Overview shot of ship and sea; Castaway Cay
  • On Feb 9, 2026
    Mary from TN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, I am going on a Dream Cruise. If we leave the ship for the off-ship destination (Castaway Cay, is it a come and go policy, or is it disembark at 8:30 am / can't return until 5:00 pm (or the relative times). Thank you!

    Hi, Mary!

    Welcome aboard Disney Cruise Line! The Disney Dream is one of my favorite ships. Lounging at Satellite Falls (one of the "adult only" pool areas) is just about my favorite place to relax and unwind. Plenty of chairs and towels are available, and your friendly beverage staff is very attentive and happy to serve you a refreshing drink!

    Ok, maybe Satellite Falls is my SECOND favorite because Castaway Cay is an absolute paradise! I am always one of the first to disembark the ship once docked because I don't want to waste a minute of this beautiful private island. Once off the ship, it is about a 7-10 minute walk to the tram which has several drop off points along the beach. 

    Because your ship will be docked at Castaway Cay, you are free to come and go from the ship as you please. There will be an announcement when you are allowed to leave the ship (usually around 8:30am) then given an all-aboard time (usually around 4:30pm).  Between those hours, the time is yours to enjoy on or off the ship. You will not need to take your passport off the ship at Castaway Cay but remember to have your photo ID and Key to the World card ready as you debark and embark the ship. 

    While you are welcome to return to the ship, everything you need will be available at Castaway Cay, including a delicious barbeque lunch at Cookies BBQ! They will be serving up burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. Make sure you try the potato salad which is my favorite buffet item! On the island, you will also find beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, bars, and gift shops. Towels are provided as you disembark the ship. 

    If you are looking for additional fun during your beach day, you may rent snorkeling gear, floats and innertubes, or even rent a bike for a spin around the island! Other excursions are available so check the Disney Cruise Line website for optional Port Adventures

    Mary, I wish you a sunny day at Castaway Cay and a magical cruise as you sail with Captains Mickey and Minnie. Bon Voyage!

    Cathy
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Meet the Panelist: Cathy, Ohio

Hi, I'm Cathy from Cleveland. I love to travel, especially in the winter to escape the cold of Ohio! My husband and 2 kids share my enthusiasm for travel, so we enjoy our adventures together whether it is sailing with Disney Cruise Line, running (or cheering!) at runDisney events, taking hula lessons at Aulani, or vacationing at the Walt Disney World which is our home away from home. I am proud to be a part of the planDisney team and cannot wait to share my tips and advice for a magical vacation
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