I Just Took a Cruise to Disney’s Brand New Island Destination—Here's Why It's a 'Can't-Miss' Getaway

All ashore! Located in the Bahamas is Disney Cruise Line's new island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, a tropical paradise with, of course, a sprinkle of Disney magic.

I was among the first to experience the breathtaking retreat in June of 2024. The Caribbean haven is one port of call that cruise line guests (the Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy cruise ships will all sail to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) will want to plan to disembark at, not just because of the island's crystal-blue waters, but also for the entertainment on shore.

Here's everything you need to know about the new island destination—including things to do, how it differs from Castaway Cay and so much more.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Review

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which is steeped in Bahamian culture, is home to a colorful, can't-miss show called "RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration." Local Junkanooes parade to the Goombay Cultural Center twice a day, introducing guests to the vibrant Bahamian festival. DCL passengers can expect to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy dancing during the celebration, dressed in looks by Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett that embody the spirit of Junkanoo.

You should 100 percent make an effort to catch one of the "RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration" performances. Apart from the breathtaking beach, the vibrant show was a highlight for me!

Disney partnered with the National Junkanoo Committee to bring the celebration of Bahamian culture to Lookout Cay. Kishlane Smith, a member of the National Junkanoo Committee, tells Parade, "Disney should be commended for its investment, its thought process, but more importantly the fact that they listened and they wanted to work with the Bahamians that are here in the Bahamas, for our culture, to safeguard it and to allow our visiting, viewing audience to partake in what we know to be the best cultural expression in the world."

Guests with little ones will also want to swing by the Play-Play Pavilion for the "Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash," where they can participate in games like limbo and ring toss with Goofy, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

While there is plenty to do for young passengers and families, including areas like Rush Out, Gush Out Water Play and Sebastian’s Cove, guests 18 years and older can escape to an adults-only area called Serenity Bay.

Whether you're on the beach for families or adults, the island's turquoise clear waters and sandy shores provide a picturesque setting to relax and make magical vacation memories with loved ones. Less than 16 percent of the site was developed by Disney Cruise Line, leaving the majority of land in its natural state.

"We realized very early on that we did not have to do much here at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Our focus has been to preserve and to feature the stunning natural beauty of the site," Joey Gaskins, DCL's Regional Public Affairs Director for the Bahamas and the Caribbean, tells Parade. 

"So whether it is the myriad of blues that you see in the water, or the pink sand... the rock structures at the end of the beach, it's really about bringing Bahamian culture to our guests," Gaskins added, "But also allowing the natural environment shine."

And in the words of Mickey, "Oh boy," does it!

Where is Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point located?

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

How to get to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?

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

Does it take long to get to the beach?

The walk from the ship to the security check area on the island clocks in at under 15 minutes, so definitely apply sunscreen before leaving your stateroom. After the walk, you'll then have to board a tram that takes you to the main area. Overall, it's a little bit of a journey to the beach, but well-worth it once you see the pristine waters.

Related: 120 Disney Trivia Questions and Answers To Make Game Night Magical

What can you do on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?

Apart from swimming, eating, drinking and enjoying signature Disney entertainment, there are a variety of activities, including the “Sights and Sounds of Junkanoo” family workshop, where you can learn Junkanoo traditions and crafts from local artisans.

Guests can also go snorkeling, or discover the beauty of Eleuthera with a nature trail that can be walked or cycled. A banana boat, catamaran sailings and buggy tour are among the port adventure options.

And, of course, you'll be able to do shopping while on the island. Pop into Treasures of Eleuthera for artisan crafts, or Disney T’ings for island-inspired Disney merchandise.

Can you eat on the island?

No need to worry about running back to the ship for lunch. Food is included—and don't sleep on the delicious chocolate chip cookies! You can grab a bite to eat at True-True, True-True Too BBQ, or at the adult dining area, Serenity Bay BBQ. Disney also has self-serve ice cream machines on the island.

As far as drinks go, there are self-serve soda and water stations. Meanwhile, beer, cocktails, seltzers and alcoholic drinks can be purchased on the island. Beverages are served at Bow & Ribbon Bar, Watering Hole Bar and Reef & Wreck Bar, the Blue Hole Bar for adults, while you'll find specialty frozen drinks at Sandsational Smoothies, and specialty iced coffees at Mangroves and Go.

Related: Planning a Trip to Disney? Which One?! Here Are 18 Major Differences Between Disney World and Disneyland

Does Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point have a signature drink?

Yes! While on the island, if you're 21 or older, be sure to order the Eleuthera Euphoria, Disney Lookout Cay's signature cocktail.

Are towels, umbrellas and chairs free at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?

Towels, lounge chairs and umbrellas are all included.

How is Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point different from Disney's Castaway Cay?

If you've sailed onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship before, you might be familiar with Disney's private island in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay.

"We've been really thoughtful at Disney Cruise Line about creating Disney Lookout Cay as an opportunity to complement what our guests have experienced at Castaway Key," Gaskins tells Parade. "So, the story of Castaway Key is that it is a place that our guests wash up on... [It] doesn't really exist in the Bahamas. It's kind of an imaginary place that has a lot of Disney influence... It's special. It's the perfect beach day. Our guests have come to love that experience."

"Disney Lookout Cay is, again, inspired by the culture and heritage of the Bahamas," Gaskins continues. "We acknowledge that this is a real place, that we are on an island in the Bahamas, and that we are engaging with Bahamians."

Next, everything to know about Disney Cruise Line's sixth ship, the Disney Treasure!