Can you stay at Disney Castaway Cay?

Much like other private islands including Perfect Day at CocoCay, Great Stirrup Cay, and Half Moon Cay, Castaway Cay is only available to Disney Cruise Line guests. Unfortunately, you can not get to Disney's Castaway Cay without a cruise. You also can not stay overnight on Castaway Cay.



No, you cannot stay overnight at Disney Castaway Cay, as it is a private "day-use" island exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. There are no hotels, villas, or guest rooms on the island. In 2026, the island remains a temporary paradise where ships dock for the day, typically from 8:30 AM until around 4:45 PM. While you cannot sleep there, you can rent private day cabanas at Family Beach or Serenity Bay (the adult-only beach), which provide a luxurious "home base" with comfortable seating, a fridge stocked with drinks, and a freshwater shower. These cabanas are incredibly popular and often sell out 120 days in advance to Concierge and high-tier Castaway Club members. The only people who stay on the island overnight are a small crew of approximately 60 to 100 permanent staff members who maintain the facilities and live in a hidden "crew village" away from the guest areas. All passengers must return to the ship before it sets sail for its next destination in the late afternoon.

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The island is still largely undeveloped as only 55 of the 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) are being used. Castaway Cay has approximately 140 Disney Cruise Line permanent residents who keep the island running daily.

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Food on Castaway Cay is included for no additional charge. There are 3 BBQ buffet restaurants serving up mostly the same menu.

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Anywhere in the ocean you can find sharks! But don't worry about this on Castaway Cay, as you swim in a area that is watched by a lifeguard all the time, No problems should happen, just swim and have fun, Enjoy your vacation!

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Castaway Cay has its own dock so you can walk on or off the ship anytime. Towels are provided on the dock so all you need is your Key To The World Card and an ID. Don't miss the fabulous photo opp locations right off the ship. Make sure to take your photos early as photographers are only out in the morning .

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If you want to escape the crowds and get some AMAZING photo ops on Castaway Cay! All you have to do is come early and stay late. The first and last hours on the island are the least crowded (by far). Get off the ship as soon as they allow passengers off.

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By the 1980s, Gorda Cay was becoming known for it's notorious drug operation. Various newspapers reported that people who once owned parts of the island were no longer welcome, and were being chased away by men with large guns and even larger Dobermans.

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If you wonder whether cruise ships have jails, the answer is yes. Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed.

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The ship will not leave you behind, and unless you're hiding in some bushes, you couldn't get accidentally left behind if you want since Crew Members “sweep” the island to clear it of guests. Stay until the last 15 minutes to enjoy Castaway Cay almost all to yourselves!

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The starboard side staterooms have the quintessential view of the full Guest side of Castaway Cay that you may have seen in photos on the Disney Cruise Line website or the image I selected for you at the top of this answer!

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The drinking age aboard Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney Castaway Cay is 21, with a valid photo I.D. There are some exceptions to this, depending on where the cruise originates and/or ends, and subject to parental/guardian consent.

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Disney Castaway Cay - You can't swim with dolphins here, but you can have an encounter with sting rays! San Juan, Puerto Rico - Go for a horseback ride or take a zipline tour!

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