Do you have an upcoming cruise heading to Disney’s newest private destination in the Bahamas? If so, then this guide to everything you need to know about Disney’s Lookout Cay is for you. We were among the first guests to visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy. Now, we’re back and have the most recent information about this brand-new port of call to share with you.
Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
What is Disney’s Lookout Cay?
Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney Cruise Line’s latest venture. This private destination is located at the southern end of the island of Eleuthera, which is located east of Nassau and south of Disney’s other private Bahamian destination, Castaway Cay.
Unlike Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay is not a “private island” though. It’s actually a 700-acre area of land on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, very nearby to Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays. As part of the purchase from the Bahamas government in 2019, Disney pledged to keep much of the area undeveloped and to uphold strict environmental regulations.
Disney Cruise Line also collaborated with local artists and vendors to help showcase the culture and people of the area. This is evident in the design and decor of the private resort from the curvature of the buildings, to the vibrant colors, right down to Mickey and Minnie’s outfits.
Getting to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
As mentioned above, Disney’s Lookout Cay is DCL’s private destination. So, the only way to visit the resort is to book a Disney cruise that calls at this exclusive Bahamian port.
While there has been mention that residents of Eleuthera may be allowed to visit the island as well, or that DCL might allow day passes for non-cruise guests, there’s no official information regarding this just yet.
Disney Cruise Line ships only dock in Lookout Cay for the day, so you will not be able to spend the night here. Your cruise itinerary will dictate how long you spend at Disney’s Lookout Cay. However, in general, your ship will spend approximately 8 hours in port.
The good news is that unlike other private islands in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay has a pier. Thus, cruisers can just walk ashore from the ship, while watching the neighbors tender to shore at Princess Cays. However, you will need to prepare yourself for quite the hike to get there!
It takes approximately 1200 steps or a 1/2 mile to get from the ship to Mabrika Cove. While those with accessibility needs can request a transfer from the ship, this service is limited meaning most guests will need to walk. Unfortunately, there’s no shade or benches to rest along the way either.
It’s then a 10-minute ride from the Mabrika Cove tram stop to the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop where most of the facilities are located. While this could be walkable in the future, it is quite a distance and there are currently no paved paths.
Once at the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop, there are mostly paved paths and wooden boardwalks to navigate the area.
Disney’s Lookout Cay Map
To get a better visualization of the resort, we’ve included the Disney’s Lookout Cay map. As you can see below, the area is divided up into two sections, Mabrika Cove and Goombay Cultural Center.
Mabrika Cove
There is little at Mabrika Cove aside from the Mabrika Cove cabanas, or the family cabanas. These cabanas are rather secluded from the rest of Lookout Cay and have a great view of your cruise ship. In case you are wondering, there is a dedicated food and bar area for these cabanas, so you won’t have to trek all the way to Goombay for food or drinks.
In Mabrika Cove, you’ll also find the Turbot Berth for charter boat rentals, Mangroves & Go which serves specialty coffee like the Junkanoo Latte, dole whip, and draft beer, and a small merchandise kiosk called First & Last Chance Stand.
Goombay Cultural Center
Off the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop is where you’ll find all the major amenities, dining, bars, and shopping options. When you exit the tram, The Gathering Tree is to the left where you’ll meet for many of the organized shore excursions at Lookout Cay. To the right is Rocky Point, a hut for bicycle rentals; though, we were told only organized bike tours are available at this time.
Immediately beyond the tram stop, there are crew members handing out towels for your day ashore and an information hut. There are also two shops, Disney T’ings for all your Lookout Cay merchandise and Treasures of Eleuthera selling local crafts. From here, if you head straight towards the beach, you’ll find the Cultural Center where activities occur throughout the day.
However, if you want to explore more of the island, you’ll have to decide whether to head left eventually making your way to Serenity Bay or right towards the majority of other amenities at Lookout Cay.
If you head right, there’s the vast Family Beach, the Rush Out Gush Out family water play area, Sandsational Smoothies, the Watering Hole and Reef & Wreck bars, True-True BBQ, Sebastian’s Cove youth area, the Play-Play Pavilion for family activities, and the Nature Trail which leads to the namesake lighthouse.
If you head left, there’s the Flippers & Fins snorkel rental hut, the Bow & Ribbon bar, True-True Too BBQ, the adults-only Serenity Bay, Serenity Bay cabanas, Serenity Bay BBQ, and the Blue Hole Bar within Serenity Bay.
