A New Disney Experience in the Bahamas!

A trumpet player dressed in Junkanoo-inspired style.

When Disney Cruise Line’s first ship, Disney Magic, set sail in 1998, it forever redefined cruising by combining a bespoke experience that included upscale onboard amenities and offerings that flawlessly coexist with Disney characters and storytelling. The result: Disney carved out a successful, one-of-a-kind family vacation offering that remains extremely popular to this day. These unique elements also extend to Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive destination experiences in the Bahamas which includes its private island, Castaway Cay, and its brand-new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point retreat which is located along the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera.

Family leaving their beachside bungalow.

Simply stated, I found that Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney’s love letter to the Bahamas. It is a celebration of the archipelago's people, as well as their arts, culture and cuisine - all presented in grand Disney style. Even when Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Chip and Dale visit Lookout Cay, they wear Junkanoo-inspired styles that have been created by a local Bahamian fashion designer!

After clearing the entry threshold of Lookout Cay, you can either proceed to Mabrika Cove to check-in for your rented private beachside cabana - or - you can board a tram which will transport guests to the hub of Lookout Cay’s activities via the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop. 
Here’s a sample of the impressive Disney-curated offerings which can be experienced while enjoying a day at Lookout Cay:
  • RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration at Disney Lookout Cay: Twice a day, a local Junkanoo group makes their presence known to Lookout Cay guests through rich music and vibrant costumes to join them in a parade celebration which culminates at the Goombay Cultural Center. This signature cultural experience impressed me as the sound of rhythmic beats and melodious music reverberated throughout the space which leads up to the cultural center. Once there, the acoustics reach another level of awesome as it encourages guests to participate in this lively celebration.
  • Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash invites families to participate in fun games at the Play-Play Pavilion, all to the sound of Bahamian renditions of Disney tunes arranged and performed by Bahamian artists. Some of the games include Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss, Goofy’s Good Day Limbo and Chip-n-Dale’s Water Brigade.
  • Rush Out, Gush Out Water Play is a water play area where families with children of all ages can enjoy a fun time of togetherness. However if you’re seeking “me time” in a private rented cabana at nearby the Serenity Bay, while your children enjoy a kids club experience, that can be arranged at Sebastian’s Cove. And for sake of familiarity, the same youth club counsellors that you'll find onboard your Disney Cruise ship (in the Oceaneer Club, etc.), will have oversight of Sebastian's Cove. Themed after Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” Sebastian’s Cove provides a myriad of activities for kids including arts, crafts and water play. Plus, this area also includes a dining space that’s exclusive for kids!
  • Serenity Bay BBQ, True-True BBQ and its sister restaurant True-True Too BBQ each provide a culinary experience that will delight and satisfy! Flavorful Bahamian-inspired menu offerings includes something for everyone: barbecue ribs, burgers, chicken dishes, Bahamian pigeon peas & rice, plant-based island curry, Bahamian-style lime-marinated Snapper and more!
  • While at Disney Lookout Cay, you will find that Disney didn’t shrink back with its offerings of libations! Curated with the assistance of locals, Sandsational Smoothies, Mangroves and Go, Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar all provide specialty beverages that are authentically Bahamian. Enjoy a Long John Pineapple Pilsner by Pirate Republic Brewing Co., Kalik and Sands Beer, Bahamas Goombay Punch, Eleuthera Euphoria cocktail, Butterfly Switcha mocktail, and more. And if you are a coffee enthusiast, you will be happy to know that the Eleuthera-based Bahamas Coffee Roasters coffee is served at Lookout Cay, too.

Enjoy spending time in the sun with loved ones at Lookout Cay.

While Lookout Cay is comprised of 900 acres, less than 16% of the land has been developed for its experiences (with the remaining percentage being held for conservation). If you are someone who appreciates raw nature, you should either walk or bike along the Nature Trail. I really appreciated that this well-designed path not only provides you the opportunity to witness indigenous animals (such as: money bat moths, land crabs and curly-tailed lizards), the scenic beauty and jaw-droppingly amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean make it clear why islands of the Bahamas are so popular. On that note: If you are so inclined and want to explore Eleuthera beyond Disney Lookout Cay to experience tropical reef snorkeling, scuba diving, buggy excursions and more, Disney Cruise Line can assist with such arrangements.
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About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast. Jason Gordon is compensated by Costco Travel to share his travel experiences.