Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay
Two beautiful Bahamian destinations, two different experiences, and plenty of ways for your family to enjoy a Disney cruise day ashore.
Two Island Destinations, One Disney Vacation
A Disney cruise is about more than the time you spend on the ship. Disney Cruise Line has two special destinations in The Bahamas: Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Both offer beautiful beaches, family activities, and opportunities to enjoy a little time together—or apart.
But these two destinations have their own personalities. Castaway Cay is all about classic Disney beach-day fun, while Lookout Cay brings Bahamian culture and storytelling into the experience. Knowing what makes each one different helps you choose the experiences your family will enjoy most.
Disney Castaway Cay: Classic Island Fun
Disney Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas, reserved for Disney Cruise Line guests. From family beach activities and waterslides to quiet adults-only spaces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Beaches for Everyone
Castaway Family Beach offers plenty of room for family fun, with volleyball, soccer, and waterslides. Adults looking for a quieter beach experience can enjoy Serenity Bay, a secluded retreat for guests 18 and older.
Kids and Teens
Scuttle’s Cove offers supervised fun with Disney Youth Activities counselors, including sandcastle building, treasure hunts, and a whale dig site. Teens ages 14–17 have their own Teen Hideout, while In Da Shade Game Pavilion offers supervised games for kids.
Water Fun
Pelican Plunge features two twisting waterslides that splash into a lagoon. Families can also explore rental options at Gil’s Fins and Boats and Flippers & Floats, including snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboats, aqua trikes, and tubes.
Dining and Treats
Enjoy a beach-day barbecue at Cookie’s BBQ near the family beach or Hangar 98 BBQ at Serenity Bay. For something refreshing, Olaf’s Summertime Freeze serves frozen drinks in souvenir cups.
Island Activities
For families who like a little adventure, Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure is an add-on experience. You can also participate in the Disney Castaway Cay 5K and receive a finisher medal to remember your island visit.
Little Disney Extras
Keep an eye out for Disney character interactions that add a little extra fun to your beach day. You can also visit the Disney Castaway Cay Post Office for a special Castaway Cay postmark.
Disney Lookout Cay: A Celebration of The Bahamas
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point sits on the southernmost tip of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. Created with Bahamian artists, historians, and cultural ambassadors, this destination brings local traditions, art, music, and storytelling together with Disney family fun.
Beautiful Bahamian Beaches
The Family Beach provides towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas for a relaxing day by the water. Adults can enjoy the secluded Serenity Bay beach, where cabanas are also available for an additional charge.
Kids' Splash and Play
Sebastian’s Cove offers a splash pad inspired by Ariel’s grotto and a kids club staffed by Disney counselors. Rush Out Gush Out Water Play adds fountains, water drums, and two corkscrew waterslides.
Bahamian Culture and Traditions
Experience RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration, a parade featuring festive Bahamian clothing. Visit the Goombay Cultural Center to discover local arts and traditions, and explore original artwork by Bahamian artists at Treasures of Eleuthera.
Dining and Tropical Treats
True-True BBQ and True-True BBQ Too serve meals with Bahamian-inspired sides, while Serenity Bay BBQ offers an adults-only dining option. Sandsational Smoothies and Mangos & Go provide refreshing treats, including Dole Whip.
Explore the Island
Take a walk along The Nature Trail to see the historic lighthouse that gives Lighthouse Point its name. You can also visit Plaits and Pleats for hair braiding as part of your island experience.
Disney Character Fun
Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash brings Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and Pluto together for a lively beach celebration. Families can enjoy Bahamian versions of familiar Disney songs while sharing a little character fun.
Tips for a Great Island Day
- Choose Your Family’s Priorities. Decide whether your family would most enjoy beach relaxation, waterslides, cultural experiences, or a combination before planning your day.
- Leave Room for Downtime. You don’t need to experience every activity to have a wonderful day, especially when traveling with younger children.
- Plan for Different Interests. Consider which activities appeal to the kids, teens, and adults in your group so everyone has something to look forward to.
- Remember the Little Moments. Sometimes the favorite memory isn’t a big activity but building a sandcastle, meeting a character, or simply enjoying the beach together.
How We Help You Plan
Find Your Best Cruise Fit
We help narrow down Disney cruise options based on your family’s priorities, including which island destination you’d most like to experience.
Understand Your Island Options
We’ll walk you through the differences between Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay so you know what each destination offers.
Plan Around Your Family
From young children to grandparents, we help you think through activities and experiences that fit the people traveling with you.
Make Planning Feel Easier
With thousands of trips planned for hundreds of families, we bring practical experience to the decisions that help your vacation come together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay
What's the difference between Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay?
Castaway Cay offers a classic Disney beach-day experience with family activities, waterslides, character interactions, and a variety of ways to enjoy the water. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point combines beach activities with a stronger focus on Bahamian culture, traditions, music, and art. Both offer family beaches, kids’ activities, water play, and adults-only areas. The biggest difference is the atmosphere and the experiences each destination emphasizes.
Are there adults-only areas on Disney's islands?
Yes! Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay have an adults-only beach called Serenity Bay. At Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is a secluded beach for guests ages 18 and older, with palm-shaded sand and clear water. Lookout Cay also has a secluded Serenity Bay beach, along with cabanas available for an additional charge. These areas are wonderful options for adults who want a quieter beach experience.
What is there for kids to do on the islands?
There’s plenty for kids who love to play, splash, and explore! Castaway Cay offers Scuttle’s Cove with supervised activities, Pelican Plunge waterslides, and games at In Da Shade Game Pavilion. Lookout Cay features Sebastian’s Cove, Rush Out Gush Out Water Play, cultural experiences, and Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. Both destinations give families different ways to balance active fun with time enjoying the beach.
Can you help us choose a sailing that visits Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay?
Absolutely! If visiting one of Disney’s island destinations is important to your family, we’ll make that part of the conversation as we explore your cruise options. We’ll help you compare the experiences, consider your family’s interests, and find a sailing that fits your vacation goals. Whether you’re most excited about Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay, or simply enjoying time together, we’ll help you plan with confidence.
Your Island Adventure Starts Here
Tell us what your family loves, and we’ll help you find a Disney cruise experience that brings it all together.