Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – An Overview of Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Island Destination
We recently visited Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination, and had a fantastic time. Unlike Castaway Cay, which is a private island, Lookout Cay is a part of the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, and is inspired by and celebrates the culture of The Bahamas. This one-of-a-kind retreat offers unique and exclusive Disney entertainment, port adventures and nature trails, water play areas, and beautiful beaches for families and adults. There is so much to love about this island destination! In this article, we’ll give an overview of what you can expect when visiting.
Editor’s Note: Disney Cruise Line provided us with a complimentary Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Preview cruise with special media-specific events and tours during the cruise. However, as always, the thoughts and opinions about Disney Cruise Line contained in this article are entirely our own.
1 – Disney Cruise Line Adds 2nd Island Destination
In 2019, Disney announced plans to add a second island destination for the growing fleet. With the sixth ship, the Disney Treasure, coming in December 2024 and the Disney Destiny coming in 2025, Disney Cruise Line needed another Caribbean Island retreat for guests to enjoy.
When looking at the different ships and itineraries available, be aware that not all ships will sail to Lookout Cay. Currently, the Disney Dream, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy will make stops on some itineraries at Lookout Cay, while other sailings will stop at Castaway Cay. Some itineraries include stops at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay if you are looking to visit both during your cruise! Double-check that the cruise you’re booking is visiting your preferred island. The Disney Wish and the upcoming Disney Treasure will not stop at Lookout Cay.
2 – New Pier
One of the first things guests will notice when they arrive at Disney Lookout Cay is the long pier that takes guests from the ship to the first tram stop at Mabrika Cove. Because of Disney’s commitment to protecting the natural beauty of the island, they created an innovative, open-trestle pier to prevent dredging. The long pier makes the walk from the ship to the first tram stop quite long. Guests should be prepared for a 10–15-minute walk from the ship to the tram stop. Guests with young children will likely want to use strollers. Guests needing more assistance, such as a cart ride to the tram stop, should speak to Guest Relations ahead of time to arrange for a ride.
2 – Mabrika Cove
The first area guests will encounter is Mabrika Cove. Here guests will find the Mabrika Cove Cabana check-in, as well as bicycle rentals, a merchandise kiosk, and Mangroves and Co, which offers specialty iced coffees. Most guests will go straight to the Mabrika Cove Tram Stop. The tram will take you to the main area of the island. The tram ride over is about 10-12 minutes, so try to get comfortable for the tram ride over. During the ride over, you’ll get your first glimpse of the natural beauty of the island.
3 – Inspired Architecture and Local Art
As guests step off the tram and make their way to the main guest area of the island, they will quickly notice the rich culture of The Bahamas throughout Disney Lookout Cay. It’s a different vibe and experience than Castaway Cay. Rather than a fictional story as the driving force (like at Castaway Cay), Disney Lookout Cay is a real place that celebrates a real culture. The Disney storytelling and Bahamian culture come together to create a different experience, one that we enjoyed.
Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with local artists to reflect the essence of The Bahamas in the design and experiences at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. For instance, the guest areas are filled with dramatic structures designed to resemble vibrant, oversized seashells scattered along the coastline. Bright, Bahamian-inspired colors and art greets guests at venues, including the dining pavilions and bars.
4 – Goombay Cultural Center
The heart and focal point of Disney Lookout Cay is the Goombay Cultural Center. The brilliantly colored pavilion celebrates the rich history of The Bahamas and hosts a wide range of activities, including the “Sights and Sounds of Junkanoo” family workshop, where families learn Junkanoo traditions and crafts from local artisans. It’s also the location where guests can enjoy Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration. A local Junkanoo Group introduces families to the signature festival of The Bahamas filled with colorful parades of dancing and music. Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration is performed twice a day. Guests are encouraged to join along, connecting them to the treasured tradition through a vibrant celebration.
5 – More Festive Entertainment
Families won’t want to miss the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash at the Play-Play Pavilion. Here, families can join in for fun games with Goofy, Pluto, and Chip-n-Dale, all to the sound of Bahamian renditions of Disney tunes arranged and performed by Bahamian artists. From Goofy’s Good Day Limbo to Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss and Chip-n-Dale’s Water Brigade, the bash ensures fun for the whole family.
6 – Character Outfits Celebrate Bahamian Culture
A visit to a Disney island destination wouldn’t be complete without meeting your favorite characters. And at Disney Lookout Cay, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale wear distinct looks created by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett. The designs embody the spirit of Junkanoo with their prints, patterns, and textures, which include natural Bahamian materials like raffia. The outfits are amazing, and the attention to detail is evident when you see them in person. Be sure to take a good look at Minnie’s dress and Daisy’s bag because we’re just so impressed!
7 – Junkanoo-inspired Photo Opps
Also, be on the lookout for Junkanoo-inspired backdrops of the iconic Disney characters that will serve as the perfect photo spots for guests. We enjoyed getting a photo in front of the Mickey backdrop during our visit to the island. It really is a gorgeous piece of art! You’ll definitely want to stop for a photo!
