Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay: A Comparison of Disney’s Private Island Destinations

Disney Cruise Line offers two exclusive private destinations: Castaway Cay and the newly opened Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Both provide unique experiences with distinct charms and amenities. As a family who’s recently visited both, we’re excited to share our comprehensive Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay comparison to help you decide which vacation destination best suits your needs.

Location and Accessibility

Castaway Cay

Located in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay is easily accessible via Disney’s cruise itineraries.

Castaway Cay is seen from the deck of a Disney Cruise Ship

The island features a dedicated dock, allowing guests to disembark directly without the need for tender boats. The convenience of stepping right off the ship and onto the island is a huge plus, especially for families with young children.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Situated on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney’s newest private destination, officially opened on June 6, 2024.

Lookout Cay / Lighthouse Point, prior to construction | Image © Disney

Like Castaway Cay, it offers a convenient dock for direct access from Disney Cruise ships, though it does require a significantly longer walk from the ship when compared to Castaway Cay. The port’s location on the less commercialized Eleuthera gives it a more secluded and serene atmosphere.

Island Layout and Design

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is designed with classic Disney charm, featuring:

• Family Beach: A spacious area perfect for all ages, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas.
• Serenity Bay: An adults-only retreat where you can truly unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet.
• Sports Beach: Popular among older children and teens, featuring volleyball, tetherball, and other activities.

The island is decorated with whimsical Disney touches and offers a range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Lookout Cay boasts a design inspired by Bahamian culture, with art and architecture reflecting local heritage. Key features include:

• Mabrika Cove: A welcoming area with colorful family cabanas that are perfect for relaxing and taking in the beautiful views.
• Family Beach: An expansive beach area on the east end of Eleuthera, offering plenty of space for beach games and relaxation.
• Serenity Bay: An adults-only beach area that provides a tranquil escape from the busier family areas.
• Cultural Center: Showcasing Bahamian art and history, giving guests a taste of the local culture.

The design of Lookout Cay emphasizes natural beauty and cultural immersion, making it a unique and enriching destination.

Activities and Attractions

Castaway Cay

• Snorkeling Lagoon: Explore underwater Disney statues and vibrant marine life in a safe and fun environment.
• Pelican Plunge: A thrilling water play area with slides and water cannons, perfect for adventurous kids.
• 5K Run: Participate in a fun run around the island, a great way to stay active while on vacation.
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet your favorite Disney characters in their island attire.
• Various Excursions: Parasailing, stingray encounters, and fishing trips offer exciting adventures for all ages.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

• Goombay Cultural Center: Experience authentic Bahamian “Junkanoo” festivals with music, dance, and vibrant costumes.
• Play-Play Pavilion: Themed events and games with Disney characters, offering interactive fun for kids.
• Triton’s Trumpet Stage: Family entertainment showcases, featuring live performances and interactive shows.
• Sebastian’s Cove: A supervised kids club with a variety of activities designed to keep younger guests entertained.
• Water Play Areas: Including a “Little Mermaid” themed splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off and having fun.

Dining Options

Castaway Cay

• Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too: Buffet-style dining with BBQ favorites like ribs, chicken, and burgers.
• Serenity Bay BBQ: Exclusive to the adults-only beach, offering a quieter dining experience.
• Various Bars and Drink Stations: Scattered around the island, providing refreshing beverages and cocktails.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

• True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ: Main dining spots offering a delicious array of BBQ dishes and Bahamian specialties.
• Serenity Bay BBQ: Adults-only dining with a more refined menu.
• Various Bars: Including Mangroves and Go, Blue Hole Bar, and Bow and Ribbon Bar, each offering unique drink options and atmospheres.

Accessibility Features

Castaway Cay

• Beach wheelchairs available at no extra cost
• Paved paths throughout most areas
• Accessible trams
• Companion restrooms

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

• State-of-the-art accessible design incorporated from the ground up
• Sensory-friendly quiet areas
• Beach and water wheelchairs
• Accessible nature trails and viewing platforms

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Castaway Cay

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in designated areas, allowing guests to stay connected and share their experiences.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Thanks to its modern infrastructure, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage extends across most of the island. However, guests are encouraged to disconnect and immerse themselves in the island experience.

Sustainability Efforts

Castaway Cay

While not initially designed with sustainability in mind, Disney has implemented:

• Recycling programs
• Solar power for some facilities
• Conservation areas for local wildlife

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Sustainability is a core focus:

• 90% of electricity from solar power
• Innovative water conservation system
• Extensive coral reef restoration project

Booking and Costs

Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point are included in select 2024, 2025, and 2026 Disney Cruise Line itineraries. Prices vary depending on the cruise length, time of year, and chosen accommodations:

• 3-4 Night Bahamian Cruise: Including either island, approximately $2,500 to $5,000 per person for a family of four.
• 7-Night Cruises: Featuring both islands, starting from $5,000 to $10,000 per person for a family of four.

