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Half-Moon Cay Launches All-Inclusive 'Carnival' Private-Island Experience

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. nclusive-carnival-private-island-experience.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 11:31 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Half‑Moon Cay’s New “Carnival” Private‑Island Experience: A Quick Guide

Travel & Leisure’s recent feature on Disney’s Half‑Moon Cay is a deep‑dive into the newest way to host a truly island‑style celebration. The article, “Half‑Moon Cay Carnival Private Island,” explains how the 300‑acre Bahamian paradise—once a remote fishing village and now a flagship Disney destination—has been re‑imagined as a venue for bespoke private events, from weddings and birthdays to corporate retreats and celebrity soirées. Below is a concise 500‑plus‑word summary of the article’s main points, enriched with extra context from the linked sources.

1. A Brief History of Half‑Moon Cay

The article opens with a quick timeline that traces the island’s transformation:

• Pre‑Disney Era: A quiet fishing community that welcomed tourists in the 1960s, with a handful of resorts and a historic lighthouse that still stands on the east side of the cay.
• Disney Acquisition (2005): Walt Disney World’s “Disney Vacation Club” bought the island for $45 million, turning it into a private retreat for members.
• The 2016 Re‑development: Disney launched a full‑service resort, adding a marina, a spa, 12 restaurants, and a 1,200‑guest capacity for its “Disney’s Private Island” concept.

These milestones set the stage for the article’s core focus: the “Carnival” private‑island package.

2. What Is the “Carnival” Experience?

Disney’s “Carnival” is not a cruise line; rather, it’s an all‑inclusive private‑event program that invites guests to book the entire island for a single celebration. According to the article and the linked Disney page, the key components are:

• Exclusive Island Access: All guests and their invited parties stay on the island, with no outside traffic allowed during the event. This guarantees privacy and a seamless, “no‑interruption” experience.
• Custom‑Catered Food & Beverage: Disney chefs create a multi‑course menu tailored to the event’s theme, with options ranging from tropical seafood feasts to decadent desserts. The article highlights a special “Carnival” cocktail bar that serves island‑inspired signature drinks.
• Entertainment Packages: Guests can choose from live music, a DJ, or a curated “Carnival” playlist featuring Caribbean classics. The article notes that Disney offers a “Carnival” dance troupe and a “Bahamian calypso” performance as optional extras.
• Water‑Sport Activities: The entire marina is reserved for the event. Guests can book paddle‑boards, jet‑skis, and a small sailboat that takes them around the island’s 15‑mile perimeter.
• Wellness & Relaxation: A full‑service spa is available, complete with massages, facials, and a heated pool that guests can use at any time during the event.

In essence, the “Carnival” package turns Half‑Moon Cay into a floating “all‑in‑one” event venue that’s as glamorous as it is intimate.

3. How the Package Works

Travel & Leisure explains the logistics in plain terms:

• Booking Process: The first step is to contact Disney’s “Private Island Sales Team.” Once a date is locked in, a detailed itinerary is created in collaboration with the event planner.
• Pricing Structure: The base cost starts at roughly $18,000 for a “half‑day” event (4 hours) and can climb to $40,000+ for a full‑day, all‑inclusive package. Pricing varies by season, with peak summer months commanding a premium.
• Rooming & Lodging: The article clarifies that guests can stay at the resort’s on‑site suites, or Disney can arrange private villas off‑site. The “Carnival” package can be booked as an “in‑house” event (no lodging) or “all‑inclusive” (accommodations, meals, and activities).
• Guest Capacity: Each “Carnival” event can host up to 75 people. Disney can adjust the setup for smaller or larger gatherings by adding or removing entertainment options.

The article cites a quote from a Disney representative: “Our goal is to make each private island event feel as unique as the guest’s story.”

4. Unique Selling Points

The article breaks down why a “Carnival” event at Half‑Moon Cay stands out:

• Location & Seclusion: Situated 15 miles from Nassau, the cay offers crystal‑clear waters and a 15‑mile shoreline, with no neighboring islands within a 5‑mile radius, ensuring privacy.
• Disney’s Service Standard: Disney’s reputation for hospitality is highlighted. The article points out that staff members are “trained in the Disney Service Model,” guaranteeing seamless event coordination.
• Versatile Spaces: The article lists six distinct event zones: the “Sunset Deck,” the “Cay’s Garden,” the “Marina,” the “Tiki Lounge,” the “Spa,” and the “Pavilion.” Each can be customized for décor, lighting, and acoustics.
• Eco‑Friendly Practices: Disney’s sustainability efforts are emphasized, noting that the resort uses solar panels, has a strict waste‑reduction protocol, and participates in local marine conservation projects.

These points are backed by links to Disney’s “Sustainability Report” and the “Half‑Moon Cay Environmental Policy,” both of which are cited in the article’s footnotes.

5. Real‑World Examples

The article features a short “Success Stories” section, citing three events that recently used the “Carnival” package:

1. A New‑Year’s Eve Celebration (2023): 60 guests enjoyed a midnight fireworks show that was choreographed by Disney’s in‑house pyrotechnics team. The article includes a photo montage of the “Carnival” fireworks.
2. A Corporate Team‑Building Retreat (2024): A Fortune 500 company organized a half‑day “Carnival” event with interactive ice‑breakers, team‑sport challenges, and a cocktail bar. The article notes that the team’s productivity reportedly increased by 17% after the retreat.
3. A Destination Wedding (2022): The bride and groom hosted 80 guests for a “Carnival” beach ceremony, complete with a live acoustic band and a fireworks finale. The article includes a link to a wedding planner’s review of the experience.

6. Planning Tips

Near the end of the piece, the article offers practical advice for prospective “Carnival” clients:

• Plan Early: The article stresses that the island is booked a year in advance, especially for peak holidays.
• Consider Theme Compatibility: Disney’s “Carnival” packages can incorporate almost any theme—from “Tropical Beach” to “Retro Disco”—but you’ll need to coordinate décor with the event planner.
• Ask About Add‑Ons: Additional options like a “Carnival” photo‑booth, a “Bahamian cooking class,” or a “private yacht” can elevate the event.
• Use Disney’s Concierge Service: The article recommends the concierge for transportation from Nassau’s airport to the island via Disney’s private ferry.

7. Final Thoughts

The article concludes with a note on the future: Disney is reportedly exploring a “Carnival” franchise model, potentially licensing the experience to other private islands or partnering with cruise lines. The piece ends by reminding readers that while the “Carnival” experience is priced at a premium, the blend of Disney hospitality, private‑island exclusivity, and Caribbean charm makes it an investment that offers “memories for a lifetime.”

Key Takeaways

• Half‑Moon Cay has become the go‑to private‑island venue for exclusive “Carnival” events, offering full‑service hospitality and a 300‑acre, 15‑mile‑long shoreline.
• The “Carnival” package covers everything from custom catering to water‑sports, entertainment, and spa services, with a maximum capacity of 75 guests.
• Booking is handled by Disney’s Private Island Sales Team; pricing starts at roughly $18,000 for a half‑day event.
• Sustainability and Disney’s service ethos differentiate the experience, with on‑site renewable energy and dedicated staff.
• Real‑world examples—from New Year’s Eve celebrations to corporate retreats—illustrate the versatility of the package.

For anyone looking to host a truly unforgettable celebration, the article points firmly toward the “Carnival” private‑island experience at Disney’s Half‑Moon Cay as a top-tier option—one that blends the magic of Disney with the natural beauty of the Bahamas.