8 – Gorgeous Beaches
One of the things that struck us as we explored the island was just how beautiful the island is, especially the beaches. The adult-exclusive beach, Serenity Bay, and the family beach offer gorgeous white sand with a lot of space to enjoy. We’ve always felt the beaches at Castaway Cay are a bit cramped, but at Disney Lookout Cay, there is a lot of open space for relaxation. There are also plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas. You also have two different seating areas to choose from. You can sit right on the wide beach, or you can sit further back, closer to the raised boardwalks and amenities.
9 – Water Play Areas
If you want a break from the ocean, then you’ll want to check out Rush Out, Gush Out Water Play, a water play area for all ages. This large play area is a fantastic place to enjoy some water fun as a family. Younger guests can also enjoy youth activities at Sebastian’s Cove.
10 – Private Cabanas
Private cabanas are available to reserve for those looking for the ultimate beach experience. There are two different cabana options. Families can enjoy the Mabrika Cove Cabanas in Mabrika Cove, and adults can enjoy the beautiful views of private cabanas in Serenity Bay.
Guests should be aware that the family cabanas are located near the pier on the opposite side of the island from the main area. Getting to the activity and dining areas will be extremely inconvenient, requiring a tram ride, and this will likely be a deal killer for most families. Honestly, we can’t figure out what the logic was of locating the family cabanas in such an inconvenient location, but we can’t in good conscience recommend booking one. Normally, we love booking a cabana, but at Lookout Cay, families with children under 18 should probably skip it.
11 – Nature Trail
Guests looking for an active adventure while visiting the island should take a walk on the Nature Trail. This trail allows the opportunity to discover Eleuthera’s beautiful scenery while walking or biking to the easternmost end of Eleuthera, taking in the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, bronze sculptures introduce explorers to indigenous animals, including money bat moths, curly-tailed lizards, and land crabs. Guests should plan on 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy the entire Nature Trail.
12 – Port Adventures
Guests also have the opportunity to go beyond Disney Lookout Cay for local adventures. Port Adventures, developed in partnership with local tour operators, offers a chance to explore Eleuthera and the breathtaking beauty of The Bahamas, including private historical and cultural tours, buggy excursions, scuba tours, and catamaran sailings. Advanced booking is highly recommended. Options can be found in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or in the “Already Booked” section of the Disney Cruise Line website.
13 – Dining on the Island
With all of the activity on the island (and the long trek back to the ship), guests will want to enjoy lunch on the island. Unlike Castaway Cay, the time and distance make returning to the ship for lunch impractical. Three dining locations throughout the island offer delicious flavors of The Bahamas and shaded dining pavilions. At True-True and True-True Too BBQ, the main dining areas, and Serenity Bay BBQ, the adult dining area, guests can enjoy menu items inspired by local recipes, including Bahamian pigeon peas and rice and Bahamian-style lime marinated grilled snapper. Classic favorites, including barbecue ribs, island-spiced rotisserie chicken, and grilled cheeseburgers, are complemented by a wide selection of sides and freshly prepared salads.
14 – Specialty Drinks
Ice-cold beverages are served at four bars, including the main beach locales, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar, the Blue Hole Bar for adults, and Sandsational Smoothies, which serves specialty frozen drinks. Locally sourced beverages are available there, such as Bahamas Goombay Punch soda, Bahamas Coffee Roasters coffee, locally roasted in Eleuthera, and Pirate Republic Brewing Company Long John Pineapple Pilsner. The Disney Lookout Cay signature cocktail, Eleuthera Euphoria, is a blend of premium aged rum and pineapple smoothie topped with pineapple-shaped candy.
15 – Merchandise Locations
There are two merchandise locations that offer guests an opportunity to bring home a piece of The Bahamas to commemorate their vacations. Disney T’ings offers a full collection of clothing and accessories by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett, along with an array of brightly colored Disney Junkanoo-inspired merchandise. Guests can also purchase a variety of island-inspired Disney merchandise reflective of the island experience at Disney T’ings.
Authentic, original work by Bahamian artists is available for purchase as a keepsake at Treasures of Eleuthera, a store that spotlights local artists with an array of unique gifts and artisan crafts.
16 – Sustainable Design and Wildlife Conservation
Disney has long been committed to protecting the natural beauty of The Bahamas and has worked to have as little impact on the environment as possible throughout the design, construction, and operation of Disney Lookout Cay. Disney Cruise Line developed less than 16% of the site, leaving the overwhelming majority of land in its natural state. The company focused on sustainable design and building, including elevated walkways. Disney has also committed to sending zero waste to landfills, and 90% of the destination’s energy demand will be from renewable sources.
Disney’s team of Bahamian on-site conservation experts continues to implement a variety of ongoing conservation initiatives like coral restoration projects, bird tagging programs, native plant preservation and more.
17 – Our Thoughts About Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
One word I keep coming back to as I think of our time on the island is “beautiful.” The artwork is beautiful; the buildings, the beaches, and the landscapes are all beautiful. Lookout Cay is certainly the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited in the Caribbean. We feel Disney did a terrific job building a new island experience for guests with Bahamian inspiration and flare, yet with that distinct Disney feeling that guests of Disney Cruise Line are looking for. We loved our time on the island and can’t wait to return.
Be sure to visit our Instagram Story for photos and videos from our cruise and our time on Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Click here for our Instagram Story-Day 1 of our Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point cruise!
Click here for our Instagram Story-Day 2 of our Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point cruise!
Click here for our Instagram Story-Day 3 of our Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point cruise!
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