, rows of beach chairs, and calm, shallow waters—perfect for babies and toddlers. We lucked out with a spot under a mature palm tree and set up camp there for most of the day. Gem loved the splash pad, “people watching” from his beach chair, and playing in the sand. It was pure joy!
PRO TIP: Don’t worry about beach towels—Disney provides them for free. Just grab a few when you disembark and drop them at any towel return before heading back.
Disney also offers complimentary wagons and life vests for kiddos (first come, first served). We brought our own Coast Guard-approved vest for Gem, but honestly didn’t need it—the water was so calm that we felt totally comfortable holding him in our arms for a dip in the ocean.
Food and Dining Options
Lunch on Castaway Cay is included with your cruise and served at a few different BBQ locations around the island. We ate at Cookies BBQ. There are picnic tables in the shade and plenty of BBQ/picnic type food options—burgers, ribs, grilled chicken, fruit, potato salad, and more. For picky eaters or little ones, they have familiar staples like mac and cheese and hot dogs.
We brought a few snack pouches for Gem just in case, but honestly, he was more interested in eating everything off our plates!
Character Meet-and-Greets
One of the cutest things about Castaway Cay? The character meet-and-greets! We saw Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto, all dressed in their tropical beachwear. There were Disney photographers on hand. The lines were super manageable compared to the parks; we would arrive 5-10 minutes beforehand and be one of the first in line. It felt so special to snap a few pictures with characters in such a laid-back setting. Gem was asleep for a few of them and we still got the most adorable photos!
Comparing Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
While both private islands have their own charm, our family actually preferred Lookout Cay over Castaway Cay. Castaway had that familiar Disney polish, of course, but it also felt more like a themed water park—less beachy, more structured. The water was calm (which is great for littles), but it almost lacked that natural “ocean” feel—no waves, no real tropical vibe. Honestly, it reminded us of our local Hurricane Harbor.
Lookout Cay, on the other hand, felt more like a true island getaway. The Bohemian-inspired design, resort feel, and natural beachy atmosphere really stood out. It felt less “themed” and more “immersive” if that makes any sense. The food also edged out Castaway’s for us. While Cookies BBQ was fine, we didn’t find it all that impressive. If we had to pick one for a return trip, Lookout would win hands down.
Final Thoughts: Is Castaway Cay Worth It?
All in all, Disney’s Castaway Cay is a beautifully designed, family-friendly island. While we loved Lookout Cay’s newness and cultural touches, Castaway Cay had that classic Disney magic. The island is incredibly clean, thoughtfully designed, and catered perfectly to families with kids.
I’d 100% recommend getting off the ship and spending the full day soaking it all in. Whether you want to relax on the beach, enjoy a casual BBQ lunch, meet characters, or just let your baby play in the sand, Castaway Cay delivers a truly magical port experience, Disney style.
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