Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is the cruise line’s new private destination in the Bahamas. If you have a cruise planned to this destination or want to book one, we are here to ensure your trip is smooth sailing. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or this is your first time hitting the high seas, stay one step ahead of everyone else on board with our 25 essential Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point tips and tricks.

GET OUR INSIDER LOOKOUT CAY TIPS IN OUR LATEST VIDEO!

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Tips and Tricks

Book Tours and Upgraded Experiences Pre-Cruise

Like anything Disney Cruise Line, popular experiences and shore excursions sell out quickly. So, booking them early is crucial if you have your heart set on activities other than those included on Lookout Cay.

Cruisers can book experiences as early as 130 days in advance, depending on your stateroom category and Castaway Club status. Though, most cruisers won’t be able to book tours or other upgrades until 105 to 75 days before embarkation day. Being proactive and booking early ensures you get the experiences you want, and you can usually cancel within a few days of the sailing and secure a refund if you change your mind.

Either way, know when your booking window opens so you can secure those desired tours and excursions.

Get Off the Ship Early

Perhaps one of our most important Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point tips is to be ready to get off the ship when it is expected to be cleared. After all, the early cruiser gets the sun lounger. For our Disney Fantasy cruise to Lookout Cay, our port arrival time was 8:30 AM and plenty of cruisers were ready and eager to explore.

The good news is that this private destination does have a pier. So, you don’t need to worry about getting a tender boat ashore like some other cruise line private islands.

The bad news though is that the pier is quite long. It is over a half mile walk to the tram stop, and there is no shade or places to sit and rest along the way.

Another benefit of getting off the ship early is that you can enjoy the cooler temperatures, relatively speaking. It will get even hotter as the day goes on. So, if you start your day early, you won’t feel as bad coming back after lunch or early in the afternoon if you get too overheated. You’ll have already spent most of the morning ashore enjoying all that Lookout Cay has to offer.

Getting Around Lookout Cay Is Easy

We found it very easy to get around Lookout Cay. Paved walkways and wooden boardwalks line the beach. And, the entire area from the nature trail to Serenity Bay is essentially one straight line.

Cruisers can go from one end of the resort to the other using the wide and easy-to-navigate walkways. These paths are intertwined with the bars, restrooms, food pavilions, and shops, with signs pointing you in the right direction along the way. So, even for those who are a little directionally challenged, it is hard to get lost. That said, there are also plenty of Cast Members who are happy to help provide further directions.

You can download a PDF version of the Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point map here as well to familarize yourself with the layout prior to your visit.

Pack Your Refillable Water Bottle

Another one of our Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point tips is to bring a refillable water bottle ashore with you. Near the buffets, there are drink stations that have several included beverages.

Many of these offer soda, lemonade, iced tea, and vitamin water. These stations are open throughout the day, not just when the buffet is open.

So, make sure to fill up early and often. You may also want get one last refill before heading back to the ship. Between the tram ride and walking along the pier in the afternoon sun, you may get thirsty!

Of course, you can always ask for a glass of water at one of the bars too, but a Yeti or Stanley type thermos will certainly keep your drink colder for longer.

There Are Limited Seats Near the Shoreline

The Family Beach on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point offers plenty of loungers and umbrellas, while the Serenity Bay adult-only area is much smaller. At both locations, these chairs and umbrellas are free to all guests. However, only a few rows of loungers are right next to the shoreline.

Unlike Castaway Cay, the island has a large sand dune lining the beach. Thus, many of the loungers are actually before the dunes. This means guests need to climb over the dunes when they want to head into the water. There are stairs and ramps to do so with ease. But it does mean that you won’t be able to see your belongings from the water.

The best way to get one of these coveted loungers right next to the water is to get off the ship early. You’ll probably also have better luck finding chairs on Family Beach than you will on Serenity Bay Beach.

The WiFi and Navigator App Work Throughout the Island

Surprisingly, the WiFi works great throughout Lookout Cay. That was not our experience on Disney Cruise Line’s other private island, Castaway Cay. The WiFi on that private island only works well near the pier.

