Top things to do & see

The island is developed in the theme of a castaway community, with buildings made to look as if they had been improvised after a shipwreck. The facilities are maintained like any other Disney theme park, and the shops accept guests' stateroom keys for payment. The food service is operated as an extension of the cruise package. A variety of activities are available to guests including bicycle hire, personal watercraft rental, massages overlooking the ocean, snorkeling, para-sailing, volleyball and basketball. There are monkey bars and a rope for children to climb across set about 50 meters in the ocean on one beach and a slide about 40 meters into the ocean on another beach. There are three beaches for guests: one for families, one for families and teens, and another exclusively for adults, called Serenity Bay.

Castaway Cay visitors find an island completely outfitted for premium family leisure. Ample amenities include open-air BBQ dining locations, two shops featuring Castaway Cay gifts and souvenirs, and convenient tram transportation (now with additional paths) around the island. Also enjoy:

• Swimming, kayaking, water sports and more at the various teens-only, adults-only and all-ages areas
• Open-air massages with an ocean view, a yoga class and a bar at the secluded, adults-only beach, Serenity Bay
• Port Adventures for everyone in the family, including stingray interactions, glass-bottom boat tours, parasailing and fishing

 Fun facts

• The island is three miles long and consists of 1,000 acres, only 55 of which are developed.
• A Nautilus sub from the old 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea ride at the Magic Kingdom has been partially sunk off the beach. You can see it while snorkeling.
• Castaway Cay researchers are restoring the health of coral reefs by transplanting long-spined sea urchins and fostering their growth.

Your take

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Published February 2015