On a
DCL cruise out of Florida, you're likely to visit
Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in The Bahamas. (Disney doesn't own the island, but instead has a 99-year lease that started in the 1990s.). This was the first cruise-line private destination to have a pier, so that passengers didn't have to tender. The island is about 3 miles long, with an area of about 1000 acres.
Castaway Cay has a
fascinating history that may include pirates and that definitely included drug smugglers (allegedly a 1980s raid revealed $100 million in cocaine). The latter likely took advantage of a runway a business investor built on the island in the 1960s. The runway isn't used now, but DCL guests use it has a highway to reach Serenity Bay.
Disney being Disney, though, it created its own backstory for the island. From
Undercover Tourist: "Three explorers set sail to the scattered islands of the Bahamas in search of fame and fortune. They brought along their families and a diverse crew. Through mild mishap and extreme good fortune, they located the objects of their desire–sunken treasures and the secret of youth. Though castaway on this island, they had no desire to leave due to the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise. Visitors to this island can still see the original structures built by the explorers and take part in many of the same pleasures our castaways enjoyed years ago.
Disney Cruise Line welcomes you to the island paradise of your dreams, Castaway Cay.”
I've never visited Castaway Cay (our only
Disney Cruise was out of San Diego) but it looks like fun. One of the unique features is a
snorkeling area featuring Disney statues, including a Dumbo ride car!