Snapshots from Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point: What I enjoyed and what missed the mark

Exciting news! Disney Cruise Line has launched its new Bahamian beach getaway, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, now available for fans of Mickey Mouse looking for an extra port of call in the Bahamas.

Disney Magic, the cruise line's inaugural vessel, was the first to welcome guests to stunning beaches and a network of boardwalks connecting diverse dining options, bars, water play zones, and shops.

Situated at the southern end of Eleuthera, Lookout Cay is a result of collaboration between Disney and the Bahamian government. The local influence is evident in the architecture, artwork, and costumes worn by Disney characters, who made multiple appearances throughout the day.

Here’s what I loved and what I found lacking — captured in photos.

Things I loved

The shorelines

Naturally, one of the highlights of any Bahamian island is its beach. Guests at Lookout Cay can choose between family-friendly and adult-only beaches, all featuring soft white sand and an abundance of loungers adorned with vibrant umbrellas, available for free.

As all the beaches form a continuous stretch, navigating from one to another is a breeze once you ascend the dunes that divide the shoreline from the Goombay Cultural Center area of the island. Moreover, the crystal-clear blue waters are simply stunning.

Refreshing drinks

What’s a day at the beach without a few drinks? I’m not just referring to cocktails here. With the intense Bahamian sun, staying hydrated is crucial. Fortunately, there’s always a bar or drink station nearby at Lookout Cay.

There are two soda and water stations located at True-True and True-True Too, the barbecue buffet spots. Additionally, Sandsational Smoothies offers delightful options; I enjoyed one made with vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple, and Pop Rocks, and it was a treat. For those who need a morning boost, Mangroves & Go serves specialty coffees.

For those who prefer a drink with a stronger kick, there are four bars — Blue Hole Bar, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar, and Reef & Wreck Bar — conveniently located along the boardwalk in the Goombay area.

User-friendly trams

Fans of Disney Cruise Line who have explored the private island Castaway Cay may find the tram routes there a bit tricky for newcomers, as they lead to various spots. At Lookout Cay, however, there are only two tram stops — Mabrika Cove, close to the entrance, and Goombay Cultural Center, the hub of most activities at Lookout Cay.

It’s wonderful to have fewer things to worry about when all you want is to enjoy a relaxing day, so I really value the straightforward system.

Cabanas with stunning views

At Lookout Cay, you’ll find two types of cabanas: Mabrika Cove Cabanas located in the family section and Serenity Bay Cabanas situated in the adults-only zone.

They’re designed like charming Bahamian huts, each featuring shaded indoor seating and outdoor loungers on patios with water views. Plus, they come equipped with minifridges stocked with water and soda.

Areas for families

It’s no surprise that Disney didn’t hold back on family amenities. Beyond the family beach and cabanas, there are dedicated spaces like Sebastian's Cove, where kids can enjoy supervised fun, and Rush Out Gush Out, a water park for families to splash around together.

During my visit, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, and Dale took charge of the Play-Play Pavilion for the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash on two occasions. They engaged kids in games like pineapple ring toss and Chip and Dale's Water Brigade. In the water brigade, children passed soaking wet sponges in an assembly line to see which team could fill a bucket the quickest. It was a blast, even for those who just watched.

Arts and culture

Bahamian culture is woven throughout Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, evident in both its art and architecture. The centerpiece is the Goombay Cultural Center, where visitors can explore local arts and crafts or enjoy a lively Junkanoo parade.

The event, called "Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration," features local dancers in vibrant, traditional attire performing on an outdoor stage. It’s a lively show you won’t want to miss, and keep your eyes peeled for special appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy as well.

Things I wasn’t fond of

Extended walks

The pier where the ship docks at Lookout Cay is quite lengthy. As a fast walker, it took me nearly 10 minutes to cross and logged 1,207 steps (over half a mile) on my Fitbit. There’s no shade, and with the scorching summer temperatures in the Bahamas, it can be uncomfortable — particularly for families with young children or those using mobility aids.

The area is generally accessible, with golf carts available to help guests with mobility challenges. However, I anticipate that the line will need to find solutions for this in future sailings.

Trams that move slowly

While the tram system at Lookout Cay is more user-friendly than at Castaway Cay, the trams here seem to operate at a much slower pace. They run at consistent intervals, and by waiting about half an hour after the official disembarkation time, I was able to bypass the line. However, once you're aboard, the tram moves so slowly that you might find yourself questioning if walking would have been quicker. (Sadly, walking isn’t permitted.)

When I factored in the tram ride along with the time it took to walk from the ship to the tram stop, the entire journey to the main area took me around half an hour. Be sure to plan ahead if you want to catch one of the scheduled shows.

Insufficient shade

Much of the island lacks adequate shade, particularly along the boardwalk as you navigate from one spot to another. While there are shops to step into and some shaded seating areas for enjoying lunch, it simply doesn't suffice.

As part of its green initiatives, Disney introduced a variety of local plants during the development of the area. Some of these will eventually grow tall enough to provide shade, but that won't happen for several years.

A perplexing boardwalk and map

Upon arriving at the Goombay tram stop at Lookout Cay, I felt quite disoriented. The buildings all looked alike, and there was hardly any signage, except for a few small markers directing towards the nature trail. I ended up relying on the tiny island map on my phone, which was tough to read in the bright sunlight.

There also seem to be no direct paths from one location to another; everything winds around, making your journey longer.

No food available after 2 p.m.

The barbecue lunch was delicious, featuring rice bowls, seafood, and a variety of non-barbecue options. However, once True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ (the buffet in the adults-only Serenity Bay area) closed at 2 p.m., it was hard to find any other places to grab a bite.

While guests could always return to the ship if they felt hungry, it’s quite a trek to go back just for a meal and then return to the island.

Final thoughts

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is an exciting new addition to the Bahamas port options. While it may lack shade and involve a long walk, this destination is a blast, catering to both families and adults.

Voyages to Lookout Cay are scheduled through the end of 2024, featuring three- to six-night cruises primarily on Disney Magic, with occasional stops by Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Got more questions about Disney cruises? We’re here to assist:

• Comprehensive guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
• The top Disney cruise ships for everyone, including Disney adults
• Details on Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Club loyalty program
• Understanding the different types of Disney Cruise Line ships
• What to expect regarding the cost of a Disney cruise
• Money-saving tips for your Disney cruise
• All about Disney Cruise Line kids' clubs
• Helpful tips and tricks for your next Disney cruise
• The best destinations to explore on a Disney cruise
• A guide to Disney Cruise Line drink packages
• Disney Cruise Line ships ranked from newest to oldest
• Disney Cruise Line ships ranked from largest to smallest