Of note, most of the bars also have restrooms conveniently located on the opposite side of the building. There are 9 restroom locations scattered throughout Lookout Cay.
Food at Disney’s Lookout Cay
Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has plenty of food and drink options. Most of these items are complimentary, minus the bars.
There are three food stations on the island that serve a free buffet-style BBQ lunch. There’s True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ. All three locations serve mostly the same items including some Bahamian-inspired dishes.
The menu features grilled salmon, snapper, rotisserie chicken, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, chicken and seafood rice bowls, a few plant-based options, and a variety of side dishes. At Serenity Bay, the buffet includes steak as well. Of course, there’s also dessert like cookies and soft serve ice cream.
If you have any allergies, you can arrange with your waiter ahead of time to pick up your food at the True-True Too BBQ location.
Depending on what time your ship is in port, lunch is generally served from around 11:30 AM to 2 PM.
In addition to these BBQ spots, there are several covered seating pavilions located nearby each one. The seating area at Serenity Bay BBQ is particularly small, but you might have trouble finding seats at any of these locations during peak lunch times. Currently, flies are also an issue near these food pavilions.
Lookout Cay Buffet Menu | Allergy Friendly Menu
Drinks at Disney’s Lookout Cay
There is no need to buy soda or bottled water at Disney’s Lookout Cay as there are fountain beverage stations throughout the island. If you bring a refillable Yeti-type water bottle, it will stay cold longer and save you from making multiple trips. These stations include water, soda, and even Vitamin Water and Powerade.
Now, if you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage during your time on Disney’s Lookout Cay, these drinks will cost you extra.
There are four bars on Lookout Cay:
- Blue Hole Bar
- Bow & Ribbon Bar
- Watering Hole Bar
- Reef & Wreck Bar
The Blue Hole Bar is located in the adults-only Serenity Bay and has its own unique menu. The remaining three bars all have the same menu. There are also servers roaming the beach area to take your drink orders.
The signature island drinks are the Eleuthera Euphoria and the non-alcoholic Butterfly Switcha. The Eleuthera Euphoria is made with Gosling’s Spirited Seas Ocean Aged Rum, Pineapple, and Dole Whip.
In addition to these bars, there’s also the previously mentioned Mangroves & Go, located in Mabrika Cove, and Sandsational Smoothies. This bar serves up frozen and specialty non-alcoholic drinks like the Pineapple Pleaser made with Dole Whip Pineapple, Marshmallow Cream, and Graham Crackers.
If you want a souvenir from Disney’s Lookout Cay, you can purchase any of these drinks in the signature Pineapple souvenir cup, similar to the coconut cup from Castaway Cay.
Serenity Bay Bar Menu | Standard Bar Menu | Sandsational Smoothies Menu | Mangroves & Go Menu
What’s Free at Disney’s Lookout Cay
Beaches
When you think of a cruise line private island, you probably envision stretches of beautifully manicured beaches. Disney’s Lookout Cay is exactly that! In fact, we think the water and beaches are much nicer than sister island Castaway Cay.
Unlike Castaway Cay though, Family Beach and Serenity Bay Beach are along the same stretch with not much separation. Family Beach is the larger of the two beaches and the true gem. Serenity Bay Beach is the adults-only area; however, it is much smaller and less private when compared to its counterpart on Castaway Cay.
Both beaches are lined with plenty of lounge chairs and colorful umbrellas. Although, most of the chairs are found above the sand dunes, meaning guests will have to use the small “bridges” to cross the dunes and access the water. Most of these bridges have stairs but there are a few strategically positioned ramps as well.
We had no issues finding lounge chairs on Family Beach, but the seating on Serenity Bay Beach was full shortly after the ship’s arrival.
While snorkeling equipment can be rented, there is no dedicated snorkeling lagoon on Lookout Cay like there is on Castaway Cay.
Family Play Areas (Rush Out Gush Out and Play-Play Pavilion)
Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has a variety of activities for families to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. The Rush Out Gush Out water play area is designed for younger children. It features two slides, water drums, fountains, and more.
The Play-Play Pavilion is a covered gaming area with life-sized games like Connect 4 and Jenga, hula hoops, soccer nets, and more. It is certainly not as elaborate as the In Da Shade Games on Castway Cay though.
Of note, there’s no basketball court or in-water play areas on Lookout Cay.