Thus, we were pleasantly surprised with the WiFi signal on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. It even worked on parts of the more secluded nature trail.

Of course, cruisers do need to purchase a WiFi package to use the internet while on the ship and ashore. Most Disney ships now offer unlimited WiFi plans per device, but they are pricey. You will want to check with your cell phone carrier to see whether you will have cell phone service on the island.

But even without an internet package or cell phone service, cruisers can still access the Navigator app. With the app, cruisers can view the daily schedule of activities and use its functions like messaging others in your travel party. This is especially useful now as DCL no longer provides paper copies of the daily program. Without the app, you will not know what is happening on the island or on the ship during your cruise. Do be sure to download the app prior to setting sail.

Don’t Pass Up The Coffee Shop

In the mad rush from Mabrika Cove to Goombay Cultural Center, it is easy to overlook the island’s coffee shop. Mangroves & Go is tucked off to the side, near the Turbot boat charters before the tram to the main section of Lookout Cay.

Unlike many private islands, this venue offers espresso-based drinks and other signature non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. No trip to Lookout Cay is complete with a sweet and floral Junkanoo latte. The venue also boasts some spiked coffees, like the Mangroves Café.

The stand also serves local draft beers and any Disney fan’s favorite treat, Dole Whip. All drinks here are an up-charge. If you miss the stand on your way to the beach, you can always grab a coffee for the return walk down the pier to the ship. Either way, we like this addition to Lookout Cay and hope Disney adds a coffee shop to its other private island.

Be Sure to Get Your Character Photos

It wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without character meet-and-greets. Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is no different. Meet and greets were near the True-True BBQ during our two visits. This is the only place to get pictures of the Disney characters in their exclusive Bahamian outfits.

While times will vary, during our two stops, characters were present for about 4 hours during the day rotating in and out. I was able to get my photo with Mickey about 2 hours after the ship was cleared. So, like many of our Lookout Cay tips, we suggest getting pictures early in the day before the lines get too long and you get too sweaty.

Of course, check the daily schedule before heading to the island to see when your favorite Disney friend will be there.

Your DisneyBand+ Works on the Island

You will need your Key to the World card or your DisneyBand+ to get on and off the ship. We prefer using the DisneyBand+ because it is easy and convenient. There is no need to fumble around your pockets or bags looking for a card. DisneyBand+ is especially beneficial if you have kids.

We already had our DisneyBand+ (the same as MagicBand+) from our trips to Walt Disney World. So, there was no need to buy a new one for the cruise.

Much like the theme parks, once ashore at Lookout Cay, you can continue using the band to make purchases at the bars, coffee shop, and retail stores.  

Make Sure to Catch the Junkanoo Celebration

Several little touches on Lookout Cay make this island unique from other cruise line private destinations. One of them is the daily Junkanoo parade. This traditional Bahamian celebration comes to life twice a day at the Goombay Cultural Center.

During our visits, Rush: A Junkanoo Celebration occurred at noon and 2:30 PM. Filled with colorful costumes, horns, percussion musicians, and maybe some Disney characters, this is a family-friendly activity you don’t want to miss during your day ashore.  

Don’t Overlook the Other Bahamian Touches

Along with the Junkanoo celebration, other hints of Bahamian culture and history are embedded throughout the island. At the Goombay Cultural Center, guests can learn more about the history of the Bahamian people through family activities, presentations, and exhibits.  

The resort also has QR codes that provide more information about the island, its people, and its flora and fauna. At the Treasures of Eleuthera, guests can purchase art and handmade goods from local artisans and artists. Even the buffet has Bahamian specialties like freshly marinated red snapper, pigeon peas, and rice with chicken.

Disney Cruise Line worked extensively with local architects and artists to design the buildings and décor for Lookout Cay. We really appreciated the nautically inspired architecture and bright, colorful décor. Not to mention, the vibrant outfits donned by the Disney characters that are exclusive to this destination.

