Initial images of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – The Points Guy

Wow! Disney Cruise Line has unveiled a new Bahamian beach destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, giving Mickey Mouse enthusiasts another exciting port to explore in the Bahamas.

Disney Magic, the line’s inaugural vessel, was the pioneer in ferrying guests to immaculate beaches, where a network of boardwalks connected a variety of dining spots, bars, water recreation zones, and shops.

Situated at the southern end of Eleuthera Island, Lookout Cay emerged from a collaboration between the Bahamas and Disney. The local Bahamian culture is evident everywhere, from the buildings and art to the outfits worn by Disney characters, who made multiple appearances during the day.

Here are the aspects I liked and disliked, shown through photos.

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What I enjoyed

The beaches

It’s clear that a major attraction on any Bahamian island is the beach. Visitors at Lookout Cay can choose between beaches for families and those reserved for adults. Each beach features white sandy shores and numerous loungers with vibrant umbrellas, all available at no charge.

Given that all the beaches form a continuous stretch, navigating from one to another is straightforward once you cross the dunes that divide the water from the Goombay Cultural Center area. Additionally, the stunning, clear blue water is sure to leave you in awe.

Easy hydration

What’s a beach day without enjoying a beverage or two? And I’m not just referring to alcoholic drinks. Given the intense Bahamian sun, staying hydrated is essential. Fortunately, at Lookout Cay, a bar or drink station is always conveniently close by.

True-True and True-True Too, the buffet zones of the destination, each feature two stations for soda and water. Additionally, Sensational Smoothies offers an array of smoothies. I sampled one crafted with vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple, and Pop Rocks, and it was fantastic. For visitors who need a caffeine boost upon arrival, Mangroves & Go is a stand providing specialty coffees.

If you prefer drinks with a stronger kick, four bars — Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar, and Reef & Wreck Bar — are scattered along the boardwalk in the Goombay area.

Easy-to-navigate trams

Fans of Disney Cruise Line who have been to the line’s private island, Castaway Cay, will understand that the trams can be somewhat confusing for newcomers, with multiple routes leading passengers to various locations. In contrast, at Lookout Cay, there are only two tram stops: Mabrika Cove, close to the entrance, and Goombay Cultural Center, the main hub for activities at Lookout Cay.

It’s great not having to spend too much time considering where to go when you just want a day of relaxation, so I value the simplified arrangement.

Cabanas with excellent vistas

At Lookout Cay, there are two groups of cabanas: Mabrika Cove Cabanas situated in the family section and Serenity Bay Cabanas located in the adults-only section.

Each one is designed like charming Bahamian huts, featuring indoor seating in shaded areas and outdoor loungers on patios with water views. Additionally, mini-fridges are provided, stocked with water and soda.

Family areas

It is no surprise that Disney spared no expense when it came to family amenities. Besides the family beach and family cabanas, there are other designated areas such as Sebastian’s Cove, a water play zone where parents can leave their children with the youth staff, and Rush Out Gush Out, a water park that offers splashy fun for the entire family.

During my visit, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, and Dale twice took the lead at the Play-Play Pavilion for the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash. They engaged children in activities such as pineapple ring toss and Chip and Dale’s Water Brigade. During the water brigade, kids passed soaking wet sponges along an assembly line to see which team could fill a bucket the quickest. It was a lot of fun, even for those who weren’t participating.

Art and culture

Bahamian culture is prominently featured throughout Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, showcased in both art and architecture. At the core of this cultural experience is the Goombay Culture Center, where visitors can engage with local arts and crafts or witness a Junkanoo parade.

The event, called “RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration,” features local performers in vibrant, traditional attire, delivering a lively outdoor show that is sure to captivate you. Don’t forget to look out for special appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy.

What I didn’t like

Long walks

The pier where the ship docks at Lookout Cay is quite lengthy. Despite being a brisk walker, it still took me close to 10 minutes and logged 1,207 steps (over half a mile) on my Fitbit. There’s no shade available, and given the intense heat in the Bahamas during the summer, it can be quite uncomfortable — particularly for those with young children or mobility aids.

The area is generally accessible, and golf carts are available to help passengers with mobility challenges. Nevertheless, I believe the cruise line will need to find a solution for this in future voyages.

Slow trams

Even though the tram system is more user-friendly at Lookout Cay than at Castaway Cay, the trams at Lookout Cay appear to operate at a much slower pace. They run at regular, predictable intervals, and by waiting thirty minutes after the official disembarkation time, I managed to skip the lines. However, once you’re on board and the tram starts moving, its sluggish speed will make you question whether walking would have been quicker. (Regrettably, walking is not an option.)

When I factored in the tram ride along with the time it took to walk from the ship to the tram stop initially, it took approximately thirty minutes to reach the center of the destination. Be sure to plan in advance if you want to attend one of the scheduled shows.

Lack of shade

Much of the island lacks adequate shade, particularly when traveling along the boardwalk. While there are shops and shaded seating areas available for lunch breaks, it still falls short.

As part of its environmental efforts, Disney introduced various native plants when it developed the area. In time, some of these plants will grow tall enough to provide shade, although this will take several years to achieve.

An unclear boardwalk and map

Upon my initial arrival at the Goombay tram stop on Lookout Cay, I felt quite disoriented. The buildings appeared nearly identical, and there was almost no signage except for a few small markers directing towards the nature trail. I ended up relying on the small island map on my phone.

There also don’t appear to be any direct paths from one location to another. Every route seems to bend and deviate to reach your destination.

Food options are unavailable after 2 p.m.

The barbecue lunch, featuring rice bowls, fish and seafood, and numerous non-barbecue choices, was excellent. However, following the closure of True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ (the buffet located in the adults-only Serenity Bay area) at 2 p.m., there appeared to be no other places to get a meal.

Passengers were certainly allowed to return to the ship at any time if they felt hungry, but it is quite a journey to make just to have something to eat and then return to shore.

Bottom line

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is an exciting new port option in the Bahamas. While it does not offer much shade and involves a considerable walk, it provides great fun and has amenities for both families and adults.

Cruises visiting Lookout Cay until the end of 2024 feature three- to six-night itineraries, primarily aboard Disney Magic. Additionally, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have a few scheduled stops at this destination.

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