Back to Blog Disney Cruise Line Just Opened a Brand New Restaurant—But There's a Catch

Disney Cruise Line Just Opened a Brand New Restaurant—But There's a Catch

Magic Table Team
Disney Cruise LineCastaway CayHangar 98 BBQDisney DiningSerenity BayDCL Dining

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation and looking forward to your day at Castaway Cay, there’s a brand new dining spot you need to know about. Disney Cruise Line has officially opened Hangar 98 BBQ on the island’s adults-only beach—and yes, you read that right: adults-only.

According to WDW News Today, the former Serenity Bay BBQ has closed and been replaced with this newly constructed restaurant that’s exclusively available to guests 18 and older. Here’s everything we know about this exciting (and exclusive) addition to Disney’s private island paradise.

What Happened to Serenity Bay BBQ?

For years, guests who ventured to Serenity Bay—Castaway Cay’s adults-only beach located at the end of the old airstrip—could grab lunch at the Serenity Bay BBQ (sometimes called Air Bay BBQ). That original dining spot has now closed, replaced by a brand new facility that better matches the “Castaway Air” aviation theme that defines this section of the island.

The old BBQ location is still visible but is currently surrounded by green construction scrims, while the new Hangar 98 BBQ opened in December 2025 following months of construction.

Meet Hangar 98 BBQ: Aviation-Themed Dining on the Beach

The name “Hangar 98” is a clever nod to Disney Cruise Line’s history—the number 98 references 1998, the launch year of Disney’s first cruise ship, the Disney Magic. The new restaurant building is designed to look like an aircraft hangar, complete with aviation-themed props and décor that transport you to a bygone era of island airstrips and adventure.

Location and Access

Hangar 98 BBQ sits right next to the popular Castaway Air Bar and the newly opened Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas. Getting there is easy: new paved and wooden ramps lead around the former BBQ location and up to the new building.

The restaurant is divided into two distinct sections:

  • One side serves the new Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabana guests, with dedicated seating on a deck facing the cabanas
  • The other side serves non-cabana guests and is accessed via ramps on the opposite side of the building

Inside and out, you’ll find aviation-themed touches including old metal signs and propellers mounted on the walls—perfect for that Instagram-worthy vacation photo.

What’s on the Menu?

If you loved the old Serenity Bay BBQ, you’ll be happy to know that Hangar 98 BBQ serves essentially the same menu. Guests will find familiar BBQ favorites including:

  • Hamburgers and cheeseburgers
  • Grilled chicken
  • Grilled fish
  • BBQ ribs
  • Potato salad
  • Macaroni and cheese

One exciting addition: some reports indicate that Hangar 98 BBQ now offers ribeye steak—something you won’t find at the island’s other dining pavilions, Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ.

As with all Castaway Cay dining, the food is included in the cost of your cruise, so you’re free to enjoy as much as you’d like before heading back to the ship.

Hours of Operation

Hangar 98 BBQ is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., giving guests a convenient lunch window during their day at Serenity Bay. Since Serenity Bay is exclusively for guests 18 and older, the restaurant maintains the same age restriction.

Part of a Larger Serenity Bay Upgrade

The new restaurant isn’t the only change coming to Serenity Bay. Disney Cruise Line also recently debuted 30 new private cabanas in the Mickey & Minnie Cove area. These premium rentals come packed with amenities including:

  • Comfortable seating
  • Stocked refrigerators
  • Snacks
  • Gear rentals
  • And more

Hangar 98 BBQ’s dual-area design makes it easy to serve both cabana guests and regular beachgoers efficiently, with a shared kitchen supporting both sides of the operation.

Why This Matters for Disney Cruise Guests

Castaway Cay is one of the crown jewels of the Disney Cruise Line experience. Unlike other cruise lines that tender to public ports, Disney owns and operates this private Bahamian island, allowing for a level of theming and guest experience control that’s unmatched in the industry.

Serenity Bay, in particular, offers adult guests a tranquil escape from the family-friendly hustle and bustle of the main beach areas. The investment in upgrading the dining facilities and adding new cabanas signals Disney’s commitment to enhancing the adult guest experience on the island.

For cruisers who’ve visited Castaway Cay multiple times, these updates provide fresh experiences and additional reasons to return. And for first-time Disney cruisers, the new Hangar 98 BBQ represents the kind of thoughtful theming and quality dining you can expect throughout your vacation.

What About the Rest of Castaway Cay?

Don’t worry—if you’re traveling with kids or prefer the family beach areas, Castaway Cay still offers plenty of dining options. Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ continue to serve guests at the main family beach and teen beach areas respectively, offering similar BBQ fare in those locations.

The island also features other dining spots and bars scattered throughout, ensuring no one goes hungry during their day in paradise.

Planning Your Castaway Cay Day

If you’re an adult cruiser looking to maximize your Castaway Cay experience, here’s what we recommend:

  1. Head to Serenity Bay early: This adults-only beach tends to be more peaceful in the morning, and you’ll have your pick of beach chairs and hammocks.

  2. Try the new Hangar 98 BBQ: Even if you’ve eaten at Serenity Bay BBQ before, the new location and atmosphere make it worth a visit. Plus, if they’re serving ribeye, that’s a step up from typical cruise line casual dining.

  3. Consider a cabana rental: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to splurge, the new Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas offer a premium experience with dedicated service.

  4. Stay for lunch: Many guests head back to the ship for lunch, which means Hangar 98 BBQ will be less crowded during the early part of the lunch window.

The Bottom Line

Disney Cruise Line’s new Hangar 98 BBQ at Castaway Cay represents a significant upgrade to the adults-only Serenity Bay experience. With improved theming, a modernized facility, and the same great BBQ fare (plus possibly ribeye!), it’s a welcome addition to Disney’s private island.

The catch? You’ll need to be 18 or older to enjoy it. But for adult cruisers seeking a peaceful beach day with quality food and clever theming, Hangar 98 BBQ delivers exactly what you’d expect from Disney—attention to detail, a great story, and a memorable experience.

Whether you’re a Disney Cruise Line veteran or planning your first voyage, make sure to carve out time for Serenity Bay and the new Hangar 98 BBQ. It’s one more reason why Castaway Cay remains the gold standard of private cruise line islands.