Disney's Caribbean Private Island: Not Open to Everyone - From pirate hideout to Disney’s tropical paradise: The secret history of Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay, a small private island in the Bahamas, has been a Disney Cruise Line retreat for nearly 30 years. Once known as Gorda Cay, the four-square-kilometre spot was a hideout for smugglers before Disney transformed it into an exclusive holiday destination.
The island sits about 12 sailing hours from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Disney took over in the mid-1990s and redesigned it for cruise guests, adding family-friendly beaches, themed play areas, and leisure facilities.
The island remains a key stop for Disney cruises, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure. Its history—from pirate hideaway to themed resort—reflects its shift from a lawless outpost to a carefully managed holiday escape. Guests now enjoy private beaches and activities designed just for them.
