Editor’s note: TPG’s Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip to sail on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic to experience a call on Lookout Cay. The views expressed below are entirely hers and were not subject to review by the cruise line.
If you’re wondering what a Disney Cruise Line private beach destination is like, you might imagine it’s Disney World in a tropical atmosphere. However, I can assure you that Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point isn’t like the parks at all — it’s different in all the right ways.
For starters, it’s not crowded, and it offers beaches instead of amusement rides. Although you’ll share the beach with others, you won’t wait in sometimes hourslong lines for a lounge chair. Instead of retail shops and restaurants urging parents and other visitors to spend, spend, spend, there are only a couple of shops, and all eateries are free of charge, which reduces temptation.
Part of the Family Beach section at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Lookout Cay is also unspoiled and happily lacks the commercial feel of other cruise line private islands. Through a partnership with the Bahamian government, Disney Cruise Line created an oasis that’s a nod to the culture, food and art of the Bahamas. It features local seafood, native flora, art classes, sculptures by local artists, Disney music with an island twist and Junkanoo dance celebrations. It also houses a nature trail that leads to a lighthouse overlooking the sea, which is how Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point received part of its name.
Some of the trails at Lookout Cay weren’t open for the first few weeks. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
However, it does feel a little like it’s still growing into its ears. When it received its first ship call, signage was still being installed, and bicycles weren’t yet available to rent for use on its bike paths. There was also a marked lack of shade because most of the native flora Disney planted hasn’t yet matured to provide it — something that will take years.
Want to know what else to expect during a visit to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point? Here’s a rundown of all the beachy business.
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Where is Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is on the southeastern tip of the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Disney Cruise Line purchased 900 acres of land for the purpose of creating its own private beach destination there but developed less than 16% of the overall parcel.
The line also donated 190 acres back to the Bahamian government, including the southernmost point and a significant amount of beachfront property.
Which cruise ships go there? A view of Disney Magic from Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Disney Lookout Cay is exclusive to passengers who sail on Disney Cruise Line’s ships, and all of the line’s vessels are able to call there. At press time, voyages visiting Lookout Cay through 2024 included three- to six-night sailings, mostly on Disney Magic. Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are also scheduled to make a handful of stops there.
How do you get to and around Disney Lookout Cay? The pier at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Although Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has a pier for its ships to dock, vessels tie up a half-mile from the destination entrance in an effort to avoid harming the coral reefs that grow closer to shore. Unfortunately, that means passengers face a 10- to 15-minute walk in the Bahamian sun with no shade.
A limited number of complimentary wagons are available near the pier entrance for passengers with small children to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Passengers who can’t make the trek on their own can request golf cart assistance by contacting guest services on the ship. Due to the width of the pier, a more robust shuttle service cannot be offered for everyone. It’s surprising that the cruise line didn’t anticipate this need, particularly since it caters so heavily to families with young children.
A tram at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
From the entrance to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, visitors will take a free shuttle from the Mabrika Cove area to the Goombay area, where most of the action happens. The latter is home to the beaches, restaurants, buffets, entertainment and cultural venues that the destination offers.
Shuttles depart in pairs on a regular cadence, and since there’s only one route with two stops — one at the beginning and one at the end — it’s an easier system to navigate than the one on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Shuttles wait next to the shade pavilion at the Mabrika Cove tram stop at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Be prepared for the ride to take about 15 minutes in each direction, and note that there could be waits at peak times. Shade is provided in the form of a long pavilion at each of the two shuttle stations. During the trip, you’ll hear a recording that features a cast of sea creature characters who aim to educate riders about the history of the island, what it offers, and the types of plants and animals that call the island home.
A tram at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
When you arrive at the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop, wagons and strollers are provided for passengers with children to use on a complimentary first-come, first-served basis.
A series of gorgeous boardwalks connect points of interest in the Goombay area. Instead of providing straight paths, they’re largely winding. That makes them aesthetically pleasing but also frustrating because their layout forces you to walk longer than necessary when moving from place to place. Due to a lack of signage, which the line says it’s working on, it can also be difficult to find your way between locations.
After you take the tram back to the Mabrika Cove area at the end of the day, you’ll have to pass through a security checkpoint in order to begin the long walk back to the ship.
What are the Lookout Cay beaches? The boardwalk at Disney Lookout Cay winds to a set of stairs that descend to the beach. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
The Goombay section of the destination is divided into two tiers. The upper tier has bars, restaurants, bathrooms and attractions. It also has small sandy areas with loungers and umbrellas. However, to access the ocean and beaches at Disney Lookout Cay, cruisers must venture to the lower tier via stairs or one of five accessible ramps, which descend a short distance down the dunes that separate the tiers.