In our opinion, Lookout Cay is much prettier and thoughtfully designed than Castaway Cay. So, take some time to walk around and explore all that it offers.

Consider Heading South From the Tram Stop

To get to the Goombay Cultural Center and the majority of attractions at Lookout Cay, guests must take an approximately 10-minute tram ride from Mabrika Cove.  

From here, guests wanting an adults-only experience will want to head left (or north) to Serenity Bay. The rest of the resort is considered Family Beach. In our experience, guests were more inclined to grab loungers closer to the tram stop. Thus, it tends to be busier near the Watering Hole Bar and the Rush Out Gush Out family water play area.

It was much quieter, with more loungers and beachfront property, heading down the beach to the right of the Goombay Tram stop. The closer you head towards the nature trail and Reef & Wreck Bar, the less crowds you’ll find. This is where we spent most of our second day at the destination.

This section of the beach is also near the Play-Play Pavilion, Sebastian’s Cove kids area, and the True-True BBQ buffet station.

Disney T’ings Merchandise Can Sell Out

Unlike Castaway Cay, there is only one shop on Lookout Cay selling island and cruise line branded merchandise. Don’t be surprised if you notice a line of cruisers at this store when you arrive at the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop.

Disney T’ings sells a variety of Lookout Cay souvenirs and keepsakes, from T-shirts to Loungeflys, Spirit Jerseys, and Christmas ornaments. And like anything Disney, specific items and popular sizes can sell out quickly. So, if you have your heart set on snagging some merchandise, we suggest you hit the store early in the day. Unfortunately, this means you will probably have to wait in a rather long checkout line.

If you’d prefer not to waste your morning, the lines will be shorter later in the day. However, we did wait too long on our first visit and could not find our size. Luckily, they were restocked on our second visit.

Serenity Bay is Not as Secluded as the Castaway Cay Counterpart

Perhaps one of the biggest letdowns on Lookout Cay is the adults-only Serenity Bay. Unlike Disney’s other private island, the Serenity Bay here is small and not very secluded. In fact, cruisers share the same shoreline. So, there is only a slight separation between Family Beach and Serenity Bay Beach.

Getting loungers in this adult area also proved challenging during our cruise. If you are not one of the first cruisers off the ship, the odds are not in your favor for getting a lounger next to the water. In fact, finding a lounger anywhere at Serenity Bay was challenging by midday.

The seating and dining area near the BBQ and Blue Hole Bar are also limited. We waited nearly 25 minutes in line for food and needed to share a table with other guests for lunch. If you’d prefer a bit more space, we suggest you skip on Serenity Bay at Lookout Cay.

There Are Limited Youth Areas Ashore

If you are traveling with tweens or teens, they might be a bit bored on Lookout Cay as there are no dedicated areas for them like on Castaway Cay.

Younger kids, ages 3 to 10, have Sebastian’s Cove. This youth area includes a Little Mermaid-themed splash pad and plenty of soft sand for playing in the sun. Youth activity staff also host organized activities and events. So, parents can leave their kids and enjoy some of the island sans their junior cruisers for a few hours without worry.

There is also the Rush Out Gush Out water play area. Again, this splash pad is designed for younger kids. It features two slides, water drums, fountains, and more.

However, the island does not have an equivalent of Vibe or Edge for older kids. Currently, the Play-Play Pavilion doubles as a meeting spot for some organized activities for teens and tweens.

The Play-Play Pavilion is the only sports area on Lookout Cay. It is open to all cruisers and features equipment like soccer nets and over-sized games such as Connect 4 and Jenga. Unlike Castaway Cay, there are currently no volleyball or basketball courts or an equivalent to the In Da Shade Games here.

There is No Snorkel Trail Either

There is a snorkel rental hut on Lookout Cay, where guests can rent equipment for $38. However, unlike Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay has no separate section of water dedicated as a snorkeling area. Thus, guests wishing to snorkel will have to do so among everyone else.

