Welcome our guest writer, Sylvia Pinegar, who wanted to share her experience at Disney Cruise Line's new private destination in The Bahamas.
Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination - Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas – has been somewhat controversial for a tropical escape, but this fresh paradise promises a blend of spectacular scenery and family-friendly fun that’s hard to beat.
After visiting the island on its very first day, I absolutely loved it, but there are many much-needed improvements. Here’s a look at my experience.
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The best parts
Spectacular Water and Sand
There’s simply nothing to compare to the powdery pink sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s the kind of beach that looks straight out of a postcard, perfect for lounging or splashing around. Being raised on an island and having visited my fair share, I’m no stranger to tropical scenery, but this was stunning!
Kid-Friendly Fun
If you’re traveling with little ones, they’re in for a treat. The Play-Play Pavilion splash pad and slide are a huge hit with kids. It’s like their own mini waterpark, giving parents a chance to relax nearby while the kids have a blast.
Shaded Seating
For those who aren’t keen on sunbathing all day, the dining areas have more shaded seating than Disney’s Castaway Cay. It’s a small but much-appreciated perk when you’re trying to escape the midday sun. There are also multiple alternative activities, including crafts and nature exploration, once you’re done getting sand between your toes.
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Authentic Experience
I was really impressed with how Disney infused the local culture into the island. From the unique look of the buildings and the branding to the music and activities, you really feel immersed in the Junkanoo culture. The food, just as on Disney’s Castaway Cay, was top-notch and included everything from burgers to BBQ and even fresh fish, making the
whole experience feel less like a standard private beach day and more like a Bahamian experience.
Character Events
Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash and RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration were incredibly fun and interactive, with dancing and hugs. They added that layer of Disney magic to the day that makes Disney vacations so special.
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What Needed Some Work
Long Trek to Start
This is truly the center of the controversy around the island’s debut. The walk to the island measures just over a half-mile, verified by my Garmin watch on entry and exit. This may not seem daunting, except that at the time we visited, there was no shade, no place to stop and sit if needed, and transportation to and from the ship was reserved for those with mobility issues.
Tram Transition
Once you complete the walk from the ship, guests then need to take the tram to get to the action. The trams run regularly, but they’re a tight fit and it’s a less-than-scenic ride to the beach area through what feels like the rock quarry Fred Flintstone used to work in.
Family Cabana Location
The family cabanas are conveniently located just to the right of the pier, so there’s no need for you to take the tram to the island. That said, this means you have to leave your highly-coveted cabana and take the tram to the main area if your kids want to play in the splash pad, meet the characters, get souvenirs, or participate in anything at all.
The tram ride was easily over 10 minutes one way, and then when you add in the Junkanoo parade, activities at the Goombay Cultural Center, and shopping, you can expect to lose several hours of your cabana time just to get the full Lookout Cay experience.
Lookout Cay or Perfect Day?
If you’re debating between Lookout Cay and Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, there’s no wrong choice, but here’s a comparison. First, both offer stunning beaches and plenty of activities, but Lookout Cay’s pink sand turquoise waters are just unreal. That said, it felt like finding seating at Perfect Day is much easier.
Moreover, Lookout Cay offers an immersive play area that’s at no extra fee, but it’s no comparison to Perfect Day’s Thrill Island waterpark. Aside from the Play-Play Pavilion, there are no freshwater swimming options, which means if you are looking for some pool time or a swim-up bar, Perfect Day is definitely the way you want to go.
Both islands offer a large variety of complimentary food options. Lookout Cay’s True-True BBQ does offer a wider variety, ranging from fresh fish to island fare like fried plantains, but it’s not cooked-to-order like the food at Perfect
Day is. However, if you include the unique offerings at Hideaway Beach or Coco Beach Club, Perfect Day would edge out Lookout Cay in this arena.
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When it comes to exclusive experiences, Lookout Cay falls a little flat to me. The cabanas here are similar to what is offered at Disney’s Castaway Cay – a private lodging area with personalized service. These are lovely and extremely convenient, and if they swapped the adult-exclusive cabana area and the family cabana area, that would change the game.
However, the adult-exclusive areas are right in the middle of all of the action, which isn’t ideal if you want a quiet beach day, and the family cabanas are so far away from everything. The layout just makes it messy. Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Beach, and all of the cabanas are more convenient, more intentional, and offer a more exclusive experience in my opinion.
Ultimately, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is shaping up to be a highly desirable destination. With its gorgeous beach, family-friendly activities, and immersive experiences, it’s definitely worth considering for your next tropical adventure. As long as you’re prepared for a bit of a trek to get to the fun, you’ll likely love this island escape.
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Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