Youth Areas
Disney’s Lookout Cay features a Little Mermaid-themed youth area. Sebastian’s Cove is for children ages 3-10 years old. We got to explore the area a bit during an open house and thought it was a decent size. Its focal point is an under the sea water play area, but there’s also plenty of sand for building sand castles and playing games with the youth activities staff. There’s even a small lunch pavilion here.
However, there is no dedicated equivalent to Vibe or Edge on Disney’s Lookout Cay. The Play-Play Pavilion currently doubles as the meeting spot for teens and tweens.
Other Lookout Cay Activities
The signature island activity is RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration. This cultural performance occurs at the Goombay Cultural Center twice daily. During our sailing, the show times were 12 PM and 2:30 PM. This celebration is under 10 minutes and features costumed dancers and a band. The Goombay Cultural Center also holds craft sessions and informal presentations throughout the day.
Another family-friendly activity that is signature to Lookout Cay is the Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. This activity occurs at the Play-Play Pavilion and features Disney characters and games that all family members will enjoy.
There’s also a Nature Trail that leads to the namesake lighthouse. This trail is a compacted dirt path that begins past the Reef & Wreck Bar and leads to the lighthouse. There are Discovery Trail signs along the way on which you can scan the QR code to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
And it wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without Character Meet and Greets. Throughout the day, guests can take photos with their favorite Disney characters donned in Bahamian outfits that are exclusive to Lookout Cay. Located near the True-True BBQ, you’ll find Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip & Dale, Daisy, and Donald at various times. Just be prepared to wait in line.
Things to Do at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point That Will Cost Extra
If you are looking for more than just a beach day, there are other activities on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point that will cost you extra money. Besides alcoholic beverages, coffee, and smoothies, you’ll need to scan your Key to the World card or DisneyBand+ for shopping purchases. You’ll also have to pay extra for shore excursions and cabana rentals.
Of note, there are currently no spa services available on Lookout Cay.
Shopping
On Lookout Cay, you’ll find three shopping areas and the Plaits & Pleats hair braiding stand. The First & Last Chance Stand at Mabrika Cove is a small kiosk, while the Disney T’ings is the much larger Disney merchandise shop. Here, you will find exclusive Lookout Cay merchandise along with other Disney Cruise Line merchandise. Think t-shirts, spirit jerseys, Minnie ears, ornaments, Loungefly backpacks, and more.
Across from Disney T’ings is the Treasures of Eleuthera. This shop features handmade Bahamian goods, and it was pretty empty during our visit.
Like most things Disney, if you do want to purchase any merchandise, be prepared to wait in line. The lines were quite LONG in the morning during this initial sailing. If you don’t want to chance something selling out, you may decide to wait in line; otherwise, you can always stop in later in the day.
Shore Excursions
Like most cruise line private islands, Disney’s Lookout Cay also features a number of shore excursions that are available for purchase pre-cruise or once onboard the ship. While only a select number of tours are currently available, below is the list of tours expected to be offered.
Staff indiciated that it would be weeks before bike rentals would be available. We were also told that there will be a Lookout Cay 5K, similar to the one on Castaway Cay, but the timeline of when it will be available is unclear.
- Bahamian Bank Boat Escape- $109 (ages 10+), $79 (ages 8-9)
- Banana Boat- $59, $49
- Bike and Kayak- $99, $89
- Nature Walk and Coral Nursery- $59, $49
- Snorkel Rental- $38
- Snorkel by Boat- $109, $89
- South Eleuthera Eco & Historical Tour- $119, $79
- Tropical Reef Safari Snorkel- $109, $79
- Bicycle Rental- $15 (currently unavailable)
- Boiling Hole Reef Snorkel- $109, $79 (currently unavailable)
- Ebike, Sand, Snorkel, and History- $139 (currently unavailable)
- Historical Nature and Buggy Tour (2 person)- $239 (currently unavailable)
- Historical Nature and Buggy Tour (4 person)- $399 (currently unavailable)
- Pirates of Eleuthera- $79, $69 (currently unavailable)
- Private Historical Cultural Tour- $799 (currently unavailable)
- South Eleuthera Eco & Cultural Tour- $149, $119 (currently unavailable)
Cabana Rentals
As mentioned previously, there are two cabana locations on Lookout Cay. The family cabanas are located in Mabrika Cove and the adult-only cabanas are located at Serenity Bay. There are regular cabanas that can hold up to 10 guests and grand cabanas that can hold up to 16 guests at both locations.
Current pricing is as follows:
- Family Cabanas at Mabrika Cove- $963 for up to 6 guests and $56 for additional guests up to 10.
