Overview shot of ship and sea; Castaway Cay
  • On Oct 29, 2024
    Teressa from OR Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I booked the stingray at 10am on Castaway. I also want to book a paddle boat. We don’t want to miss meeting characters or island specific entertainment. Suggested times to book activities so we don’t miss anything?

    Ahoy there, Teressa!

    Welcome aboard planDisney! Your Disney Cruise Line vacation will be here before you know it! You must be counting down the days until your feet are in the sand at Disney Castaway Cay!

    It sounds like you have a great day in the works on Disney's little slice of paradise. Like you, I love to make the most of my day on Castaway Cay! While there aren't many activities that you must book at specific times (except certain Port Adventures), here are a few of my best recommendations for planning your day:

    • Be ready to disembark the ship early. Eat a yummy breakfast and then have beach bags ready to go so when the "all ashore" announcement is made, you can head off the ship.
    • Usually, there are several Character Greetings first thing in the morning along the walk to the tram stop near the Post Office or near Boat Beach (see Fun Photo Opportunities on the Castaway Cay online map). You can also check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for Character schedules, but Characters are usually found at random times around the island in the photo spots. You don't need to book these events ahead of time.
    • If you plan to enjoy a Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure followed by some fun on a paddle boat, I recommend dropping your things off on the Castaway Family Beach near Gil's Fins and Boats, to save some steps. 
    • While on the family beach, head out to enjoy Pelican Plunge or rent some snorkel gear and enjoy the underwater snorkel trail. 
    • I enjoy renting bikes at the Bike Rental stand to take a spin around the island. You can pre-book the rental, but you can pick up your bike at your convenience. Make sure to stop at the Observation Tower for a bird's eye view of the island.
    • You can enjoy lunch as soon as Cookies BBQ, Cookies Too or Serenity Bay BBQ (on the adult-exclusive area of the island) opens and then go back before closing time to enjoy some soft-serve ice cream. 
    • When you are ready to head back to the ship, don't forget to stop at Mt. Rustmore for an iconic photo op or stop along the dock for a photo with the gorgeous ship in the background.
    Teressa, there is a lot to do on Castaway Cay, but don't forget to enjoy chilling out in the gorgeous water. Be sure to listen to this episode of the planDisney Podcast where my pals Diane and Jana share some of their favorite tips!

    Thanks for sailing by planDisney again, Teressa! See you real soon!

    Wishing you many magical memories,
    Shannon
thumbnail image for Shannon

Meet the Panelist: Shannon, Georgia

Hi! I'm a dreamer and doer who loves exploring the big blue world! My love for Disney began at Walt Disney World Resort and after my first Disney Cruise Line vacation I was hooked. I especially enjoy the ships' adult-exclusive spaces and activities while experiencing the magic only Disney can create. A Land and Sea vacation combining an action-packed Walt Disney World Resort visit and a relaxing Disney Cruise Line voyage is my favorite way to do Disney. I can't wait to help you create your magical memories! Learn More About Shannon

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