Disney Cruisers Face Ongoing Pelican Plunge Shutdowns on Private Island
Key Aspects:
Guests are reporting continued intermittent closures for the Pelican Plunge waterslides and play structure on Castaway Cay.
Disney Cruise Line has not provided any firm timeline for the refurbishment to be completed and the structure to fully reopen.
Closure notifications are being posted in the cruise line’s Navigator app, but not until just before guests arrive at Castaway Cay.
Disney Cruise Line guests visiting Castaway Cay may be unable to enjoy the splash-tastic thrills of Pelican Plunge, as the family favorite waterslide continues to be closed intermittently.
Guests with itineraries that include the private island in the Bahamas are being notified through Disney Cruise Line’s Navigator app that the waterslide is closed for refurbishment, with no timeline yet reported for it to fully reopen.
“While the Pelican Plunge water slide is closed over the coming weeks due to necessary refurbishments, there is lots to see and do!” the notification reads.
Pelican Plunge is a floating activity platform that includes two twisting waterslides, one of which is an open slide and the other is an enclosed tunnel slide. The platform also features an oversized water dump bucket, water cannons for shooting at nearby targets, and fun nautical theming.
Cruise Hive reported that Pelican Plunge was also closed for refurbishment in August 2026, but guests who have visited Castaway Cay in recent weeks have noted it was open at least for some sailings in the weeks since.
“It was reopened before our mid-September sailing,” one guest confirmed, while another added on Saturday, October 24, “We were there a week ago and it was open, seemed in fairly good condition to me.”
Disney Cruise Line has not commented on the nature of the repeated closures. It is not known whether the refurbishment is for the same issue or if different parts of Pelican Plunge are undergoing refurbishment at different times, resulting in intermittent closures as the work continues.
Because the play structure is exposed to all weather conditions in salt water, it likely requires more frequent maintenance and refurbishment than a more protected feature would need. Guests are encouraged that Disney Cruise Line continues to invest in the structure to ensure it is safe and fun for everyone to enjoy.
Timing of Notifications Frustrating Some Guests
While guests do appreciate being alerted to the closure, the timing of the notifications is leaving some guests frustrated.
“Sailed this week, and we weren’t told until the night before while already on the boat. Sucked to find out that way,” one guest explained.
“It was closed on our sailing, with a note in Navigator late the night before or morning of Castaway. Had some very disappointed kids who were finally big enough,” another noted.
Guests must be at least 38″ tall to use the slides on Pelican Plunge. Because there is no walking pathway access to the floating play platform, guests must also be able to swim out to the structure. Both of the waterslides exit directly into the swimming lagoon. Guests can wear life vests on Pelican Plunge, and complimentary vests are provided.
What Other Attractions Are Available?
When Pelican Plunge is closed, other Castaway Cay attractions remain available for guests to enjoy. A smaller play structure is available in the swimming lagoon, and the Spring-a-Leak splash pad is ideal for younger guests. Of course, swimming is always an option, and guests can purchase tours while they visit the island.
Non-water-based attractions are also available, including tetherball, basketball, ping-pong, the Monstro Point whale dig site, shopping, and more.
Guests can also enjoy the waterslides onboard their respective Disney Cruise Line ships, which typically remain operating even while visiting Castaway Cay.
Disney Cruisers Face Ongoing Pelican Plunge Shutdowns on Private Island