Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point are private destinations owned by Disney Cruise Line, and each offers a unique experience. Here's a comparison of the two:
Castaway Cay
Location: Castaway Cay is located in the Bahamas, specifically in the Abaco Islands. It’s a well-established destination for Disney Cruise Line.
Size: It’s about 1,000 acres, giving it a spacious feel but still manageable to explore in a day. Castaway Cay is accessed via walking path or via tram located just off the ship with 2 stops at family beaches and a 3rd stop at Serenity Bay, Adults Only beach.
Activities:
Beaches: Castaway Cay boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, including the family-friendly Castaway Family Beach, the more secluded Serenity Bay for adults, and the active area around the snorkeling lagoon.
Excursions: Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, bike rentals, and parasailing. There's also a private cabana option available for rent. Pelican Plunge is a family play structure located in the water.
Dining: The island features several dining options like Cookies BBQ and Cookies Too, which offer complimentary lunch for Disney guests.
Amenities:
Disney Character Meet and Greets: Regularly scheduled opportunities to meet Disney characters.
Shops: There are a few shops where you can purchase souvenirs and beachwear.
Transportation: Tram service is available to transport guests between various points of interest on the island.
Infrastructure: Castaway Cay is well-developed with shaded areas, lounges, and facilities for all ages. It has a distinctive Disney touch throughout, including themed decorations and attention to detail.
A few things to note on the island:
Check the kids into Scuttle’s Cove in the after for some supervised fun while adults visit Serenity Bay for the calm crystal-clear water. Many guests leave Serenity Bay after lunch, so beach chairs are likely to open up later in the day.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Location: Lookout Cay is located on Eleuthera in the Bahamas. It’s a newer destination that Disney is developing and is expected to offer a fresh take on their private island experience. The first guests experienced the island in June of 2024.
Size: The area designated for Lookout Cay is approximately 700 acres, making it slightly smaller than Castaway Cay but still substantial. The island is accessed via a 15-minute walk from the ship and a 10-minute tram ride to the center of the property; the views along the way are breathtaking. Guests will want to set out fully sun screened and with proper footwear. Sea breezes make the walk over bearable, even in the heat of the summer sun, however, after enjoying the day, the walk back feels a bit more daunting. Guests with mobility issues can visit Guest Services onboard the ship to request golf cart assistance.
Activities:
Beaches: Like Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay features pristine beaches with a focus on natural beauty and environmental preservation. The center of activity is the Family Beach with the Rush Out Gush Out water play area and the Goombay Cultural Center. Serenity Bay Adults Only beach is located to the left and more secluded family beaches to the right. Snorkeling equipment and water sports equipment can be rented at the Family Beach.
Excursions: Excursions are not really a focus at Lookout Cay, but there is a nature trail that can be explored with a guide or on your own. Disney plans to offer a variety of water sports, eco-tours, and recreational activities, but as the experience continues to develop, more options may be available.
Dining: True-True BBQ, True-True Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ provide a BBQ lunch with additional Bahamian inspired dishes. Drink stations and ice cream machines are available to round out the fare. For an extra charge, guests have access to 3 bars and a smoothie stand to keep everyone well hydrated throughout the day.
Character Experiences: Experiences range from meet & greet opportunities with characters in traditional Junkanoo inspired outfits to live performances and dance parties.
Shops: There will be retail options, including unique merchandise reflective of the new location.
Transportation: The island will feature various transportation options to help guests navigate and explore.
Infrastructure: Lookout Cay aims to emphasize sustainability and environmental friendliness, integrating with the natural landscape. It’s designed to provide a fresh, immersive experience that complements its surroundings.
A few things to note on the island:
The walk from the ship to the shuttle pick up spot is not as bad as it looks.
Towels are available once you get off the shuttle.
If you are hoping for a Cabana, just make sure you look at a map and understand where the Family Cabanas are in relation to the other activities on the island. The Family Cabanas are BEFORE the shuttle to the main part of the experience. Serenity Bay Cabanas are near the center of the main area.
The family play area, snorkeling and beach are right in the middle of the stretch of beach. Serenity Bay is to the far left (walkable - no additional shuttle needed like Castaway Cay) and quieter more secluded beach with access to the Nature trail for the far right at the Reef & Wreck Bar.
This is a great beach to bring along packable inflatable floats!
Bars start closing early - about 3PM.
In Summary
Castaway Cay is a more established destination with a wide array of activities and amenities, benefiting from years of development and guest feedback.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is newer and focuses on blending luxury with environmental stewardship, promising a different but equally enchanting experience.
Each island has its own charm and caters to slightly different tastes and experiences, so your choice might depend on whether you prefer a tried-and-true favorite or are excited to explore a new destination with a fresh approach.
Gina Akin, Travel Advisor
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