Disney’s newest private cruise destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is ready to welcome its first guests. Known for immersing guests into magical lands of wonder, Disney Cruise Line has done just that with this tropical destination by highlighting the natural beauty of the island and vibrant Bahamian culture.
Where Is Lookout Cay?
Located at the southern tip on the island of Eleuthera, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is unique in the fact that this is not your normal cruise line private island; Eleuthera has been world-renown for its pink-sand beaches and a favorite among celebrities and royals for years. Now, Disney Cruise Line guests can also enjoy this idyllic island at this one-of-kind Disney destination. Once docked, cruisers will feel like they are at their own private oasis, secluded from the rest of the island.
How to Get to the Island
Guests will also notice the very long pier to get to the island. This was done on purpose to help preserve the integrity of the sea life leading up to the island. About one –half-mile long, the pier takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to walk. However, there are golf carts that frequently make the drive back and forth helping those who need extra assistance.
Once ashore, guests can begin shopping at a small merchandise stand, rent a family cabana to enjoy private beach access or hop on a tram to the other side of the island where most of the activities are located. Trams run frequently with little wait time in between, and the ride to the other side of the island takes around five minutes.
It may sound like a process to get off the ship and reach the heart of the excitement, but in reality, it takes about 20 minutes. And the reward is well worth it.
An Authentic Bahamas Experience
Entertainment, food and fun are sprinkled throughout the area all with the backdrop of the pristine, clear blue waters of The Bahamas.
In true Disney fashion, there is a parade — Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration — a day. Led by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy in their Bahamian outfits, a Junkanoo festival of dancers meet at the Goombay Cultural Center to give cruisers a taste of the famous Bahamian celebration. Disney partnered with local artisans to create the outfits and music special to the Junkanoo.
In speaking with Disney, they really listened to what we were advising them on. They got it right. I was extremely satisfied and happy to see the presentation that was there for the guest.
“For the last two-and-a-half years, we've been working with a team from Disney,” said Warren Andrew Pinder, who serves as the co-chair of the National Junkanoo Committee. “One of the most important things we stressed was authenticity. Junkanoo is a celebration of our tradition. Our culture is colorful; it's expressed through music and dance. In speaking with Disney, they really listened to what we were advising them on. They got it right. I was extremely satisfied and happy to see the presentation that was there for the guest.”
Lookout Cay for Kids
At the Play-Play Pavilion, cast members organize family-friendly games to play in a shaded environment. This is also a great place to meet favorite characters during the Fun in the Sun Beach Bash, which features Goofy’s Good Day Limbo, Pluto's Pineapple Ring Toss, and Chip-n-Dale’s Water Brigade.
Children ages three to 12 can enjoy the kids’ club on the island located at Sebastian’s Cove. From 12 to 2 p.m., parents can drop off kids in a supervised area with curated games and an elaborate splash pad. Lunch is even served at 12:45 p.m.
The splash pad area, Rush Out Gush Out, includes water slides, dumping buckets and more.
Credit: 2024 Lauren BowmanKids of all ages — including those in swim diapers — will enjoy Rush Out Gush Out, a splash pad complete with water slides, dumping buckets, musical instruments and spraying water. There is also a fair amount of shade here.
What to Eat
With so much to do, guests are sure to work up an appetite. Beach bars and restaurants are never far away. For hydration, there is Sandsational Smoothies with delicious, iced concoctions that will help clients beat the heat. Island goers can also find specialty iced coffees at many of the bars, as well as their favorite cocktails.
True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ offer the same menu in two different locations for easy access. Buffet-style dining, these eateries offer hamburgers, fried-chicken sandwiches, salmon and a version of jambalaya with hearty pieces of seafood.
Guests can relax on a beach chair and place food and beverage orders with roaming cast members.
Credit: 2024 Lauren BowmanOther Things to Do at Lookout Cay on Lighthouse Point
Relaxing is easy here. There are numerous beach chairs and many places to store personal belongings, as well as plenty of cast members walking around to take orders. For those over the age of 18, Serenity Bay has its own cabanas, a beach area, a buffet-style restaurant with the same menu as True-True BBQ and its own bar.
The nature trail highlights the beauty of the island, and clients can see the historic lighthouse. This trail is ideal for parents who want to stroll children around for a peaceful nap or find some local inhabitants such as the land crab.
The whole island has been made accessible with ramps and paved paths. Plus, there are complimentary strollers and wagons available when stepping off the Goombay tram stop on a first-come, first-served basis.
Goombay Cultural Center showcases the local Bahamian artists who have excelled at making this destination a one-of-a-kind beauty. And no Disney trip is complete without a little shopping. Destination specific apparel and goods are located at Disney T’ings, while Treasures of Eleuthera offers iconic Bahamian souvenirs with a Disney twist, such as a straw purse featuring a favorite character.
Port adventures can be purchased for an additional cost, with many of the meetups happening at The Gathering Tree.
Numerous itineraries visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
