Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Review

There’s still much work to be done, but Lighthouse Point already shows promise as a beautiful Bahamian paradise

It’s not easy to review a private island like Lighthouse Point, and the reason is simple: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is still a little baby! This private island is barely three months old, having made its debut in June 2024. Being so new means there will be many changes over time as Disney gathers guest feedback and makes improvements. However, there are already many cool features in place, though there are still areas for improvement if Disney aims to make Lighthouse Point as exceptional as their other private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point shares many similarities with Castaway Cay and, honestly, with other private islands like Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay. These islands are designed for guests to relax, so you can expect the traditional beautiful beaches, snorkeling activities, and a few additional features. What we’re interested in seeing is how Lighthouse Point distinguishes itself from the rest.

What we like about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney Lookout Cay map.webp — Disney Cruise Line©

I love the overall atmosphere of Lighthouse Point. This island truly exudes Bahamian culture. In fact, Disney made an agreement with the government of the Bahamas, resulting in a portion of the island being given to the Bahamian people, with some locals residing there. As a result, the island features restaurants offering authentic Bahamian cuisine and hosts numerous shows and parades inspired by this culture. The atmosphere is quite different from the fantasy theme of Castaway Cay, as Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is deeply rooted in the real-world culture of the Bahamas.

The beach at Lighthouse Point is beautiful, and some guests prefer it over the one at Castaway Cay. In theory, there is just one (very) long beach at Lighthouse Point, which is divided into the Family Beach (for everyone) and Serenity Bay (adults-only). There is, in fact, a third, “secret” beach: Mabrika Cove, which is available for families that rent the family cabanas.

The water play areas are fantastic options for kids up to ten years old. Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point features two of these areas: Rush Out Gush Out and Sebastian’s Cove. Sebastian’s Cove is part of the Kids Club within Lighthouse Point, making it an excellent choice for parents who want some alone time. Additionally, there is a fun area called the "Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash." This play zone includes carnival-style games, such as ring toss, and features Disney characters like Donald and Chip 'n' Dale interacting with guests.

You can also enjoy Meet & Greets at Lighthouse Point, similar to what you’d find at Castaway Cay. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Pluto are all there, waiting to greet you. They sometimes join in on the parties and parades on the island, which are heavily inspired by Bahamian culture.

There are two main complimentary restaurants for DCL guests at Lighthouse Point: True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ. Food and soft drinks are included, though you'll need to pay for alcoholic beverages. While a fancy, specialty restaurant would be a great addition, perhaps it's something to look forward to in the future.

There are many excursions available at Lighthouse Point, including classic snorkeling and catamaran tours. While the water activities may not be as extensive as those at Castaway Cay, it’s cool to see some unique land tours offered here. Lighthouse Point is a “real” island with residents, so some excursions allow you to explore the local culture and even visit restaurants not affiliated with Disney.

What we don’t like about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney Lookout Cay goofy character.webp — Disney Cruise Line©

The main complaint about Lighthouse Point is the lack of shade. The island can become extremely hot during the summer, to the point where you might find staff members offering water and cool towels as you disembark. There’s minimal shade from the ship to the trams, which are about half a mile away. Unlike Castaway Cay, you can’t disembark and immediately head to the beach. This is because the ship cannot get too close to the island due to concerns about potentially harming the coral reefs.

Another issue is the presence of flies. These pesky insects seem to possess the agility of the god Ares. Seriously, how can flies be completely still, only to suddenly dodge your swipe at the last millisecond as if they were Super Saiyan Goku? It’s baffling. There are a lot of flies in certain areas of Lighthouse Point. While the problem was particularly severe when the island first opened in June, it has improved somewhat in the past month. Perhaps the issue will be resolved by the end of the year? Who shall win, humans or flies? I'm excited to see the end result.

I think that Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will get better with time. There are still a lot of empty areas, and it’s a bit weird that you need to walk more than normal to get to most places. The lack of shades is also a problem, especially during the summer. I also want them to include more water stations, and maybe even more fans throughout the island.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point FAQ

Disney Lookout Cay party festival.webp — Disney Cruise Line©

Do I need to walk a lot to get to the beaches at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?

Kinda. You need to walk about 0.5 miles to reach the trams that will take you to the beaches and activities at Lighthouse Point. You can’t exit the ship and head straight to the beach.

Can I spend the night at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?

Unfortunately, guests cannot spend the night at Lighthouse Point.

Are there meet & greets at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?

Yes! You can find many characters at Lighthouse Point, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and Chip 'n' Dale. Most encounters are spontaneous, so be sure to check the Disney Navigator App for specific meet & greet times.