First photos of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Oh Boy! Disney Cruise LineThe new Bahamian beach destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is open for business, giving Mickey Mouse fans an additional port of call in the Bahamas.
Disney Magic, the line’s original ship, was the first to carry passengers; They take in the pristine beaches and maze of boardwalks connecting the many eateries, bars, water attractions and shops.
At the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, Lookout Cay was created from a partnership between the Bahamas and Disney. Bahamian influence can be seen throughout, from the architecture and art to the costumes of the Disney characters, who appeared multiple times throughout the day.
Here’s what I liked and what I didn’t like – in pictures.
For more news, reviews and cruise tips, subscribe to TPG’s cruise newsletter.
What I like
Beaches
Obviously, one of the main attractions of any Bahamian island is the beach. Visitors have many options at Lookout Cay, with dedicated beaches for both families and adults. All have white sand and plenty of loungers with colorful umbrellas that are free to use.
Since all the beaches are part of one long stretch, you can easily find your way from one beach to the next after passing the sand dunes that separate the water from the rest of the Central area Goombay culture on the island. Plus, the crystal clear blue water can even take your breath away.
Easily hydrated
What’s a day at the beach without a drink or two? I’m not just talking about wine here either. With the hot Bahamian weather, it’s important to stay hydrated. Luckily, you’re never far from a bar or drink stand at Lookout Cay.
There are two soft drink and water stations at True-True and True-True Too, the destination’s barbecue buffet areas. There are also Sensational Smoothies that sell just that. I tried one made with vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple, and Pop Rocks, and I was not disappointed. And for those who still aren’t completely sober when they arrive on the island, there’s Mangroves & Go, a specialty coffee stand.
Daily newsletter
Gift your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers to get breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
If you’re after something a little more exciting, there are four bars – Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar – scattered on the boardwalk throughout the area Goombay.
The tram is easy to navigate
Disney Cruise Line fans who have visited the line’s private island, Castaway Cay, will know that the trams there can be a bit cumbersome for first-timers, with some routes taking passengers to different areas. At Lookout Cay, there are only two tram stops – Mabrika Cove, near the entrance, and Goombay Cultural Center, where nearly all of Lookout Cay’s action takes place.
It’s nice to have less to think about where you’re going when all you want to do is spend the day relaxing, so I appreciate the simplified system.
Cabanas with great views
At Lookout Cay, there are two sets of cabanas: Mabrika Cove Cabanas in the family area and Serenity Bay Cabanas in the adults-only area.
They’re all set up like cute Bahamian huts. Each room has both indoor seating in the shade and outdoor lounge chairs on the terrace overlooking the water. There is also a mini refrigerator stocked with water and soda.
Family area
It’s no surprise that Disney isn’t stingy when it comes to family amenities. In addition to the family beach and family cabanas, other designated areas include Sebastian’s Cove, a water play area where parents can drop off their children with youth staff, and Rush Out Gush Out, a park water where families can have fun together.
Twice during my visit, Pluto, Goofy, Chip and Dale took over the Play-Play Pavilion during the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. They lead children in games of pineapple ring toss and Chip and Dale’s Water Team. In the water competition, children pass through wet sponges, assembly line style, to see which team fills a bucket the fastest. It’s great fun, even for those who don’t participate.
Arts and culture
Bahamian cultural elements are everywhere at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the form of art and architecture. However, at the heart of it all is the Goombay Cultural Center, where passengers can enjoy local arts and crafts or take part in the Junkanoo parade.
The latter, titled “RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration,” brings local dancers in colorful, traditional costumes to an outdoor stage, where they perform an energetic performance that will have you don’t want to miss out. Be sure to look out for special guests Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, too.
Which I don’t care about
Take a long walk
The dock where the ship docks at Lookout Cay is long. I’m a fast walker, but it still took me nearly 10 minutes and registered 1,207 steps (over half a mile) on my Fitbit. There’s no shade, and with the heat in the Bahamas in the summer, it’s not fun — especially with small children or mobility aids.
The area is largely accessible and golf carts can assist passengers with mobility issues. However, I think the cruise line will have to solve this problem somehow for future sailings.
Trams are slow
Although the tram system at Lookout Cay is much easier to use than at Castaway Cay, the tram system at Lookout Cay seems to operate much slower. They run regularly and regularly, and by waiting half an hour after the official boarding time, I was able to avoid waiting in line. However, once you get on the tram and set off, it moves so slowly that you’ll wonder if walking there would be faster. (Unfortunately, you’re not allowed.)
When I combined the tram ride with the time it took to walk from the train to the tram stop in the first place, it took me about half an hour to actually reach the center of my destination. Plan ahead if you want to see one of the scheduled shows.
Lack of shade
Much of the island lacks noticeable shade, especially as you move from place to place along the boardwalk. There are shops you can visit as well as shaded seating areas while you have lunch, but that’s not enough.
As one of its green initiatives, Disney planted a variety of local plants when developing part of the space. Some trees will eventually get tall enough to be able to stay out of the sun, but that won’t happen for several more years.
Confusing paths and maps
The first time I arrived at Lookout Cay’s Goombay tram station, I felt overwhelmed. The buildings all look the same and there are almost no signs except for a few small indicators pointing towards the nature trail. I had to look at the map of the small island on my phone,
There also don’t seem to be any straight lines from one place to another. Everything revolves around getting you where you want to go.
No food options after 2pm
The roast lunch – which includes rice, fish and seafood, and plenty of non-grill options – is excellent. However, after True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ (the Serenity Bay buffet for adults only) closed at 2 p.m., there seemed to be nowhere else to enjoy it.
Of course, passengers are free to return to the ship at any time if they are hungry, but it will be a long way if you want to eat something and then return to shore.
Bottom line
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a great new addition to port options in the Bahamas. Despite the lack of shade and the long walk, this destination is exceptionally enjoyable and offers plenty for both families and adults.
Cruises calling at Lookout Cay through the end of 2024 include three- to six-night sailings, primarily on the Disney Magic. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also make some stops there.
Have more questions about Disney itineraries? We can help:
