At a media event on May 2, 2024 Disney shared new information about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
There will be many differences between Lookout Cay and Disney Cruise Line’s original private island destination, Castaway Cay. The two locations are meant to complement each other, with Castaway Cay having a fictional backstory, while Lookout Cay is a real place at Lighthouse Point.
However, it’s not all new, as those familiar with visiting Castaway Cay will find that Lookout Cay’s Serenity Bay, family spaces, and dining pavilions will operate similarly. Some Disney Cruise Line sailings will stop at both islands. Lookout Cay will open on June 6.
A major focus of Lookout Cay will be Junkanoo, an annual Bahamian festival with vibrant colors, joyous music, and parades. Goombay Cultural Center, named after a traditional Bahamian style of music, will have a Junkanoo workshop where guests can learn about the festival and make crafts, such as a headpiece that they can wear to a Junkanoo celebration.
A 20-member Junkanoo Group will parade around parts of the island in a parade known as a “Rush Out” in the Junkanoo tradition. When the Junkanoo Rush Out makes its way to Goombay Cultural Center, they will be joined by Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy for a dance along. You can see this in the concept art above.
In addition, original characters will be scattered around the island to add to the Junkanoo celebration. Junkanoo also plays a large part in the merchandise collection for the private island.
More details were shared about the previously-released Mickey & Friends character costumes designed by acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer, Theodore Elyett. This marks the first time in history that a celebrity designer has designed all eight of the characters’ costumes.
Each of the characters will have straw integrated into their look, as it is a major industry in the Bahamas. Tying further into the culture, Mickey’s shorts feature a Junkanoo conch print, and Pluto’s items reflect all of the other characters’ costumes and motifs.
As far as activities, the Play-Play Pavilion will feature the Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash, with music by Bahamian artist, Victor Johnson. Guests will be treated to versions of songs like “I2I” and the “Rescue Rangers Theme,” done with Bahamian beats. There will also be games, including Goofy’s Good Day Limbo, Pluto’s Pineapple Ring Toss, and Chip-n-Dale’s Water Brigade.
The focus of the island is natural beauty and Bahamian art. It begins with arriving guests crossing a bridge over coral reefs. It can also be seen in Lookout Cay’s huge structural roofs inspired by shells on larger buildings, and smaller buildings in the colors, textures, and patterns of Junkanoo. Inside each building, guests can find murals and art pieces done by Bahamian artists. This art will continue in the private cabanas on the beach.
Enjoying and preserving the natural environment of Lookout Cay is also a key factor of the island, with only 16% of the property being used and plenty of conservation efforts being implemented. This includes the tracking of crabs to facilitate healthy cohabitation.
The nature trail on the island passes cliffs and birds of the Bahamas. Kids can learn about animals of the Bahamas with “Play in Nature” at Sebastian’s Cove, a collaboration with National Geographic Kids. The family water play area will be called “Rush Out Gush Out,” a nod to Junkanoo.
One activity that will be available to teens and tweens is making five different sand creature creations. These guests can take photos with them before restoring the beach to its natural state. The team at Lookout Cay partnered with the Walt Disney World team that makes park sand sculptures to bring this activity to life. Additionally, guests will be able to participate in the “Seek and Find” hunt to locate 80 items on the island.
The activities don’t end with Lookout Cay — guests are encouraged to leave the private portion of the island and see the rest of the non-private landscape. Offered excursions will take guests out to local communities where Disney is working with emerging businesses.
Despite being called Lighthouse Point, there is no actual lighthouse on the island. Instead, there is a light station that guests will be able to view.
Are you planning a visit to Lookout Cay? Let us know in the comments below.
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