Here are 5 things to know about the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Disney fans have a new destination to visit starting this month - Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
The new Bahamian destination started being a port of call for Disney cruise ships in early June. The inaugural cruise is seven nights aboard the Disney Fantasy that left Port Canaveral June 8. The island is expected to be a blend of vibrant colors, festive sounds and friendly faces.
Here are five things to know about Disney’s new island.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is not a private island
Disney’s other island, Castaway Cay, is a private island. The only way to visit Castaway Cay is to be a Disney cast member or a Disney guest.
That’s not the case with Disney’s newest Bahamian destination. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point was developed on an existing island, Eleuthera. Disney’s agreement with the government of the Bahamas provides all citizens and residents of The Bahamas full access to the property.
The total site is 900 acres, located at the southern tip of Eleuthera. Less than 16% of the acreage has been developed, and 25% of the acreage donated to Bahamian people. Disney will offer its guests excursions to visit other parts of Eleuthera and experience local culture.
Disney officials have been working closely with the island’s residents for many years to properly build the destination.
The name, Lookout Cay, is pronounced KEY, which is the same pronunciation as Castaway Cay.
Although it’s called Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, there is technically no traditional lighthouse. There is, however, a building known as a light station that guides ships to the island.
Want to visit? You'll need to cruise on these ships
Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream are the ships that will visit Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Sailings are three, four, five or 10 nights and leave from either Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale. Longer sailings also stop at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay.
Activities abound at Lookout Cay
In true Disney fashion, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, all with a Bahamian touch. There’s a family beach area, an interactive water play area with two slides, plus gaming pavilions including volleyball courts and more.
Expect to see some of your favorite Disney friends enjoying the island dressed in attire created by a Bahamian designer. Mickey and his friends might also be known to bust out in dance parties with local musicians.
There’s special programing for children and teens that exposes them to the island’s culture and also educates them about the area’s animals and plants. It’s done through interactive play, scavenger hunts and collaborations with Nat Geo Kids.
If you’re taking a cruise sans little ones, you’ll want to visit the adults only beach. There’s even a dining area on the island specially designated for adults.
What food will be served?
No surprise, many of the dishes will have a Bahamian flair. There’s island-spiced rotisserie chicken, plant-based island curry, Bahamian-style lime marinated grilled snapper and plenty more.
There are three restaurants on the island: True-True BBQ, True-True BBQ Too and Serenity Bay BBQ, which is an adults only restaurant.
There also will be some specialty cocktails including the Eleuthera Euphoria made with rum, pineapple smoothie mix and DOLE Whip.
Keep your eyes out for various forms of wildlife
You’ll want to look up and down to make sure you don’t miss any of the wildlife the island has to offer.
There are more than 100 different bird species to observe. Cast members started a bird monitoring program to help identify all the flying friends, and they also designated certain spaces as sensitive areas to not disrupt the birds.
When you’re snorkeling near the ocean’s floor, look for giant barrel sponges. These invertebrates are the largest species of water-filtering sponge and are often called “Redwoods of the Reef” because of their size and lifespan.
The giant barrel sponges share the ocean with nearly 75 species of fish. You might see Nassau grouper, parrot fish and blue tangs swimming right offshore.
Land crabs are a part of the Bahamian way of life and you’re likely to see plenty of them scurrying around the island. Everything from ghost crabs, black crabs and black-backed crab may shuffle right past you.
Spitzer is a trending reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.