My Top 5 Tips for YOUR First Visit to Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!
Working at David’s Vacation Club Rentals (DVCR) is special every single day. It’s truly a joy to be a part of your family’s travel plans and help create lasting, magical memories with you. Sometimes, we even embark on our own special adventures and can share our experiences and honest feedback about new and exciting Disney ventures.
Earlier this month, my teammates Lindsay, Nick, Cassie, and I sailed on the Disney Magic as some of the first guests EVER to be welcomed ashore at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
One of my favorite things about Lookout Cay is its connection to the natural environment of Eleuthera, the island where it resides. Disney Imagineering, in collaboration with local Bahamian artists and cultural experts, has created a destination that offers guests a window into the rich traditions and beauty of The Bahamas.
Here are my Top 5 Takeaways & Tips to help you prepare for YOUR first visit to this BRAND NEW tropical paradise!
- Wear Comfy Shoes Because, Yes, You Have to Walk to the Island
Okay, I feel like we need to get this one out of the way. Guests need to walk along a pier to access the Mabrika Cove tram stop, which will take them to the main hub of Lookout Cay. This is because Disney wanted to preserve the coral reef surrounding Eleuthera; the ship cannot dock as closely as it does at Disney’s more established private island, Castaway Cay.
Cast Members are available to take those with accessibility needs to the island by golf cart. A limited number of carts are available, so please keep in mind that there could be a bit of a wait depending on how many guests require assistance during your sailing. Our Cruise Specialists recommend visiting Guest Services when you board your ship to inform them of any accommodations you need while onboard.
Rest assured, though. While the length of the pier initially surprised us, we found it far less daunting once we actually started walking. We stopped multiple times to take photos and made it to the island in about 15 minutes. We met a curious crab on the way and spotted several large fish swimming under the pier! There was a palpable excitement in the air as everyone approached the island, and the smell of the salty sea air was absolutely blissful and a true mark that we’d finally arrived at our island getaway.
At the time of our trip, there were no umbrellas or awnings along the pier to shield you from the beautiful Bahamian sunshine. I highly suggest applying your SPF and sunhat before starting your walk, just to be safe! Also, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing your flip-flops to change into; no one wants blisters at the beach.
Once you arrive at Mabrika Cove, you’ll board a colorful tram that transports you to the core area of Lookout Cay; the ride took us about 7-8 minutes and included an adorable narration that shared fun facts about the island. The tram drops you off at the Goombay Cultural Center stop, where your island adventure truly begins!
- Remember to Bring Your Magic Band+ or Key to the World Card!
This sailing on the Disney Magic was the first time I’ve used a Magic Band+ instead of a Key to the World Card, and I loved it! It was so easy to set up, too. I brought a band I’d previously used at Walt Disney World (already linked to My Disney Experience), and the Cast Member checking us in at Port Everglades linked it to my cruise account. The band had exactly the same functions as the Key to the World Card, such as tapping for stateroom access and additional charges, and also lit up and reacted during certain onboard events like fireworks and dinner shows! I will always bring a Magic Band+ when sailing with Disney moving forward.
Of course, your Key to the World Card will work just fine if you’re not a Magic Band+ person. You need to bring one or the other when you disembark the ship at Lookout Cay, as Disney will ask you to tap in and out to keep track of who is on the island and ensure everyone is back on board at the end of the day. You can also use your band or card to purchase specialty beverages or merchandise on the island, which I love because I don’t have to worry about carrying a wallet.
The island has two main merchandise locations: Disney T’ings and Treasures of Eleuthera. I highly recommend checking out both. They are very close to the Goombay tram stop and steps away from each other, so you can’t miss them! Both shops have unique offerings, including exclusive merchandise you can only find on Lookout Cay.
My favorite pieces are from the Junkanoo-Inspired collection, which features nods to the colorful Bahamian festival and integrates some of your favorite Disney characters, too! Treasures of Eleuthera feels special; it features products made by local artisans and offers a space to showcase Bahamian artists. I cannot wait to visit on my next trip to Lookout Cay to see what new treasures await!
- Explore Your Seaside Seating & Lounging Options – There’s Lots to Choose From!
The beaches on Eleuthera are breathtakingly beautiful; they boast some of the softest, pinkest sand I’ve ever felt! Watching the azure water lap against the shoreline is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
The island’s natural escarpment has been beautifully preserved, offering multiple levels for beachside activities, lounging, and cultural showcases. Wooden walkways, steps, and accessible ramps along the beach allow guests to easily move between the different levels.
