Disney Cruise Line introduces Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
THE BAHAMAS—The latest Disney Cruise Line universe venture, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is in Eleuthera, Bahamas. Known for its pink sand beaches and shallow waters that allow tourists to snorkel easily, the island of just over 11,000 residents is now home to a new Disney Cruise Line destination.
On Friday, June 7, assorted members of the media and social media influencers were presented with the opportunity to spend the day at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. A first look at the Disney property on the island and what it will offer Disney Cruise Line guests allowed The Atlanta Voice to witness how the global entertainment brand is blending Bahamian flavors and traditions with its own signature moves.
“It reflects the culture and tradition of The Bahamas,” said Yolanda Cade, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, Disney Signature Experiences, of the new Disney island during an earlier briefing with the media days earlier.
Upon docking at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the island is easily seen in the distance. A long bridge separated the Disney Magic from the trams that would take visitors to Lookout Cay. Rides are provided for those who might not be able to make the long walk.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
On the walk over, you will hear music coming from speakers on the bridge. One song, an original composition, has the lyrics, “Everything cool/everything fine/you’re in Eleuthera, so take your time, time, time” in it. The advice is golden, as the five-minute tram ride to Lookout Cay is easy. Note: They drive on the opposite side of the road from what we do in the States, so don’t be alarmed. It was only my second time in the Bahamas, and I forgot about it.
There are several of them on Lookout Cay. True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ offer a touch of island favorites such as pigeon peas and chicken. There are several bars on the island and plenty of white sandy beaches to lay and play on.
Lookout Cay is located on Eleuthera’s southern tip and divided into three districts: north, central, and south. The people of the north and central districts are now working at Lookout Cay. Thus, this new Disney venture provides a new vacation destination for its guests and employment opportunities on the island.
From the participants in the Junkanoo Celebration, a mash-up of live music and parade vibes that feel more like Carnival, to the maintenance, tram drivers, and the Goombay Cultural Center staff, there are now more employment opportunities for locals.
People like local artist Chauncey Rolle, whose paintings took my breath away when I walked a few short feet to his booth inside the Treasures of Eleuthera store. Born and raised on the island, Rolle, 28, says he’s often inspired by painting women. Many of the pieces displayed were of beautiful Black women surrounded by vibrant colors.
“I like a lot of everything that’s Bahamian,” Rolle said. “I like to try and create accessories for the painting subjects and give them a unique twist.”
Alongside Rolle inside the Treasures of Eleuthera store were Patrice Davis and her many handmade straw baskets, purses, and women’s wallets. Davis told The Atlanta Voice that she has been creating these one-of-a-kind crafts for “over 20 years.”
Her side of the store was packed with customers reaching for baskets and purses emblazoned with Disney characters, something she recently started doing in place of flowers and seashells.
“I just like to see the work. I just love it,” Davis said, a huge smile creasing across her face as she handed a Minnie Mouse purse to a waiting customer. “It gives me so much satisfaction.”
