Disney Cruise Line is known for its private island Castaway Cay, a mainstay on its Caribbean and Bahamian cruises. With new ships joining the fleet, however, it’s time to expand its exclusive island offerings. If you are in on the Disney Cruise Line scene, then you are likely well aware that a new destination has been in the works for the past few years, and we are inching closer and closer to its grand reveal and its opening to guests.
Private cruise line island destinations fascinate me. Being totally inexperienced at the whole cruise line thing, I love the idea that you can be dropped off on an island where you are the only group of visitors on that particular day. With itineraries filled with populous ports of call like Nassau, Freeport, Cozumel, St Thomas, and St Maarten…you get the idea…it’s refreshing to think that at some point on your journey, you’ll be stopping somewhere a little more exclusive.
It’s like a deserted island, only it’s not deserted.
This year’s Destination D23 presentation from Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products revealed that the official name for Disney’s new island destination will be Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. It will be situated along the southern tip of the Bahamian island Eleuthera and will include all of the things guests know and love from Castaway Cay – dining, character meet and greets, cabana rentals, adults-only beaches, recreational activities, and more.
Let’s break down exactly what guests can expect when they embark off their ship for the day and head to Lookout Cay.
ENVIRONMENT
As with any new endeavor, Disney isn’t phoning it in on Lookout Cay. From the very beginning, according to Disney’s website, they have “partnered with artists, historians, and cultural ambassadors” from across the Bahamas “to bring Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point to life.” It all starts when guests arrive on the island via the arrival point, Mabrika Cove.
One place at Lookout Cay that is sure to reflect these partnerships is the Arts and Cultural Pavilion known as the Goombay Cultural Center. Centrally located, this pavilion will feature special programs for guests to learn more about the natural beauty and traditions found in the Bahamas.
Outside of the pavilion, the artistry built into Lookout Cay will be evident all around. As guests explore the island, they’ll come across architecture directly influenced by the natural environment of Eleuthera. This is all to say that Disney is aiming for its visits to Lookout Cay to be as authentic as possible, both from a natural standpoint as well as a cultural one.
DINING
A day-long excursion at Lookout Cay has to incorporate food at some point, and from the looks of things, there will be plenty of options that cater to guests of all ages.
When it’s time for lunch, Lookout Cay will feature market-style family dining, offering “freshly grilled lunch.” Guests can find this particular spot near the water play area, conveniently located so families with little ones do not have to go far when hunger strikes.
Let’s talk menus! Disney revealed the food and beverage items that will be available at Lookout Cay, featuring vibrant flavors of the Bahamas.
FOOD
In addition to standard sandwiches, salads, and side dishes, there are some specialty foods you will want to leave room in your stomach for when you visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Find your lunch on Lookout Cay at True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ (adult-exclusive eatery):
- Bahamian Pigeon Peas & Rice with marinated chicken, oven-baked plantains, and fried okra
- Grilled Cheeseburger on a brioche bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, and pickles with french fries with American coleslaw
- Disney Lookout Cay Spiced Rotisserie Chicken marinated with Bay Leaves, onion, sweet pepper, lime, thyme, and goat pepper with grilled pineapple and black bean salad
- Plant-based Island Curry with tofu, cilantro, and potatoes (Plant-based)
- Bahamian-style Lime marinated grilled snapper with sautéed pickled vegetables yucca fries
- Grilled BBQ Ribs with “smoky BBQ” sauce, grilled corn, and yucca fries
BEVERAGES
On a hot Bahamian afternoon, a refreshing drink is a must-have! Beverage stations at Lookout Cay will be called Mangroves and Go, Blue Hole Bar, Bow and Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole, Reef and Wreck Bar, and Sandsational Smoothies. In addition to your classic cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages, the following specialty beverages will be available:
- Bahama Brew: Cold brew coffee blended with Hawaiian island syrup, cold brew, finished with a coconut flavored soft whip topping (Non-alcoholic beverage)
- Butterfly Switcha: Specialty Mocktail made with lemonade, butterfly pea jasmine green tea, and a sprinkle of blue edible glitter (Non-alcoholic beverage)
- Eleuthera Euphoria: Disney Lookout Cay Signature Cocktail made with premium aged rum, pineapple smoothie and DOLE Whip (This is going to be Lookout Cay’s signature cocktail!!)
- Don’t forget to pick up your very own Disney Lookout Cay Coffee Cup!
Disney also noted that on the island, all service ware will be reusable, including stainless steel cups, to minimize the environmental impact. Speaking of little ones, kids-only dining will be available on the island. While the details of this particular spot have yet to be revealed, Disney has shared that “kids can enjoy lunch in their own dedicated dining area.”
This kids-only dining spot will come in handy for parents who want to spend a relaxing afternoon at one of three adult-exclusive bars located across Lookout Cay. In addition, adult market-style dining found along the beach will offer “refreshing sips and island-style bites.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THIS YEAR’S DESTINATION D23
RELAXATION
While a Disney cruise can be jam-packed with activities, it’s important to take time to unwind and relax. Lookout Cay is a perfect opportunity to slow things down and recharge – and there are multiple spots around the island to do so. Families can enjoy an expansive beach where you’ll have the day to build sandcastles, go for a swim, or take a nap (my personal favorite thing to do at the beach).
Here’s a look at a construction update from Disney featuring the cabanas:
RECREATION
If your idea of relaxation involves a little more movement than lounging on the beach, you’ll be happy to know that Lookout Cay will offer a number of recreational activities. For kids, a water play area will keep them occupied all day, as well as a gaming pavilion, volleyball court, and more.
There seems to be plenty of space for guests to explore. Here’s another construction update from Disney:
Disney characters will be on-deck to greet guests to Lookout Cay. Mickey and Minnie will make appearances on the island in brand-new, Lookout Cay-exclusive outfits designed by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett.
And here’s a sneak peek at what the rest of the gang will look like in their brand-new island outfits at Lookout Cay! All of the outfits were designed by Elyett, whose designs “showcase the vibrant spirit of the beloved Bahamian tradition, Junkanoo.”
Lookout Cay will also include bike rentals, walking and hiking trails, and more, just like what guests can expect to find at Castaway Cay. For family entertainment, head to Triton’s Trumpet Stage. And before you leave the island for the day and head back to the ship, you can stop by Treasures of Eleuthera for those must-have souvenirs.
HOW CAN I SAIL TO LOOKOUT CAY?
Sailings to Lookout Cay are on itineraries starting in the summer of 2024. There are two inaugural sailings. The first is a 3-night preview sailing departing from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Magic on June 6. The second is the official inaugural sailing, a 7-night sailing from Port Canaveral on the Disney Fantasy. Embarking on June 8, this itinerary includes stops at both Lookout Cay as well as Castaway Cay. Double the exclusivity!
After the inaugural sailings, summer 2024 itineraries that include stops at Lookout Cay will include the following:
- 3, 4, and 5-night Bahamian cruises out of Fort Lauderdale
- 10-night Southern Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral
Make sure to double check your itinerary before booking to confirm that one of your stops will be at Lookout Cay! As always, be sure to follow along for more of the latest news and tips to help you plan your next Disney vacation better than your last.