Disney offers special inaugural season promotions for cruises featuring Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, making them attractive options for first-time Disney cruise visitors. Contact The Vacationeer for more information.

Who It’s Best For – Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay

Castaway Cay is ideal for:

• Families with younger children who love Disney characters
• First-time cruisers seeking a classic Disney beach experience
• Guests who prefer a variety of structured activities and amenities

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is perfect for:

• Families interested in Bahamian culture and history
• Eco-conscious travelers valuing sustainability
• Those seeking a more relaxed, nature-oriented day
• Guests wanting authentic local experiences
• Families with older children or teens interested in cultural workshops

Personal Family Insights

Castaway Cay Experience

We loved the variety of activities at Castaway Cay. The kids were thrilled with Pelican Plunge and the character meet-and-greets. Jaimie and I found Serenity Bay to be a perfect spot for some quiet time while the kids were engaged in supervised activities. The island felt very safe and well-organized, making it easy to relax and enjoy our day.

Lookout Cay Experience

At Lookout Cay, we appreciated the cultural immersion and eco-friendly initiatives. The island felt more serene and connected to nature. The water adventure areas were a hit with Ben and Ava, and we all enjoyed the unique dining options available. The Bahamian art workshop was an unexpected highlight, allowing us to create memorable souvenirs while learning about local culture. The emphasis on sustainability and local culture made our visit feel special and meaningful.

Top Tips for Visiting

1. Get Help: Use a reputable Disney travel agency, such as The Vacationeer, to assist you in planning, booking, and saving on your cruise.
2. Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by disembarking as soon as possible. This is especially crucial for Castaway Cay, where prime beach spots fill quickly. At Lookout Cay, early arrival gives you more time to explore the cultural offerings.
3. Pack Smart: Beyond packing essentials like sunscreen and hats, consider bringing:

• • Water shoes for rocky areas (particularly useful at Lookout Cay)
  • A small backpack for easy carrying of essentials
  • Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste

4. Plan Your Day: Both islands offer a lot to do. We found it helpful to loosely plan our day, balancing relaxation with activities. For Castaway Cay, we prioritized Pelican Plunge in the morning before lines got long. At Lookout Cay, we made sure to catch a cultural show at the Goombay Cultural Center.
5. Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on the Bahamian-inspired dishes. At Lookout Cay, we loved the authentic flavors at True-True BBQ. Castaway Cay’s Cookie’s BBQ is a classic, but venture beyond burgers if you can.
6. Disconnect to Reconnect: While both islands offer Wi-Fi, we found our experience more enjoyable when we limited our phone use. The kids especially loved the “unplugged” time for family bonding.
7. See our Castaway Cay Tips page for more!

Fun Facts and Insights

• Castaway Cay’s Hidden Mickey: Keep an eye out for the hidden Mickey in the snorkeling lagoon! It’s a fun underwater surprise that Ben and Ava were thrilled to discover.
• Lookout Cay’s Local Impact: Disney’s commitment to the local community goes beyond the 190-acre donation. They’ve also created numerous job opportunities for Bahamians, both in construction and ongoing operations.
• Imagineer Influence: Joe Rohde’s involvement in Lookout Cay’s development is evident in the attention to cultural authenticity and environmental considerations. His previous work on Disney’s Animal Kingdom lends a similar feel of immersion and respect for nature.
• Castaway Cay’s Previous Life: Before becoming a Disney paradise, Castaway Cay was known as Gorda Cay and had a colorful history, including being a stop for drug runners in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Lookout Cay’s Conservation Efforts: In addition to coral reef restoration, Disney has implemented a comprehensive wildlife monitoring program. During our visit, we learned about their efforts to protect native bird species.

Conclusion: Which Disney Island Is Best?

After experiencing both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, it’s clear that each offers a unique Disney magic:

Castaway Cay delivers the classic Disney experience with familiar characters and a wide range of activities. It’s a well-oiled machine, perfect for those who want a taste of Disney at the beach.

Lookout Cay represents Disney’s evolution, focusing on cultural authenticity and environmental stewardship. It’s an immersive Bahamian experience that educates as it entertains.

The best choice depends on your family’s interests and vacation goals:

• For a traditional Disney day, choose Castaway Cay.
• For a more culturally rich, eco-conscious experience, opt for Lookout Cay.

Can’t decide? Consider a cruise itinerary featuring both islands for the ultimate Disney Bahamas adventure. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a magical, memory-filled experience that only Disney can provide.