Castaway Cay:

Formerly known as Gordo Cay, Castaway Cay has become the featured private island for Disney Cruise Lines. A few semi-historical tidbits about the island include: It's an ex-stop for drug runners...long gone now. Its also featured in the hit 80s movie, "Splash", as the location where Tom Hanks first sees Darryl Hannah's mermaid character. The 1,0000 acre island is part of the Abacos chain of island in the Bahamas. Only 55 of the almost 1,100 square miles of the island are developed for use by visitors, the remaining land is undeveloped and almost pristine.

Like most any Disney attraction, there is a basic theme to the island: Upon visiting you become a member of the group of shipwrecked castaways living on the Cay. Castaway Cay is also the only private island that does not require tender boat access. The Disney Magic, Wonder and soon the Dream, are able to dock at the island and disembark passengers very easily. (When will Royal Caribbean's Labadee dock be finished?) Many different activities are available to guests including bicycle hire, personal watercraft rental, snorkeling, and parasailing. There are three beaches for guests: one for families, one for teens, and another exclusively for adults, called Serenity Bay. The snorkeling at Castaway Cay is also rather unique thanks to the massive underwater reefs created by the sunken submarine rides once used at Walt Disney theme parks. You can even see the Flying Dutchman pirate ship used in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies. on display in the lagoon.

Typically, the seven-night cruises visit Castaway Cay on Fridays, four-night cruises visit on Tuesdays, and three-night cruises visit on Saturdays. Disney Wonder will offer five-night cruises with two stops at Castaway Cay in summer 2010.

2010 will bring many upgrades and changes to Castaway Cay. Disney is working hard to extend the horseshoe shaped beach for visitors. Family Beach will soon be home to cabanas, shade umbrellas and small shops at which to rent snorkeling and water activity gear. We shouldn't forget to note the addition of a massive floating jungle gym complete with water cannon and fast slides will b e added to the list of fun things to do on Castaway Cay in 2010. More Kids' activity upgrades include a small water park, Spring A Leak, which leads tehm threw a windblown beach house full of leaky pipes. A space for Teens has been carved out, Hide-Out, and filled with deck chairs, music, volleyball and other teen based activities.

Eating at Castaway Cay is an activity in and of itself. Offering two open air lunches, Disney offers a palate acceptable to children and adults. The Castaway Ar BBQ, located at Serenity Beach, offers folks grilled steaks, salmon/grouper, chicken, salads, a variety of tropical fruits and island drinks. Family fare includes burgers, hot dogs, and enormous cookies and is available at Cookie's BBQ, a large pavilion near the main beach. A second Cookies, as well as another beach bar, will open by summer 2010.

Here are a few things to remember: You can charge anything you want on the island to your on board ship account, trinkets included. Water activities are free to visitors on Castaway Cay. Use the tram or rent a bike to get around the island more easily. Bring your camera: Disney Characters are all over the place, waiting to take picture with you and the kids.

Any Cruise Line Fans have some favorite memories of Castaway Cay? Is there something crucial I have omitted? Please let us know what you like best about Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay.

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