When traveling on Disney Cruise Line Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, you’ll be lucky enough to stop at Disney’s private island — Castaway Cay.
First, you need to know “Cay” is pronounced like “key”. Second, we need to go over one of the most important parts of the island — food.
Let’s talk about what’s for lunch on Castaway Cay, including drinks, bars, and, of course, soft-serve ice cream.
In this article
What is Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island available to those traveling on Disney Cruise Line Bahamian and Caribbean cruises.
The island has all kinds of activities available for guests to book (for an additional cost), like riding bikes, snorkeling, and more.
You’ll find different beaches, including two Castaway Family Beaches and an adult-only beach for those 18 years and older called Serenity Bay.
There’s also the chance to meet characters in beach attire, eat, drink, and shop. Know that lounge chairs and towels are provided when you get on the island.
Is the food free on Castaway Cay?
Yes, lunch, soft drinks, and soft-serve ice cream are all included in the cost of the cruise.
Alcohol, specialty beverages, and some snacks are an additional cost on Castaway Cay, just like they are on the ships.
What time is lunch on Castaway Cay?
If you choose to eat on Castaway Cay, the all-you-care-to-enjoy lunch usually runs from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. You don’t need a reservation, nor is this is a sit-down style lunch.
It’s super casual. You can have lunch whatever time you want, as long as it’s between these hours.
You can also find Castaway Cay lunch times in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, along with the different dining options.
What is served for lunch on Castaway Cay?
There are three open-air all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet dining spots for lunch. They all serve a range of BBQ options, like hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, fish, chicken, and plant-based options.
The locations include…
- Cookies BBQ: on the Castaway Family Beaches
- Cookies Too BBQ: on the Castaway Family Beaches
- Serenity Bay BBQ: on the adult-only Serenity Bay beach (this is the only buffet on the island that serves ribeye)
You’ll also find a fountain drink station, fresh fruit, salads, desserts, and, of course, soft-serve ice cream.
There are outdoor dining areas, like these picnic tables at Serenity Bay. Some of the tables have umbrellas, while others are uncovered.
Now, let’s go over the buffet. Below is what I had during my time on Serenity Bay in February 2024.
I filled my plate with several cold salads, including macaroni salad, potato salad, and a bean salad. These were all standard salads, but still tasty.
I also got an Impossible burger topped with lettuce, pickles, tomato, and cheese (this was not vegan). I added ketchup and mayonnaise, as well.
The plant-based burger was good and hit the spot. It’s nice there is an option for vegans and vegetarians.
During my lunch, the Impossible burger was not out on the buffet line to freely grab. I had to ask one of the Cast Members for it and they, of course, were kind of enough to do so.
Side note: the pickles on Castaway Cay and Disney Cruise Line hit different. I don’t know if they are homemade or what, but they are absolutely delicious. If you’re a pickle fan, definitely get them when you can.
After my lunch, I went back for some fresh fruit and dessert, including some average cookies and brownies.
Finally, I ended my lunch with strawberry soft-serve. There are other flavors, as well, like vanilla and chocolate.
Castaway Cay Bars
If you’re of age and would like to partake in an alcoholic beverage, especially an island-themed cocktail, there are several bars to purchase drinks.
These include:
- Olaf’s Summertime Freeze: on the Castaway Family Beaches
- Conched Out Bar: on the Castaway Family Beaches
- Heads Up Bar: on the Castaway Family Beaches
- Sand Bar: on the Castaway Family Beaches
- Castaway Air Bar: on the adult-only Serenity Bay beach
While I was on Serenity Bay, the bartenders walked around the beach taking drink orders so you didn’t have to get up from your spot. They also delivered your beverage to you.
I ordered a Piña Colava, which is Bacardi Raspberry Rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, and raspberry purée. You can also get this frozen drink at many Walt Disney World dining and bar locations, so this isn’t anything special to Castaway Cay.
Having the bartenders serve you on the beach was such a nice touch and made the day even more relaxing. I also want to give them props, because walking up and down the beach — with a tray of drinks — is a lot of work. If you’ve been to Serenity Bay, then you know just how much sand there is. It’s hard to walk on!
Of course, you can also walk up to the bar yourself and order. The Castaway Air Bar even has some seating overlooking the adult beach and stunning ocean.
How do you pay for stuff on Castaway Cay?
Like on the ships, you’ll use your Key to the World card for additional purchases on the island.
Are there dining options on the ship during Castaway Cay day?
Yes, if you don’t go to Castaway Cay or decide to eat on the ship versus the island, you’ll be able to eat at the offered lunch locations on board.
Have you ever been to Castaway Cay? What did you think?
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