Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point aboard the Disney Dream
For our daughter’s 12th birthday, we booked a 3-night “double-dip” Disney cruise aboard the Disney Dream, the sister ship to the Disney Fantasy, which we loved sailing on in November of 2022 when the cruise lines were getting their start back from Covid. Originally, an itinerary coined a “double dip” meant two stops at Disney’s Castaway Cay; now, it includes cruise stops at both of Disney’s private destinations. Due to the ship spending her summer sailing around Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, and then her time during her drydock refurbishment, this cruise was one of the earliest aboard the Disney Dream to visit Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination. This was the third post-drydock sailing for the Dream and only its second time docking here, so we were part of a special group exploring the island alongside many first-time crew members who were still familiarizing themselves with this new paradise.
The walk to shore
From the moment you step off the ship, the journey to shore begins with a 1.6k walk, which took us around 14 minutes at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you’ll find vibrant music that sets a festive atmosphere but no shade, so don’t forget sun protection! The payoff at the end is refreshing: friendly Cast Members with chilled towels waiting to greet you.
The Disney Beach Layout: Mabrika Cove and Family Beach
Lookout Cay offers two main beach zones for Disney guests—Mabrika Cove and the Family Beach. Mabrika Cove is close to the entrance, while Family Beach requires a quick five-minute tram ride. On our visit, we saw eight trams running in pairs, helping to keep the flow smooth between stops.
We arrived around 11 a.m., and the area near Goombay Cultural Center was bustling, with limited seating. Moving closer to the kids’ area, we found plenty of open spots, though this section of the beach is narrower. This setup offers options based on how much activity or relaxation you’re looking for, but expect a bit of a winding path to get between zones.
The Unique Sands and Waters of Lookout Cay
It’s a beautiful pink sand beach, though not the vivid pink you might imagine from other famous Bahamian beaches. The crystal-clear, turquoise water more than makes up for it, creating a stunning backdrop. It was a red flag day, with cooler water around 80°F and some waves due to heavy winds. Lifeguards were alert, though many guests braved the waves regardless.
True-True BBQ
Lunch at True-True Too BBQ
With dietary restrictions, I ordered in advance and dined at True-True Too BBQ. We jumped in line around 12:35 p.m., which moved fairly quickly, though seating was scarce. For comparison, I heard True-True BBQ had a shorter wait time and plenty of seating—something to keep in mind for next time if you’re flexible with dining locations.
Exploring the Island
Without beach umbrellas due to the windy weather, shade was limited, so we headed for the nature walk. This scenic path takes you through lush island landscapes and offers views of the historic lighthouse, giving a nice break from the busy beach vibe.
After a little shopping, we decided to head back to the ship. From the moment we left the store, it took around 35 minutes to reach the Dream, with a quick stop for the tram, water refill, and restroom break before the final stroll down the pier.
Final Thoughts from the Disney Dream
Lookout Cay is a great addition to the Disney Cruise Line experience, with its unique layout and fresh island vibe coupled with the pink sand beach and Bahamian turquoise waters.
However, as someone who prefers exploring an island and seeing new cultures and sites over lounging by the beach, I’m not inclined to add this to my next itinerary on Disney Cruise Line. I would like to revisit the island once it is a little more settled in to give it a fresh new look.
If you’re someone looking to escape to a sunny beach with beautiful waters, a double-dip cruise with stops at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay might be just the thing to brighten up those cold winter months.
View of the Disney Dream from Lighthouse Point
