Disney’s private island gets a sprinkling of pixie dust

Additional island amenities at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, are underway and scheduled to be complete by summer 2010, in time for special five-night cruises aboard the Disney

Additional island amenities at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, are underway and scheduled to be complete by summer 2010, in time for special five-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder with two stops at Castaway Cay, and the Disney Dream cruise ship which starts sailing in early 2011. Enhancements will provide guests with more water-based family fun, additional conveniences, and a slice of beachside luxury all designed to complement the idyllic island setting.

“The numerous enhancements and additions planned for Castaway Cay will take the already extraordinary guest experiences on our private island to the next level,” said Disney Cruise Line president Karl Holz. “Whether our guests are seeking recreation or leisure – or a combination of both – they will find it at Castaway Cay, all complemented by unparalleled Disney service.”

The Castaway Family Beach will be extended by more than 700 feet for families to enjoy the pristine white sand, build sand castles, relax in the shade under an umbrella, and take a dip in the warm azure waters of the lagoon.

Guests can slide and splash at a new water feature called Pelican Plunge. The 2,400-square-foot floating platform, located within swimming distance from shore, celebrates the island’s native pelicans. Two exciting water slides – an enclosed corkscrew slide and a 140-foot-long open slide – take guests on a twisting ride, ending with a splash into the lagoon.

On the island, a brand-new, 2,400-square-foot water play area called Spring-a-Leak helps guests cool off while immersing them in what appears to be the remnants of a washed-away beach dwelling leaning in the direction of the prevailing winds.

A “splash pad” is the focal point and gives the impression of water pooled on the ground. Water jets squirt, spray, and saturate guests. Shade is provided by leftover pieces of the corrugated steel roof, aged and distressed fabric, and the occasional palm tree growing up through the floor foundation.

The “hub” of youth activities on the island, Scuttle’s Cove, will feature a new water play area for the youngest Disney Cruise Line guests to splash and enjoy as part of supervised youth activities on Castaway Cay. A 1,200-square-foot soft wet deck area provides fresh-water fun with an array of pop jets, geysers, and bubblers. Overhead, shade sails circle the area like a compass and marine props.

Guests can have a little piece of paradise all to themselves at one of 20 new private cabanas. The majority of the exclusive 325-square-foot beach cabanas will dot the far side of Castaway Family Beach, giving guests more privacy. A handful of private cabanas will be located on Serenity Bay Beach, exclusively for adults, providing the ultimate in upscale seclusion.

Disney Cruise Line sails to Castaway Cay on all itineraries originating from Port Canaveral, Florida. Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean with special voyages to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in 2010.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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