Hi there, Jennifer! Thanks so much for sailing by planDisney with your question. I love that you’re planning on capturing some
Castaway Cay memories.
While I haven’t personally done the Castaway Cay
Professional Photo session myself, I’ve spent a lot of time researching it and admiring the beautiful results other families have shared. The
Shutters photographers are fantastic, and Castaway Cay offers some gorgeous, natural backdrops.
Your photographer will meet you near She Sells Sea Shells… and Everything Else, the main island shop located near the first tram stop (Scuttle’s Cove). From there, you’ll head out together for a session that lasts up to about 20-30 minutes, with time for a variety of poses and locations along the beach paths and shoreline.
If you’re hoping for beach photos with little to no one in the background, or shots without the ship visible, it's absolutely okay to request that upfront. The photographers are pros at working angles and guiding families to quieter spots on the island. Don’t hesitate to share your expectations right up front and say something like, “We’d love some beach shots without other people in the background, and a few without the ship if possible.” They’re very used to accommodating requests like that.
Also, booking an earlier session often means fewer Guests on the beach, while later-in-the-day sessions can also be quieter as families head back to the ship. I’ve seen stunning photos taken both with and without the ship in the background. Amazingly the photographers are able to work their magic and somehow capture those iconic images with the ship in the distance that look almost completely empty, even on a busy day.
It sounds like your day at Castaway Cay is going to be "picture perfect," Jennifer.
Sea ya real soon,
Eean