First Guests Ashore Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney Cruise Line marks inaugural voyage to new island destination in The Bahamas

ELEUTHERA, The Bahamas (June 10, 2024) – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, welcomes guests for the first time today. The one-of-a-kind retreat immerses guests in the spirit and culture of The Bahamas, along with signature Disney entertainment, port adventures and nature trails, a water play area, and beautiful beaches for families and adults. A day at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offers something for everyone.

”What an incredible moment for Disney Cruise Line as we celebrate the debut of our second island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, on Eleuthera, an island rich with Bahamian history and culture,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. “For more than 25 years, we have partnered with The Bahamian community to introduce countless families to this beautiful island nation. And with the addition of Disney Lookout Cay, we are offering a brand-new way for our guests to experience the stunning beauty, beloved traditions and colorful artistry of The Bahamas with a special touch of Disney magic.”

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Inspired Architecture and Local Art                                             

The rich culture of The Bahamas is prevalent throughout Disney Lookout Cay, from vibrant music and festive entertainment to architecture reflecting the nature and traditions of the chain of islands. Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with local artists to reflect the essence of The Bahamas in the design and experiences at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

“The goal for our team is to celebrate The Bahamas and the beauty of the island of Eleuthera,” said Kevin Thomas, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Director. “Rather than creating a fictional story here at Disney Lookout Cay, we are offering Guests an opportunity to relax, enjoy and experience the magnificent landscape and culture that abounds through the islands via expressions of art, music and storytelling.”

The island destination is filled with dramatic structures designed to resemble vibrant, oversized seashells scattered along the coastline. Bright, Bahamian-inspired colors and art greets guests at venues including the dining pavilions, bars and the Goombay Cultural Center, which is the focal point of Disney Lookout Cay. The brilliantly colored pavilion celebrates the rich history of The Bahamas and hosts a wide range of activities, including the “Sights and Sounds of Junkanoo” family workshop, where families learn Junkanoo traditions and crafts from local artisans.

“Disney's collaboration with Bahamian creative communities resulted in a truly unique cultural experience in South Eleuthera, Bahamas,” said notable Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts. “Visitors and locals alike will be enlightened and entertained at this new destination. I am proud to have played a part in bringing this vision to life and believe that Disney's commitment to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation will leave a lasting impact on all who visit Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.”

Beautiful permanent art installations by Bahamian artists are also on display throughout Disney Lookout Cay, showcasing inspired, local talent including:

·         A large sculpture created by Antonious Roberts located near the tram stop was constructed from a fallen tree that was found on Lighthouse Point property prior to construction.

·         Paintings by Kevin Cooper displayed in the Goombay Cultural Center and cabanas.

·         Nature-inspired sculptures created by ceramicist Imogene Walkine featured above the destination’s bars, along with Junkanoo-inspired tilework in locations such as the Goombay Cultural Center.

·         Plaited fish, pineapples, conch and Junkanoo headdresses by Philip and Michelle Kemp in the Goombay Cultural Center and cabanas.

·         Wood carvings on exterior doors inspired by Andret John’s original designs.

·         Original murals painted by Dorman Stubbs have been replicated and are featured on many buildings.

·         Land and sea-inspired art by interdisciplinary artist Kishan Munroe featured in the dining pavilions;

·         Sculptures by mixed media artist and painter, Edrin Symonette displayed throughout the destination.

Vibrant Entertainment

Throughout Disney Lookout Cay, Disney entertainment merges with Bahamian culture.

With the call of a conch shell, a local Junkanoo Group sweeps up guests in RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration at Disney Lookout Cay, introducing families to the signature festival of The Bahamas filled with colorful parades of dancing and music. Twice a day, local Junkanooes parade to the Goombay Cultural Center, encouraging guests to join along, connecting them to the treasured tradition through a vibrant celebration 

At the Play-Play Pavilion, the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash invites families to join in for fun games along with Disney friends, all to the sound of Bahamian renditions of Disney tunes arranged and performed by Bahamian artists. From Goofy’s Good Day Limbo to Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss and Chip-n-Dale’s Water Brigade, the bash ensures fun for the whole family.

