When we booked our Fantasy cruise, one of the things we were most excited about was the opportunity to visit Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Lineโs newest private island in the Bahamas.
If youโve been following along for any amount of time, you know Iโm a Disney adult. Matt has grown into his role as a Disney husband and dad. As soon as we found out we could explore both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay on this cruise itinerary, it was a no-brainer! If youโre into a little Disney magic behind the scenes, you can actually watch the making of Lookout Cay on Disney+. And let me tell you: seeing it in person after watching was surreal!
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The Journey Out to Disney’s Lookout Cay
Before our cruise, we kept hearing about the “dreaded pier walk” to Lookout Cay. And yes, itโs a long walk, but letโs be realโit wasnโt that bad. Honestly, it screamed typical American first-world problems. The walk took us about 30 minutes with Gem* in tow, but only because we stopped for tons of photo ops along the way (priorities, people!). Itโs probably more like a 10-15-minute walk if youโre cruising along.
We brought our Vista V2 stroller, and Iโm so glad we did. It handled the walk and the island terrain well. Disney also offers Radio Flyer wagons when you disembark (first come, first served). These are a great option if you donโt have a stroller or want something fun to wrangle your older kids. For us, our V2 stroller was essential. Gem naps best in his stroller and definitely wouldnโt have stayed put in a wagon, even with a seatbelt.
PRO TIP: Bring lots of sun protectionโthe pier and many parts of the island are completely unshaded. (There are palm trees, but they are still very young to provide adequate cover. Also, if you visit on a particularly windy day, you won’t be able to open the beach umbrellas.) We had a portable stroller fan and sunscreen at the ready. Thankfully, there was a consistent breeze that day, and honestly, the walk was enjoyable with the views.
What Makes Lookout Cay So Special
From the moment we stepped onto the island, Disney’s Lookout Cay felt like a resort. Itโs thoughtfully spaced out, with designated sections that each serve their own purpose while still feeling connected. Thereโs a clear layoutโfamily zones, adult areas, splash pads, food stationsโeverything flows seamlessly.
The beach was stunning. The sand was super soft and clean, and the water was crystal clear, absolutely beautiful. While there were a few waves, it just added to the authentic “beach day” feel. Lighthouse Point didnโt feel like a commercial port; it felt like an actual, peaceful day at the beach, which we loved so much!
One of the highlights for Gem (and us!) was the kids’ splash pad. This water play area is so thoughtfully done and full of Disney touches. The character meet-and-greets were also next-level. Characters were dressed in Bohemian-inspired outfits, tying in the local culture in such a sweet, respectful way. And oh, the photo ops! Truly magical.
A Few Minor Gripes
Okay, so no experience is perfect. Iโd be remiss if I didnโt mention our one major gripe: no beach umbrellas due to high winds. Like I said earlier, it was far too windy for the umbrellas to be opened on our visit. Unfortunately, that meant we were completely exposed to the beating Bahamian sun.
Luckily, we had our V2 stroller with the extended canopy and hung under pavilions with big fans to stay cool. Iโd also highly recommend soaking towels or muslin cloths to drape over your little ones for added sun protection. Gem was totally unbothered by the heat and even napped while we strolled the island.
The character meet-and-greets were also limited. The queues offered no shade, and characters were one and done for the day. We were able to meet with most characters offered but with a lot of planning and waiting around. PRO TIP: Start making your way into character lines 10-15 minutes before they arrive. That way, you can be one of the first in line for one character and quickly jump into another’s queue! Either Matt or I would form the line while the other parent hung out with Gem in the shade. It worked perfectly for us!
One more PRO TIP: when taking the tram from the pier to the main activity areas, you donโt need to collapse your stroller completelyโjust remove your child from it. That convenience alone made things so much smoother! I’m not sure if that holds true as more folks make their way around the island.
Final Thoughts: Donโt Skip Lookout Cay!
If youโre on the fence about Disney’s Lookout Cay, let me say it loud and clear: donโt skip it! Our family genuinely loved it! Personally, I actually preferred it to Castaway Cay (which Iโll dive into in my next blog postโstay tuned!).
The whole island had this laid-back, resort-like vibe that just worked for our little family. It felt spacious but intentional, cultural but not overwhelming, and fun without being chaotic. The beach was stunning, and if sand isn’t your thing, the splash pad was a huge hit. The Bahamian character costumes and photo ops added something extra that you donโt get elsewhere.
Bottom line? Lookout Cay was our personal favorite stop on this itinerary. I wouldnโt hesitate to recommend it to other families, especially those traveling with babies or toddlers. ACTIONABLE STEPS: Just pack your sun gear, prep for a little pier walk, and get ready for a gorgeous day in paradise!
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