- Grand Family Cabanas- $1300 for up to 10 guests and $56 for additional guests up to 16.
- Serenity Bay Cabanas- $523 for up to 4 guests and $56 for additional guests up to 10.
- Grand Serenity Bay Cabanas- $963 for up to 10 guests and $56 for additional guests up to 16.
Our Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Review
Whether this is your first cruise with Disney or you are a seasoned Castaway Club member, you can’t go wrong with either of Disney’s private destinations in the Bahamas. Though, there are certainly pros and cons to the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
The beach was soft and sandy leading to beautiful azure water. The area is easy to navigate, and we liked the concrete pathways and wooden boardwalks leading from one location to the next. We loved the vibrant colors and architectural design. We also appreciated the little Bahamian touches like the Junkanoo celebration and the local menu items on the buffet.
However, we did miss the seclusion of Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay and thought the area was too small on Lookout Cay. There was also not much shade to be found anywhere on the resort, especially during the long walk down the pier.
On a similar note, there was no seating anywhere on the pier nor near the tram stops for those needing a seated rest along the way. The flies were a big issue near the food stations as well, making it difficult to eat lunch without constantly swatting these insects away.
Further, the separation between Mabrika Cove and the rest of the amenities is not ideal either, especially for those opting for a family cabana. While we don’t have kids, we could see families missing some of the options at Castaway Cay like the snorkeling trail, Pelican Plunge, or In Da Shade game pavilion.
While we enjoyed our two visits to Lookout Cay, we don’t see it adding much to the Disney experience beyond what Castaway Cay already offers. Honestly, there’s really nothing that would lead us to pick an itinerary calling in Lookout Cay over one in Castaway Cay.
Additional FAQs about Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Where is Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?
Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is located in the Bahamas. Not a true private island, Lookout Cay is at the southern end of the island of Eleuthera, known for its pink sand beaches. The island of Eleuthera is east of Nassau and south of Disney’s Castaway Cay.
How is Lookout Cay different from Castaway Cay?
Disney’s Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay both offer private beach destinations in the Bahamas for Disney Cruise Line guests. While both ports have many similarities, there are some notable differences.
Geographically speaking, Castaway Cay is a private island, while Lookout Cay is part of the island of Eleuthera. Futher, Castaway Cay is designed to resemble a shipwrecked community, while Lookout Cay celebrates the real life people of the Bahamas.
Both locations have a pier that allow guests to walk ashore and avoid the tendering process like some other cruise line private islands. However, the pier at Lookout Cay is much longer and the island is more spread out requiring a tram to the main facilities.
Both locations feature family areas and adult-only areas. However, while the adult-only Serenity Bay is a private retreat on Castaway Cay, it’s part of the same beach area on Lookout Cay. It’s also smaller on Lookout Cay. Though, in our opinion, the Family Beach is nicer on Lookout Cay than Castaway Cay.
Further, Lookout Cay actually features less amenities. There is no in-water play area similar to Pelican Plunge on Castaway Cay. There’s no dedicated snorkeling area either and no stingray adventure. There’s also no dedicated teen or tween area and currently no sports area. However, Lookout Cay does feature the Goombay Cultural Center with local artists and an exclusive Junkanoo celebration.
The food is similar in both destinations but Lookout Cay does feature some Bahamian specialties on the menu. Lookout Cay also features some signature drinks on the bar menus, along with a specialty coffee shop.
Another difference is the location of the family cabanas. Unfortunately, the family cabanas on Lookout Cay require a tram ride to reach any of the kid and family activities.
What Disney ships go to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?
In 2024, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. In 2025, Disney Wish will also offer sailings to this private Bahamian destination.
Do you need to take towels with you when going ashore?
No. As you get off the tram at Lookout Cay’s Goombay stop, there are crew members handing out towels for you to use while on the island.
Do cell phones work on Lookout Cay?
Maybe. This will depend on your cellular carrier and your international coverage plan. If you take your cell phone out of airplane mode, you may incur additional fees. If the Bahamas is included in your international plan, then you can use cell service at Lookout Cay.
Does the Disney Navigator app work on Lookout Cay?
Yes. While you are off the ship enjoying your time on Lookout Cay, you can still view the Navigator app for the list of daily activities and such.
Does the WiFi work on Lookout Cay?
Yes. If you purchased a Disney WiFi package onboard the ship, the service extends to the private destination as well. The WiFi actually works pretty well on Lookout Cay as opposed to Castaway Cay where the signal can be spotty the further away from the ship you get.
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