Exclusively at Disney Lookout Cay, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto, Chip and Dale wear distinct looks created by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett. The designs embody the spirit of Junkanoo with their prints, patterns and textures that include natural Bahamian materials like raffia. Throughout the destination, Junkanoo-inspired backdrops of these iconic Disney characters will serve as the perfect photo spots for guests.

Relaxation and Adventure in Untouched Nature

The family and adult-exclusive beaches at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offer the perfect blend of unmatched natural beauty and relaxation. Families and little adventurers keep cool at Rush Out, Gush Out Water Play, a water play area for all ages, while Sebastian’s Cove houses an array of youth activities. Private cabanas are also available for families to reserve, while adults can exclusively enjoy the beautiful views from Serenity Bay that also includes cabanas available to rent.

For an active adventure, the Nature Trail allows the opportunity to discover Eleuthera’s beautiful scenery while walking or biking to the easternmost end of Eleuthera, taking in the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, bronze sculptures introduce explorers to indigenous animals including money bat moths, curly-tailed lizards and land crabs. To go beyond Disney Lookout Cay, Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators offer a chance to explore Eleuthera and the breathtaking beauty of The Bahamas, including private historical and cultural tours, buggy excursions, scuba tours and catamaran sailings.

Culinary Adventures and Beloved Classics

Guests can taste the delicious flavors of The Bahamas under Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point’s beautiful dining pavilions. At True-True and True-True Too BBQ, the main dining areas, and Serenity Bay BBQ, the adult dining area, guests can enjoy menu items inspired by local recipes, including Bahamian pigeon peas and rice and Bahamian-style lime marinated grilled snapper. Classic favorites including barbecue ribs, island spiced rotisserie chicken and grilled cheeseburgers are complemented by a wide selection of sides and freshly prepared salads.

Ice-cold beverages are served at four bars, including the main beach locales, Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar, the Blue Hole Bar for adults, and Sandsational Smoothies, which serves specialty frozen drinks. Mangroves and Go serves as the first stop for guests as they arrive, greeting them with delicious specialty iced coffees. Locally sourced beverages are available there, such as Bahamas Goombay Punch soda, Bahamas Coffee Roasters coffee, locally roasted in Eleuthera, and Pirate Republic Brewing Company Long John Pineapple Pilsner. The Disney Lookout Cay signature cocktail, Eleuthera Euphoria, is a blend of premium aged rum and pineapple smoothie, topped with pineapple-shaped candy.

Sustainable Design and Wildlife Conservation

Disney has long been committed to protecting the natural beauty of The Bahamas and has worked to have as little impact on the environment as possible throughout the design, construction, and operation of Disney Lookout Cay. Disney Cruise Line developed less than 16% of the site, leaving the overwhelming majority of land in its natural state. The company focused on sustainable design and building, including elevated walkways and an innovative, open-trestle pier to prevent dredging. Disney has also committed to sending zero waste to landfill, and 90% of the destination’s energy demand will be from renewable sources.

“Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is full of unique native animal and plant species, and I am proud of our conservation team who have been working for many years to help create this magical cruise destination where nature can continue to thrive,” said Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment. “Disney Lookout Cay is another example of how Disney is taking meaningful and measurable action to protect nature and support a healthier planet for people and wildlife.”

Disney’s team of Bahamian on-site conservation experts continues to implement a variety of ongoing conservation initiatives like coral restoration projects, bird tagging programs, native plant preservation and more.

Commemorating A Disney Lookout Cay Adventure

In addition to the great memories guests make at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, there are many opportunities to bring home a piece of The Bahamas to commemorate their vacations.

Authentic, original work by Bahamian artists is available for purchase as a keepsake at Treasures of Eleuthera, a store that spotlights local artists with an array of unique gifts and artisan crafts. Disney T’ings offers a full collection of clothing and accessories by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett, along with an array of brightly colored Disney Junkanoo-inspired merchandise. Guests can also purchase a variety of island-inspired Disney merchandise reflective of the island experience at Disney T’ings.

The Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy will all sail to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

To learn more about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. Repost from DCLnews.com