On Lookout Cay, we were told that guests could stay within the bound area and snorkel along the entire beach. But given Disney’s conservation efforts, the company did not alter the seabed or coral around the beach. So, you won’t find any buried treasures or Disney souvenirs at the bottom of Lookout Cay like you do on the snorkel trail at Castaway Cay.  

Don’t Worry About Grabbing Towels on the Ship

In your morning rush to be ready to get off the ship, the one thing you don’t have to worry about is grabbing towels. Unlike some cruise lines that make you sign towels in and out on the ship, Disney Cruise Line makes getting towels quick and easy.

Once off the ship, several cast members will be handing out towels as soon as you get off the tram at Goombay Cultural Center. There are towel return stands throughout the island where you can drop them off. If you need more fresh towels during your stay, you can grab them near the tram stop.

But Don’t Forget the Suntan Lotion

While you don’t need to pack a towel, make sure to bring the suntan lotion. It gets scorching on the island. While loungers have umbrellas, the island does not have much additional shade. The dining pavilions offer some relief from the sun as well as the Goombay Cultural Center pavilion. However, the walking paths, nature trail, and food stations are in direct sun.

There is also no air conditioning on the island. All the bars and restaurants have al fresco seating. The same is true of the stores and cultural center. While shaded, there is no temperature control in any of the buildings.

This is yet another reason why we suggest heading out early. So, when that afternoon sun glares down, you can head back to the ship to cool off knowing that you’ve already had a day of fun on Lookout Cay.

There Are Four Bar Menus on the Island

Cruisers looking to do an island pub tour are in luck. Lookout Cay features 6 watering holes, many with signature menus.

Three bars on Family Beach serve the standard drink menu. The island’s signature drinks are the Eleuthera Euphoria and Butterfly Switcha. Other mixed drinks as well as a selection of beers and wine are also available.

Guests can also get frozen concoctions from the Sandsational Smoothies bar. The non-alcoholic specialty drinks here include the Pineapple Pleaser, which is made with Dole Whip, of course.

At Serenity Bay, guests are treated to a unique menu at the Blue Hole Bar. The venue offers some unique signature drinks like the Shipwrecker or Smash cocktails.

As mentioned, there is also the Mangroves & Go coffee shop at Mabrika Cove with its own unique menu. Even if you are not a fan of coffee, there are still some adult beverages you can grab here to round out your pub crawl.

You Don’t Need to Leave Mabrika Cove If You Have a Cabana

There are two cabana areas on Lookout Cay. For adults, there are cabanas at Serenity Bay. These cabanas are located at the very front of Serenity Bay, right off the walkway, so you can’t miss them. These cabanas have access to the same bar and BBQ lunch as the rest of those relaxing in this area.

However, the cabanas for families are actually at Mabrika Cove. If you are not paying attention, you could miss them. After walking through the security pavilion, most guests will head towards the tram. But, if you have one of these cabanas, you’ll actually head in the opposite direction towards the water.

Once at the Mabrika Cove cabanas, guests have access to their own bar and restaurant for the day. The food and drink offerings look exactly the same as what is available at Family Beach. The benefit here is that these areas are reserved for cabana guests only and you don’t have to make the trek over just to eat lunch.

While these cabanas are more private, and the beach offers amazing views of the ship docked at the pier, they are not next to anything else. So, if you want to buy some souvenirs at the shop, or your little kids want to play at Sebastian’s Cove or Rush Out Gush Out, you’ll need to take the tram over to the rest of the resort.

This could result in several tram trips between the cabanas and the rest of the island if you want to experience everything Lookout Cay has to offer.

There Are Small Differences Between the Buffets

There are three buffets on the island. Two buffets are on Family Beach: True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ. In the adults-only area, there is Serenity Bay BBQ.

During our cruise, lunch was served simultaneously at these eateries, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. For the most part, all three buffets serve the same menu.

