23 Amazing Things Do at Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay

It may seem like a pixie-dusted fantasy, but it’s true: Disney has their own tropical island. Castaway Cay — located in the Bahamas — is a private oasis reserved exclusively for guests on the Disney Cruise Lines venturing on their Bahamian and Caribbean trips. Think crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and swaying palm trees, as well as Disney touches like visits from Goofy, exclusive pins, hidden Mickeys, and all sorts of magic. Here's everything you need to do on the happiest island on Earth.

Explore the island. The land itself is GORGEOUS. The island is about 1,000 acres of lushness, but only around 55 acres are used for the Castaway Cay experience. Disney strives to protect the island, the surrounding waters, and the wildlife that lives there, from restoring the coral reefs to monitoring the loggerhead sea turtles. Once you begin to explore beyond the beaches, you’ll witness the undeveloped (and untouched) areas which really reinforces that tropical island feeling. (Photo via Disney Cruise Line)

Look out for Disney characters everywhere. You can’t escape Mickey and friends. But really, why would you want to? If you’re on a Disney cruise, you probably already think of them as family. Throughout the island, there are odes to classic characters such as the whimsical Mt. Rustmore above. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Escape the fray. If you’d like to avoid all the kids (and there are oodles and oodles of them), sneak away to Serenity Bay, a beach area for the 18-and-up set. There’s peace, quiet, and a full bar. Tip: If you have your little ones with you and want to head to Serenity Bay, you can drop the kiddos off at Scuttles Cove, the kids' club.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Grab a private cabana. These secluded cabins have perks such as a fridge, a shaded deck, and an outdoor shower. But be warned; these cabanas cost extra and book up really fast. Other cabanas on the island are used by the spa for massages. An island massage? YAS! (Photo via Disney Cruise Line/ Chloe Rice)

Relax with a beachside beverage.Cocktail waiters wander the beach taking your orders. The island boasts signature cocktails such as the Castaway Sunset (Malibu coconut rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, and Peach Liqueur topped with Cranberry and Pineapple Juice) and the popular Konk Kooler (dark and light Caribbean rums blended with coconut cream).(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Or opt for a classic like a Margarita. Of course, you should arrange the citrus slices to be Mickey ears. You have no other choice. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Go bar hopping. If you’d like to leave the beach and fend for yourself, there are three different bars to visit: The Conched Out Bar, Head’s Up Bar, and the Castaway Air Bar (located in the adults-only section). There’s also the Frozen themed Summertime Freeze that serves up non-alcoholic smoothies aptly named “Warm Hugs,” “In Summer,” and, of course, “Let It Go.”(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Get your snack on, and a healthy snack at that. Fresh fruits — melons, apples, pears — are made available all day for all your nibbling needs. They also have soft-serve machines that you can hit throughout the day, and trust us; you will.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Put on your beachy best. We love the soft-hued outfits Instagrammer Corey AKA Fancy Treehouse and family wore to their day on the Castaway Cay beach. #familystylegoals(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Keep an eye out for Hidden Mickeys. Just like at the parks, Mickeys are hiding in plain sight. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Go snorkeling. The water is seriously crystal clear, which makes for a memorable underwater experience. The lagoon at Castaway Cay boasts an array of exotic sea life, as well as treasure like a Mickey Mouse statue and one of the subs from Disneyland’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage. (Photo via Disney Cruise Line/ Matt Stroshane)

Try out the special experiences too. The “port adventures” include opportunities such as petting stingrays, fishing, kayaking, and parasailing. These all have an additional cost and can book up fast. (Photo via Disney Cruise Line/ Matt Stroshane)

Take the kids to the Pelican Plunge water slide. The mammoth play structure is situated right in the lagoon for slipping, sliding, and other wet and wild hijinks.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Run a 5K. For the sporty visitor, the island hosts the Castaway Cay 5K which takes place first thing in the morning. The nice thing about it starting so early is that you can spend the rest of the day resting and recovering. (Photo via Disney Cruise Line/Chloe Rice)

Take a leisurely bike ride. There’s something about the island breeze going through your hair as you cruise along that’s irresistible. A variety of bikes are available to rent for a two-wheeled adventure, and there are a couple bike paths to choose from, one of which goes to a look-out point for a bird’s eye view of the entire island.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Spot the curiosities which abound around the island. Notice the Donald Duck on the nose of this vintage plane! Adorable.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Check out the island's landing strip. This is a vestige of the island’s past life (albeit a shady one). Although the landing strip is no longer in use, it does make for an easy bike ride from the family beach to Serenity Bay. (Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Eat the food... lots and lots of food. The island has two eateries, Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Two BBQ. Both serve up barbecued chicken, ribs, hot dogs, burgers, and so much more. All the food, like on the cruise ship, is included.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Scope out the wedding venues (you know, just for fun). Now, this is an ideal locale for a Disney-loving couple’s destination wedding. Getting hitched on Castaway Cay is one of the options available from Disney Weddings and Honeymoons. Plus the cruise is part of the deal, so it’s like a built-in honeymoon. (Photo via Freeform)

Meet all the characters that hang out on the island. Of course, Captain Hook and Smee hold court on the Castaway Cay, but there are chances to see the likes of Minnie, Mickey, Donald, or Daisy too.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Send a postcard. The island has their own little post office and stamps mail with their unique Castaway Cay postmark. It’s an inexpensive keepsake to send, and who doesn’t love getting snail mail?!?(Photo via Sunny Chanel)

Go souvenir shopping for keepsakes. A couple of gift shops on the island carry beach musts like sunscreen and swimsuits, as well as stuffies and Castaway Cay keychains, shot glasses, and exclusive Disney pins.(Photo via Sunny Chanel)