How long do you stay on Castaway Cay?

How long do you stay on Castaway Cay? Castaway Cay guests usually spend 6 to 7 hours on the island during the day. They typically arrive around 8:30 to 9 AM and must board around 3:30 to 4 PM. This schedule could be affected by bad weather.



When a Disney Cruise Line ship docks at Castaway Cay, the standard duration of the stay is approximately 8 to 9 hours. Typically, the ship arrives and begins the "all-ashore" process around 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM, and the "all-aboard" call is usually at 4:45 PM or 5:00 PM. This gives guests a full day to enjoy the family beaches, the Serenity Bay adult-only area, and the Pelican Plunge floating slides. In 2026, some "Double Dip" itineraries offer two separate days at the island, but the ship still departs each evening to meet maritime regulations. Because the island is Disney’s private property, you don't need a passport to get off—you just use your "Key to the World" card. It is a peer-to-peer "best practice" to participate in the Castaway Cay 5K (now a self-paced run) early in the morning before the sun gets too intense, leaving the rest of the day for snorkeling and the legendary BBQ lunch at Cookie’s Cabana which is served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

The drinking age aboard Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney Castaway Cay is 21, with a valid photo I.D.

MORE DETAILS

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 .

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

Smoking/vaping is not permitted inside any stateroom and any stateroom balcony. If a guest is in violation of this stateroom policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to their SeaPass® account and may be subject to further actions*.

MORE DETAILS

Most public areas on board, as well as guest suites, are smoke-free. Guests must refrain from smoking anywhere inside the ship, including in guest suites, on verandas and balconies. Smoking of electronic cigarettes is permitted in guest suites, as well as other designated smoking areas.

MORE DETAILS

CELL PHONE USAGE ON A DISNEY CRUISE You can direct dial, receive phone calls, or text anywhere in the world right from your stateroom. Ship-to-shore rates apply and will be posted in your stateroom. Cell phone service is also available through most major providers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.)

MORE DETAILS