Instead of several separate beaches, Lookout Cay has one long white-sand stretch that encompasses two areas: Family Beach, which is for everyone, and Serenity Bay Beach, which is for cruisers 18 and older only.
The pristine beaches at Lookout Cay are long and run into one another. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
The beaches flow into one another with no visible divider. However, crew members will direct families with children to the proper beach if necessary.
One other beach area — at Mabrika Cove, near the entrance to Lookout Cay — is only accessible if you rent one of the family cabanas there. (See below.)
Stairs descend from the Mabrika Cove family cabanas to the beach at Disney Lookout Cay. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Beachgoers who enjoy the two main beaches can take advantage of bars and buffets that are a short walk away. Cruisers accessing the Mabrika Cove beach via cabana rental have their own dedicated dining pavilion in that area. (See below.)
A view of the beach from the water at Lookout Cay. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
All beaches have complimentary access to loungers, umbrellas and nearby bathrooms. Lifeguards are stationed both on land and on personal watercraft that scan all of the beach areas. Life jackets for children and adults also are available for complimentary use.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has no pools.
A towel station is near the Mabrika Cove tram stop, so you don’t need to bring your own from the ship.
A limited number of first-come, first-served beach wheelchairs will soon be available for complimentary passenger use.
What are the best things to do at Disney Lookout Cay? For families The Rush Out Gush Out water play area at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Families looking for more than just a day lazing on the beach can head to Rush Out Gush Out, Disney Lookout Cay’s colorful, family-friendly water play area. It features water sprayers and a couple of small tube slides for kids.
Sebastian’s Cove at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
A separate splash area for kids is Sebastian’s Cove, where young children who are signed up for the cruise line’s kids club activities can play under the supervision of youth club staff. Parents can check their kids in during set hours to enjoy some adults-only time while the little ones splash among fountains adorned with sea characters a la “The Little Mermaid.”
Dale and Chip leading a game of ring toss at the Play-Play Pavilion at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
For interactive fun and games, check out the “Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash,” which is, ironically and mercifully, held in the shade of the Play-Play Pavilion — a large, covered, open-air structure used for family activities. The bash happens twice a day and involves ring toss and water games for kids, hosted by Chip, Dale, Goofy and Pluto. Other kid-friendly activities — Hula-Hoops, soccer, etc. — happen throughout the day, too.
Next door, you can also check out Triton’s Trumpet Stage, where various family-friendly activities and music performances take place. During my visit, artists were there making sand sculptures.
For beach bums The beaches at Disney Lookout Cay have plenty of free loungers and umbrellas for passenger use. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
This one is easy. Simply plant yourself at one of the free umbrella loungers along any of the beaches, and enjoy. For a kid-free experience, head left just past the Goombay area’s information station and make your way to the far end of the beach, where you’ll find Serenity Bay.
If you have the budget and you can book one before they sell out, renting a private cabana is another great way to enjoy the beach — but with extra amenities. (See below.)
For culture vultures Bahamian art at the Goombay Cultural Center at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
If you’re eager to learn more about the Bahamas’ beautiful culture, visit the Goombay Cultural Center in the heart of the Goombay area of Disney Lookout Cay.
In addition to admiring the local art pieces displayed, you can take part in art classes taught by locals and learn a bit about the islands’ history.
A Junkanoo performance at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
It’s also the place to view “Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration” — a vibrant and energetic performance by local Junkanoo dancers. It features elaborate, brilliantly colored costumes and visits from Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy.
For active visitors Part of the nature trail at Disney Lookout Cay. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Passengers who just can’t sit still can rent bicycles at the Rocky Point rental stand near the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop ($15 per person for the whole day). Pedal along a series of bike paths that wind throughout the destination. (During my visit, the trails weren’t yet ready and, therefore, weren’t open to visitors.)
If counting steps is more your thing, you won’t want to miss a walk along the Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point nature trail. It takes between 10 and 15 minutes each way to walk the sandy but firm path to see the old lighthouse, from which the destination’s name was derived. It’s a great spot for photos, and along the way, you’re sure to spot some of the island’s native plants and maybe an animal or two. You can walk it on your own or book a guided tour.
The lighthouse at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Given the terrain, I don’t recommend wearing flip-flops for the walk. Additionally, because the trail is hard-packed, it’s largely wheelchair accessible. However, the route has some mild inclines and areas where the terrain might be a little looser or rougher. Anyone using a mobility aid should proceed with caution and discretion.