For those who love to be right by the water, there are lots of umbrellas and chairs available in the main beach area. If you’re looking for something a little less central to the action, there are also beach chairs and loungers available in multiple areas around the island, such as in front of the Goombay Cultural Center and next to activity areas like Rush Out Gush Out (a water play area for kids). You can find picnic tables near the bar areas, and there is covered seating at True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ.
Guests can also reserve private Cabanas on Lookout Cay! You can purchase a family cabana on Mabrika Cove or perhaps one in the adults-only area of Serenity Bay, whichever best suits your travel party and vacation vibes. If you’re interested in reserving a Cabana, you can use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App once your booking window opens. Booking times depend on your Castaway Club Level.
If this sounds like gibberish to you, DO NOT WORRY. I can say from personal experience that our Cruise Specialists are so kind and knowledgeable. They answered my endless list of questions when I took my mom and aunt on their first Disney Cruise last year and never made me feel silly for asking for help. Even if you don’t have a cruise booked with us yet, please reach out with all your questions. I promise none of them are “too silly.” If you have a question, it must be important, and they can help!
- Lookout’s True-True > Castaway’s Cookie’s (I Said What I Said)
Great news – a BBQ lunch on Lookout Cay is included with your cruise fare! The meal is buffet-style at True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ, and Serenity Bay BBQ. Important note for any of my friends with dietary restrictions: all allergy-friendly options and special orders will be offered at True-True Too BBQ, located closest to Serenity Bay.
The options at these three locations mix typical BBQ offerings with Bahamian-inspired dishes. There are four distinct serving windows: Flavorful Fish, Beach BBQ Burgers, Chicken and Seafood Rice Bowls, and BBQ Ribs & Rotisserie Chicken. We ate a little late and missed out on some of the more unique offerings – I’m coming back for that Plant-based Lookout Cay Stew – but the veggie burger and fresh fruit I had was absolutely delicious. I’d definitely recommend getting there earlier to ensure you can try everything you’d like. Guests can also find self-serve drink (soda and water) stations and ice cream machines at each BBQ station.
Speaking of water, here’s my absolute #1 Tip for visiting Lookout Cay: BRING A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE.
It’s the Bahamas, and it is HOT. Even when wearing cool clothing and sun protection, I seriously underestimated how the heat would affect me while I ran around the island collecting content and taking in the sights. I know there’s lots to see and do and limited time on the island, but please take breaks in the shade and sip fresh water throughout the day. You can fill your bottle up at the BBQ drink station or multiple locations throughout the island. Your body will thank you!
- Get Excited, Pack Your Beach Bag, & Be Mindful
Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is brand new. This is amazing because it offers new experiences for those familiar with Disney Cruise Line and who might’ve already visited Castaway Cay.
We must also recognize that Disney has elements to fine-tune at Lookout Cay. When you visit Castaway Cay, the Cast Members are seasoned, the activities are tried and true, and the landscape is lush. While there’s always room for hiccups on any day, the main operations at Castaway are quite established. At Lookout Cay, the Cast Members are still learning the ins and outs of the island. Indeed, our first time on Lookout was many of their first times, too!
Disney has also planted many new palm trees and tropical foliage. As such, portions of the beach areas look a little sparse right now. Given time, these plants will flourish and add to the island’s beauty. Nick actually mentioned during our visit, “You know, every time you stop here [Lookout Cay] over the next few years, it’ll look a little different each time as everything grows. It’s kind of cool to think about how the paths will be created and see the other magical touches Disney adds!”
I am so thankful for this experience and truly enjoyed my time at Lookout Cay. I appreciated how the island differed from Castaway Cay, especially the mindful way Disney created the island with guidance from local experts. You can tell a lot of thought went into the construction of Lookout Cay, and I think there’s so much potential for growth. I cannot wait to return next year to see Disney’s progress and check in on this beautiful destination. I feel like I have so much more to experience!
Do YOU want to visit Disney’s Lookout Cay with the DVCR team and David? What about Disney’s Castaway Cay?
Well, here’s your official invite:
Please join us for our 20th Anniversary Sailing on the Disney Fantasy next April! We want to celebrate these two decades of magic with our wonderful DVC Owners and guests – the people who make what we do possible. You all mean so much to us, and we’d love to welcome you aboard.
For more information, please see our website or contact our Cruise Specialists today!
~Kristen