Items include offerings like hamburgers and hotdogs and sides like potato salad. There was also rotisserie chicken and ribs. Some Bahamian specialties included marinated grilled fish and Bahamian Pigeon Peas and Rice With Marinated Chicken.

In Serenity Bay, guests could request a steak from the grill, similar to the upgraded offerings at the BBQ on Castaway Cay. There was also an off-the-menu spicy chicken breast. However, the True-True buffets offer a similar spicy chicken sandwich.

So, for the most part, the restaurants are the same minus the steak. Thus, when lunch time rolls around, just find the nearest restaurant and get in line.

For those with allergy restrictions, speak to your waiter on the ship the night before arriving at the island. There is a special allergy menu and customized food offerings that can be picked up at the True-True Too buffet.

Flies Are an Issue at the Dining Venues

Another one of Lookout Cay’s biggest drawbacks is the flies. These insects swarm the food stands and the seating areas next to all three buffets, which is a huge issue. While the cruise line has tabletop swatters, these offer little relief.

It is actually one of the most frustrating aspects of being ashore. While we thought the food was better than most cruise line private islands, finishing our meals was nearly impossible without constant swatting. Some cruisers covered their food with napkins to ward off the flies. While this method sort of works, it makes eating that much more difficult.

We are unsure if it was just the time of year or if this will be a persistent issue at Lookout Cay. Hopefully, Disney plans to eradicate the issue. But just be warned that eating your lunch will take some maneuvering to remain insect-free.

Bike Rentals and a 5K Are Coming

While Lookout Cay is near completion, portions of the destination are still in development. According to cast members, bike rentals should be available in a few months. Honestly, we are skeptical that they will let cruisers bike on their own for a while as many of the “roads” between Mabrika Cove and the rest of the resort are still under construction and portions are still closed off to cruisers.

Currently, the only way to bike around Lookout Cay is to purchase a guided shore excursion.

Likewise, there are plans for a Lookout Cay 5K similar to the experience on Castaway Cay. Again, given paths are not complete, this 5K is not officially open. We suspect that it will be months before the area is developed and construction is complete enough for the 5K to be operational.

For the time being, there are several completed walkways and the nature trail, offering plenty of opportunities to get some exercise.

Yes, You Will Need to Take a Tram Around

If you are reading this post, odds are you already know about the pier situation at Lookout Cay. So, you most likely know that there is a long pier from the ship to the first tram stop. The walk is over a half mile, with no shade or areas to sit and rest.

Once cruisers make the trek down the pier, they must wait to take the tram from Mabrika Cove to the Goombay Cultural Center tram stop where the rest of the amenities are located. Trams run frequently, and there shouldn’t be too much of a wait. While it was a little chaotic, we were able to get on the second arriving tram upon heading ashore.

This tram ride is approximately ten minutes. As mentioned previously, construction is not yet complete, so cruisers are currently not allowed to walk from one location to the next. Hence, a tram is the only means to transit between the two locations at this time.

The Nature Trail Is Accessible for Most

One of the island’s unique features is the Nature Trail. The main entrance is just past the Reef & Wreck Bar. This broad, compacted dirt path lets visitors explore more of the off-the-beaten-path island. Most of the paths are relatively flat and even as well.

If you’re up for an adventure, it is a nice little walk. Informational stands along the way provide more information about native wildlife. Also, QR codes can be scanned throughout the path to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Midway through the path, guests can make a U-turn to return to civilization. Or, where the path diverges, guests who are game for an uphill challenge can head towards the namesake lighthouse. While not as impressive as similar structures on other islands, guests can enjoy some lovely coastal views while near the lighthouse.

For even more adventurous travelers, the path then leads to a more natural walking trail to the lesser developed part of Lookout Cay. We didn’t venture this far but saw others go for it!

Comments

Do you have any Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point tips and tricks to share? Do you have plans to sail to this private destination in the Bahamas? Leave us a comment below with your thoughts on Disney Cruise Lines’s new Lookout Cay.