Want some watery fun while you burn calories? Rent snorkeling gear (a mask with a snorkel, a life vest and fins) for $38 per person for the day. You can pick up the gear at the Flippers & Fins stand, about halfway between Family Beach and Serenity Bay Beach.
Like Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay will eventually host a 5K run for passengers wishing to take part while they’re in port. At press time, information about the specific route was not yet available.
If you’d like to pay for an active excursion, options abound, including biking, kayaking and snorkeling. (See below.)
For eco-conscious guests Discovery Trail signage tells passengers about local flora and fauna at Lookout Cay. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
If you’re interested in the local environment, check out the Discovery Trail, part of the nature trail experience. A series of posted signs throughout the destination offer QR codes that provide information about native plants and animals, the island’s geography, and more.
Several eco-tours are offered among the list of shore excursions that take passengers out of the immediate Lookout Cay area and into the rest of Eleuthera. (See below.)
Can I meet Disney characters at Lookout Cay? Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald dance on stage at the Goombay Cultural Center at Lookout Cay. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Yes, opportunities abound to meet and take photos with Disney characters. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for scheduled appearances.
You can also catch a glimpse of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy during “Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration” at the Goombay Cultural Center. Plus, Chip, Dale, Goofy and Pluto lead the “Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash,” held at the Play-Play Pavilion.
What are the excursions at Lookout Cay? Turbot Berth is one of two places at Disney Lookout Cay where passengers can book shore excursions and meet to depart for them. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
What’s nice about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is that it’s not the entirety of the island. Unlike Castaway Cay — which is its own island, entirely operated by Disney Cruise Line — Lookout Cay is a small portion of a larger island on which people live, work and go about their daily lives. Because of that, Disney is able to offer excursions that venture beyond the cruise line’s designed areas.
During my visit, excursions listed on the DCL app included:
Bahama Bank Boat Escape: A two-hour, 15-minute tour for $109 (ages 10 and older) or $79 (ages 8-9)
Banana Boat: A 45-minute tour for $59 (ages 10 and older) or $49 (ages 8-9)
Bike and Kayak at Disney Lookout Cay: A two-hour, 15-minute tour for $99 (ages 10-80) or $89 (ages 4-9)
Boiling Hole Reef Snorkel: A three-hour, 15-minute tour for $109 (ages 10 and older) or $79 (ages 8-9)
E-Bike, Sand, Snorkel and History: A two-hour, 15-minute tour for $139 (ages 16-75)
Historical Nature and Buggy Tour (two people): A one-hour, 45-minute tour for $239 (ages 12 and older)
Historical Nature and Buggy tour (four people): A one-hour, 45-minute tour for $399 (ages 12 and older)
Nature Walk and Coral Nursery: A two-hour, 15-minute tour for $59 (ages 10 and older) or $49 (ages 8-9)
Pirates of Eleuthera: A two-hour, 15-minute tour for $79 (ages 10 and older), $69 (ages 3-9) or free (ages 2-3)
Private Historical Cultural Tour (in SUV): A four-hour, 15-minute tour for $799 (ages 18 and older)
Snorkel by Boat: A two-hour, 45-minute tour for $109 (ages 10 and older) or $89 (ages 5-9)
South Eleuthera Eco and Cultural Tour: A three-hour, 45-minute tour for $149 (ages 10 and older), $119 (ages 4-9) or free (ages 2-3)
South Eleuthera Eco and Historical Tour: A three-hour, 45-minute tour for $119 (ages 10 and older), $79 (ages 4-9) or free (ages 2-3)
Tropical Reef Safari Snorkel: A two-hour, 15-minute tour for $109 (ages 10 and older) or $79 (ages 8-9)
You can book excursions prior to sailing, on board at your ship’s Port Adventures desk, via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or upon arrival at Lookout Cay. Tours depart from either the Turbot Berth stand at Mabrika Cove, just inside the entrance to Lookout Cay, or The Gathering Tree to the left of the information center near the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop.
Does Disney Lookout Cay offer cabanas to rent? A standard cabana in Serenity Bay at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Disney Lookout Cay has two cabana sections: Mabrika Cove Cabanas, designated for families, and Serenity Bay Cabanas, designated for adults only.
All cabanas book up quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. They’re one price for the entire day for a set number of people, depending on the size. However, you can add more people (up to a maximum number, depending on cabana type) for an additional fee (per person). (See below for details.)
Accessible cabanas are available. Passengers can contact Disney Cruise Line’s special services at 407-566-3602 to inquire about booking those.
Mabrika Cove Cabanas