Ahoy, Jennifer! Welcome back to planDisney and thanks for bringing us another question about your upcoming sailing with Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Wish.
Disney’s island destinations are two of my favorite ports of call, but they are very different from each other in terms of layout. Although they are both designed to be accessible, the proximity of the ship to the location of the beaches and other amenities definitely impacts the overall experience at each one.
Disney Castaway Cay allows the ship to dock right at the edge of the island and there are paved pathways from where you exit the ship to all of the main areas. There is also a tram system that provides guests with transportation from the Kargo Handling stop (which is fairly close to the ship) to both the Scuttle’s Cove and Pelican Point stops along the family beaches. You can also transfer to a separate tram at the Pelican Point stop that goes directly to the Serenity Bay stop right at the entrance to the adults-only beach area. Sand wheelchairs are also available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for access to the beaches and may be found across from Scuttle’s Cove, by the Pelican Point tram stop, and at Serenity Beach.
Due to conservation efforts to protect the coral reefs,
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point requires the ship to dock further from the island and guests must walk along a pier to get to the main entrance. Guests should expect an approximately 10-15 minute walk from the ship along the paved pier; however, guests with mobility issues can get transportation from the ship to the other end of the pier via golf carts. Whether you choose to walk or take a golf cart, you will then board the tram at the Mabrika Cove stop and take the 8-10 minute tram ride to the Goombay Cultural Center stop near the beaches and other amenities. The family beaches and Serenity Bay adults-only area are located next to each other, so there is no need to go to a separate location. There are paved pathways throughout the main promenade along with some wooden decking, plus sand wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis for no charge at the Goombay Cultural Center arrival area by Guest Services. Be aware that most of the beach access points have stairs here, so be sure to look for the ramped access pathways to the beach that are marked with signage.
For further details, I recommend reading the Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point sections in the “Information for Guests with Disabilities and/or Medical Conditions” located
here. If you have any other additional questions or concerns specifically about accessibility, then you can contact
Special Services prior to sailing at (407) 566-3602 or specialservices@disneycruise.com.
I hope that gives you a better idea of what to expect at both of Disney’s island destinations. Should you have any more questions before your cruise this summer, then feel free to reach back out to us here at planDisney. Happy sailing!
Catherine