For many, a trip to the Bahamas represents the ultimate holiday fantasy, with its world-famous turquoise waters and powdery white sands. For Disney fans, the dream becomes even more potent with the chance to visit Castaway Cay, the entertainment giant's exclusive private island. One such visitor, Julie Delahaye, recently experienced this slice of paradise and found herself completely unprepared for the sheer scale and magic on offer.
An Island of Unexpected Adventures
Arriving as part of a sailing aboard the new heroes and villains-themed Disney Cruise Line ship, the itinerary included a stop at the highly anticipated Castaway Cay. Julie confesses she had envisioned a beautiful beach with a few loungers and some family-friendly activities. The reality, however, was a fully-fledged island destination begging to be explored.
The island boasts multiple beaches, including dedicated family and adults-only areas, ensuring peace and quiet for all guests. Beyond the stunning coastline, visitors can discover cycling and hiking trails, a waterpark complete with a slide that deposits you directly into the ocean, a shop, and numerous spots for snacks and drinks. The island is so extensive that it takes 15-20 minutes to walk from the ship to the main areas, though a convenient tram is available for those who prefer not to stroll.
Sprinkles of Disney Magic Everywhere
True to its roots, the island is infused with Disney charm. Characters such as Daisy Duck, Chip, and Dale were on hand to greet passengers as they disembarked. Julie even spotted Pluto causing mischief by commandeering a golf cart. Throughout the island, countless photo opportunities await, featuring cute signs and fun backdrops, all designed so no one has to fight for the perfect picture.
The beaches themselves lived up to every social media post and brochure image. The sand was exceptionally soft, and the crystal-clear waters were vibrantly real, devoid of any digital enhancement. A dedicated snorkelling reef hides underwater Disney statues for guests to discover. Remarkably, Julie didn't even need to get wet to encounter marine life, spotting a school of fish and a stingray from the lagoon's edge.
Luxury and the Only Downside
While there are ample sun loungers, those seeking a premium experience can hire a private cabana for the day. These come with a covered seating area, a mini-fridge stocked with water and soft drinks, and a button to call servers for food and drink orders.
The sole drawback of the entire experience was its fleeting nature. We were only there for a day trip, Julie noted, expressing a wish to have stayed longer. She discovered that some Disney cruises offer itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay, a tempting prospect for anyone captivated by the island's charm. Fortunately, the return to the Disney cruise ship, with its character interactions, shows, and themed dining, softened the blow of departure.
For those inspired to plan their own adventure, Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers a package including four nights on the Disney Destiny from £5,384 for a family of four. This includes flights from London Heathrow to Miami, a one-night hotel stay, and a cruise visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay. The price is based on a departure on 30th September 2026.
