A New Bahamian Destination, Through My Eyes
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney Cruise Line’s newest private island experience. It’s a window into the beauty of The Bahamas with warm hospitality, vibrant colors, and beach-day bliss at every turn. Disney has positioned Lookout Cay as a “cultural celebration,” and while there are lovely Bahamian elements throughout… to me, it feels much more like a gorgeous beach day with a Bahamian flair. And honestly? I’m not mad about it!
This was my second visit, and I can definitely say…it’s growing on me.
Getting There – Let’s Talk About The Walk
Before we dive into the fun, let’s get the elephant out of the room: The walk from the ship is long… like loooooong long. About half a mile in the sun.
It was designed this way to protect the ocean floor and coral reef. Otherwise, Disney would have needed to tender guests in. I personally like being able to rely on my own feet to come and go when I’m ready. When you reach the end, a tram will take you farther into the island and eventually to the main hub at the Goombay Cultural Center.
If you have mobility needs, arrangements can be made ahead of time with Guest Services. There are also a very limited number of golf carts, plus first come first serve wheelchairs and wagons available right on the pier.
So yes, it’s a hike… but the sparkling water waiting at the end makes it worth the trek.
Beaches + Water Fun
One of the biggest differences between Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay is the shoreline. Castaway Cay has a protected lagoon blocked from the open ocean. At Lookout Cay, you’re stepping right into endless turquoise sea. I absolutely love it!
Because the ocean is open and not protected, floats aren’t offered (they’d float straight on to Cuba!), but you can rent snorkel gear if you want to explore.
Families will love the Family Beach with its crystal-clear water, shallow entry, easy to keep eyes on your crew. Between beach games, the splash pad, and music around the gazebo, there’s plenty of lively energy.
One highlight kids adored was Rush Out, Gush Out, the interactive water play zone with slides and drumming fountains. After working up an appetite, True-True BBQ is just steps away with grilled classics. The food was… fine. Nothing to write home about, but perfect to keep you fueled without trekking back to the ship.
Grown-Ups Only
If you’re cruising adult-only or sneaking away for a grown-up afternoon, the adults-only beach is where you’ll find me every time. We enjoyed a private cabana here and didn’t want to waste a single minute. The beaches are beautiful, breezy and spacious. I actually prefer this area to Castaway Cay’s Serenity Bay!
There’s adult-only dining, three bars sprinkled around the island, and I can personally vouch that the Eleuthera Euphoria cocktail is worth every sip.
Sebastian’s Cove – Just for Kids
Parents can sneak off to relax knowing the kids are happily entertained at Sebastian’s Cove. This kids-only area is staffed by trained DCL counselors, complete with a Little Mermaid inspired splash pad and its own children’s dining space. A huge perk if you want a real beach day nap in a lounger.
Island Culture: Goombay Cultural Center
Goombay Cultural Center is the heartbeat of Lookout Cay with shopping, activities, restrooms, seating, and cultural programming all radiate from here.
One experience you shouldn’t miss is RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration – a vibrant street-party-style performance created in collaboration with the National Junkanoo Committee. It’s joyful, musical, colorful…and unmistakably Bahamian. Definitely check your Navigator app for performance times!
Characters also pop up throughout the island so keep your eyes open and your autograph book handy.
Characters at Lookout Cay
Of course, you’ll find your favorite friends popping up all over the island during your day. Check the navigator app to find out who will be where and when.
Serenity Bay Cabanas at Lookout Cay
Our Serenity Bay cabana was the cherry on top of both of my visits to Lookout Cay. Think shaded seating, soft towels, stocked drinks, and steps from the ocean.
Y’all come on in!
Inside the cabana you’ll find plenty of seating both indoors and out. The decor and colors were absolutely perfect.
There is a spacious closet with a safe, towels, sunscreen, snacks and fruit to enjoy. A selection of non-alcoholic beverages are in the mini fridge, along with a plate of cool towels! There are two outlets for charging your electronics.
We loved the glass doors that could be shut when the rain was coming in sideways. A great addition. With the fan on and the doors shut, we actually got a little chilly!
A smart pad in your cabana allows you to play music, request towels and even order drinks delivered to your door! A GREAT amenity! We used this all day long.
The fruit was fresh and delicious.
Outdoors you’ll find a double lounger, as well as a table and chairs.
The beach at Serenity Bay is tiered. Cabana guests have exclusive access to the upper beach, with a boardwalk taking you down the dunes to the community beach. This is spectacular! It is so quiet and each cabana has a set of reserved loungers, chairs and umbrella just a few steps away.
While we were offered a golf cart ride it did not take us to the ship – only to the tram station that was a few steps away on our own.
Family Cabanas at Lookout Cay
I’m going to have to keep from making a statement about my opinion on the family cabanas since we didn’t enjoy one. There are just some things I’m not willing to sacrifice even for a review, and one of those is hanging on the family beach all day when I could be at Serenity Bay :-)
What I noted was just how far they are from the rest of the island amenities. I think you’ll get a beautiful, very exclusive beach experience here. And, they do have location for lunch. To give you an idea of location, they are on the strip of the island facing the ship. This photo was taken from my stateroom. If you look on top of the land mass about 1/4 of the way over from the left you’ll see a white ball poking out of the trees. THAT is the main hub of the island!
Regarding cabana availability, the fact of the matter is that if you do not sail concierge you will not get one. There are not enough cabanas to go around to every concierge guest, even at the moment they can be requested. For all requests they cannot accommodate, they put them on a waitlist. The inventory never goes into the website for people to grab on their own. As far as being concierge and getting a cabana, I have pretty decent luck for my clients. On the occasion I’ve had to waitlist one, it has always been filled just before sailing, or once on the ship. The price of your stateroom, size of your party and Castaway Club status do not seem to make a difference in who gets one. If cabanas are very important to you, sail on a smaller ship! We were on the Magic which holds only 2,400 passengers. The Disney Wish holds 4,000. So, as you can imagine, island days feel a lot less crowded on the Magic then on the Wish.
Let’s Set Sail
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience, and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
My family are platinum level cruisers on Disney Cruise Line, having sailed on the most magical ships at sea EIGHTEEN times. Not only that, but you can count on my recent and personal experience sailing two to three times a year. I’ve experienced every stateroom type available, from the inside to a concierge suite across every ship in the fleet. And, I’ve dined in the restaurants, enjoyed the port adventures and done it all so I can best advise YOU!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Sea World and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
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