NEWS: First Look at Map & Overview of Different Areas of New Private Island
If you can’t tell, here at DisneyLists.com, we are really excited about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest private island destination that will welcome its first guests in June! We were invited by Disney Cruise Line to learn more about the island, saw the map for the first time, learned about the areas guests can explore on the island, and got details on some of the entertainment that will be offered. Learn more below.
Here is the new map:
1 – Mabrika Cove
The closest area to the ship is Mabrika Cove. Katie Martin of Disney Cruise Lines states, “‘Mabrika’ means “welcome” in Taino, the language of the Lucayans, who are considered the indigenous people of The Bahamas. While the language is no longer used, a few words remain—one of them being “Mabrika.” At this colorful arrival point, guests will immediately experience the warmth of Bahamian culture.”
Mabrika Cove offers a chance to get a tropical iced coffee at Mangroves and Go and pick up a souvenir or beach items at First & Last Chance Stand. Guests with charter boat reservations will check in at Turbot Berth, and those with cabanas at Mabrika Cove will check in nearby as well. Bicycle rentals are also available at Mabrika Cove.
2 – Goombay Cultural Center
Guests can make their way to the Mabrika Cove Tram stop, which will take them to the next section of the island, the Goombay Cultural Center. Along the tram ride, guests can then begin taking in the natural wonders and celebrating the vibrant culture of the Bahamas.
The Goombay Cultural Center will be a festive spot that embodies the essence of Junkanoo,” a Bahamian festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades. Katie Martin shares that “Goombay is one of the traditional music styles of The Bahamas, involving singing, dancing and drumming. The brilliantly colored cultural pavilion and its Junkanoo-inspired arch will invite guests to embrace the traditions of The Bahamas, along with the sights, sounds, and spirit of the country’s signature festival.”
The center is also home to the new RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration at Disney Lookout Cay. During this fun celebration, a local Junkanoo Group will introduce guests to the signature festival of The Bahamas, which is filled with colorful parades of dancing and music. Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Donald and Daisy Duck will dance along, encouraging guests to join the vibrant celebration that brings the heartbeat of The Bahamas to life. Click here for a sneak peek video of performers to get an idea of the show!
3 – Nature Trail
Guests can go off for a walk or bike ride on the Nature Trail, where they’ll find stunning views of Eleuthera’s lush greenery and coastline, and maybe even spot some wildlife. There is also a Historical Landmark at one point of the Nature Trail. I had the opportunity to ask Disney Cast Members who are working on the project if a 5k race, like the one on Castaway Cay, would also be available at Lookout Cay. They said they are considering it, and I hope they offer it to guests!
4 – Fun For the Whole Family
Looking to cool off and play? The family beach and Rush Out Gush Out Water Play will be full of family fun by the water.
At the Play-Play Pavilion guests can enjoy the new Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash, a beach party full of games you can play with Disney friends! Options include playing with Goofy in Goofy’s Good Day Limbo, or playing at Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss, or having fun with Chip-n-Dale’s Water Brigade! In the background, all-new Bahamian renditions of Disney tunes will play, further immersing the whole family into the charm of the island.
5 – Adult Spaces
Serenity Bay, Serenity Bay BBQ, and Blue Hole Bar will be a relaxing sanctuary for adult guests 18 years and over. Serenity Bay also offers cabana rentals for guests looking for extra comfort during their time at Serenity Bay.
6 – Sebastian’s Cove
Children ages 3 to 12 will splash and play at a themed kids’ club under the care of highly-trained Disney Cruise Line counselors. It will include a splash pad inspired by favorite undersea creatures from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid,” plenty of shade, and a dedicated dining area. We learned that Disney Cruise Line has collaborated with NatGeo Kids to provide a program called “Play in Nature,” which teaches the children about the land, the sea, and the air in a fun way.
7 – Food & Treats
After all of the exploring and enjoying, guests can start planning their delicious lunch at True-True and True-True Too BBQ, which features ice-cold drinks from several bars across the destination. Click here to learn more about the food and treats that will be offered on the island!
8 – Merchandise Locations
Along with the First & Last Chance Stand at Mabrika Cove, in the main beach area, guests will find Disney T’ings and Treasure of Eleuthera for the perfect souvenir, including exclusive Disney Lookout Cay merchandise. Click here to learn more about the upcoming merchandise!
9 – Unique Design
When guests arrive at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, they’ll be greeted by distinctive, sweeping architecture in bright, saturated hues—a bold style inspired by nature and created in partnership with local artists. I heard from Walt Disney Imagineering and learned how the Bahamian culture, flora, and fauna inspired the architecture. The curvilinear buildings will at first appear as Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas and the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the destination, references to playful folklore characters will evoke the warmth and charm of the local culture. Also, local art will be featured on the walls of buildings and in the cultural center.
10 – Conservation and Natural Beauty
Visitors to Lighthouse Point will be surrounded by nature’s wonders and get a glimpse into the efforts being made to conserve wildlife and their unique island habitats. Click here to learn about the wildlife guests may see while visiting the island.
Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design. For example, only sixteen percent of the island has been developed so far. As mentioned above, the nature trail will allow guests to take in the natural beauty of the island with interperative signs teaching guests about the wildlife and geological features of the island.
An on-site solar array will meet at least 90 percent of the destination’s electricity needs. The pier was designed to avoid the need for dredging, and elevated walkways will help limit the impact on the landscape.
“Lighthouse Point is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, so our goal has always been to create designs that accentuate its qualities in an organic way,” said Kevin Thomas, creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re focused on low-density, sustainable development that protects and preserves the environment, allowing the site’s biodiversity to shine.”
11 – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
In early June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will welcome guests to a one-of-a-kind island destination at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, for the first time. Created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors, the vibrant island retreat will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a featured port of call on select three-, four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean on the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will vary stops between Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, with five special departures including both Disney Cruise Line island destinations.
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.