Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — A Disney Cruise Line Island Comparison
Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its immersive cruise vacations, and part of that magic comes from its exclusive island destinations. For many cruisers, a stop at a private Disney destination is a highlight of the trip. Today, Disney offers two such experiences in the Bahamas — the long‑standing favorite Castaway Cay and the newer Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point — each with its own personality and appeal.
Location & Accessibility
Castaway Cay is Disney’s original private island stop, located near Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. Ships can dock directly alongside the island, and guests step off without the need for tender boats.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened in June 2024, sits on a peninsula on the southeastern coast of Eleuthera. Like Castaway Cay, cruise ships dock directly at a pier — but the pier is significantly longer, and guests often ride a tram or enjoy a scenic walk to reach the main beach and activity areas.
Theme & Experience
While both destinations deliver that signature Disney service and tropical setting, the themes are quite distinct:
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Castaway Cay feels like a classic, story‑book tropical island created by Disney. The island is themed around a fun, castaway‑style escape, with whimsical touches throughout the day.
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Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point leans into authentic Bahamian culture and nature. Disney collaborated with local artists and cultural ambassadors to bring regional traditions — including music, crafts, and cuisine — into the experience. This gives Lighthouse Point more of a cultural feel rather than purely beach fun.
Layout & Design
Castaway Cay feels compact, well‑organized, and easy to navigate right from the dock. Trams run frequently but are optional, and major beaches and services are all within easy reach. Areas include:
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✔ Family Beach
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✔ Serenity Bay (adults only)
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✔ Sports Beach
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✔ Aquatic play areas and snorkeling lagoons
Lookout Cay, by comparison, is more spread out:
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The pier walk from ship to tram stop is longer, and guests often use the tram to get to the main areas.
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Mabrika Cove — near the pier — offers family cabanas and shaded spots.
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The Family Beach stretches along pale pink‑flecked sand and offers plenty of room for games, lounging, and water play.
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There are also nature trails, biking paths, and cultural spots like the Goombay Cultural Center — features you’ll find at Lookout but not at Castaway.
Activities & Entertainment
Both islands offer plenty of things to do — but the flavor of those activities differs:
Castaway Cay
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Snorkeling in a protected lagoon
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Pelican Plunge floating water platform
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Bicycle and watercraft rentals
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5K run around the island
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Character meet‑and‑greets and Disney entertainment
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
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Cultural programming, like Junkanoo parades and craft workshops
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Two water play areas and splash pads inspired by characters and Bahamian themes
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Nature hikes and biking around the peninsula
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Beach games and island excursions (kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.)
Food & Drink Experience
Food is included in the cost of your cruise at both destinations, but Lookout Cay is generally seen as offering more variety and local flavor. BBQ at Lookout Cay incorporates Bahamian‑inspired dishes alongside traditional beach fare. Castaway Cay serves hearty island BBQ classics, including burgers, ribs, and chicken, with a strong “classic Disney beach” vibe.
Alcoholic and specialty drinks at both islands require an extra charge.
Family & Adult‑Only Areas
Both islands separate family and adult spaces:
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Castaway Cay has a dedicated Serenity Bay adults‑only beach with loungers, hammocks, and quieter seaside space.
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Lookout Cay also offers a Serenity Bay adult zone, complete with its own dining area and quieter cabanas.
For kids, both islands offer water play zones and supervised activities, with Lookout Cay adding a more immersive cultural and play experience on shore.
What Sets Them Apart?
| Feature | Castaway Cay | Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point |
|---|---|---|
| Island theme | Classic Disney tropical paradise | Bahamian culture & nature |
| Snorkeling | Protected lagoon | Open ocean beach snorkeling |
| Terrain | Compact & walkable | Spread out with trams |
| Cultural programming | Standard Disney entertainment | Junkanoo & Bahamian arts |
| Food options | Classic BBQ style | Additional Bahamian flavors |
| Nature trails & excursions | Limited | More varied |
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay deliver idyllic Caribbean beaches, and that beloved Disney Cruise Line touch, but the best choice depends on what you want from your day ashore:
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Castaway Cay is perfect for classic Disney beach fun, easy navigation, and favorites like snorkeling lagoons and Pelican Plunge — ideal for families with young kids or cruisers who want familiar Disney magic.
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Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point appeals to travelers seeking culture, nature, and a slightly more relaxed, larger‑scale beach experience with local flair. The programming and unique activities here make it feel less like a typical private island and more like a destination in its own right.
If your itinerary includes both islands — and many 7‑night sailings do — you get the best of both worlds. Regardless of which one you visit, Disney’s private destinations are consistently rated among the most magical — and most talked‑about — parts of the Disney Cruise experience.
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