Disney Cruise Line private island showdown: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay

When Disney Cruise Line first set sail with the unique ship, Disney Magic, 27 years in the past in 1998, it did so to its unique private island, Castaway Cay, positioned within the sunny Bahamas.

Castaway Cay was truly a primary of its type in some methods, because it didn’t require a young to achieve the island, not like the way in which another cruise traces’ islands operated on the time. Instead, the ship might pull proper as much as the dock, and the day of enjoyable within the solar might start for cruisers.

For a few a long time, Castaway Cay was the one Disney Cruise Line private island vacation spot for many who selected to sail with Mickey and pals.

However, the road entered an growth period in 2022 when Disney Wish joined the unique fleet of 4 ships. This section of progress will culminate in 2033 when the road expects to sail a complete of 13 ships (greater than thrice the quantity it had in early 2022).

With the speedy progress in ships and passengers has come the addition of a second private island vacation spot within the Bahamas, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened in 2024.

Get the free planning assist of a Disney trip planner by way of TPG’s companion, Mouse Counselors.

Unlike Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is not a wholly private island, because it sits on the southernmost tip of the populated Bahamian island of Eleuthera (about 70 miles east of Nassau). But that is not essentially a nasty factor, because it means it’s a cool and differentiated providing from Castaway Cay.

Some Disney cruises, just like the four-night crusing I lately took on Disney Fantasy, hit the itinerary jackpot by going to each Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. But many instances, it’s possible you’ll be on a ship that both goes to 1 island vacation spot or the opposite.

If you must select between Disney’s Castaway Cay and Disney’s Lookout Cay, this is how these islands evaluate so you’ll be able to choose the very best match for your loved ones.

Please observe that I’ve by no means been on a Disney cruise with out my household, so I’m in no way certified to check the islands’ grownup areas (but). Instead, we’re going to hold this head-to-head rating targeted on the household areas and actions on these islands reasonably than the adult-only ones.

Related: 12 methods to economize on a Disney cruise

Best seashore

This is the place I provide the good or unhealthy information about this comparability of Disney’s two island locations. Much of which one is “better” is subjective, even while you break it into classes. So, I will provide you with my take and my causes, however you would possibly come to the alternative conclusion than I did, which is nice, as the entire level helps you establish which one you will take pleasure in probably the most.

Disney’s Castaway Cay has wonderful postcard-worthy seashores, and the household seashore has the additional benefit of being sheltered by a rocky breakwater. This means the water is normally very calm, making it an excellent match for households.

There are lifeguards, free seashore chairs with and with out umbrellas and a few shade underneath mature timber.

However, in order for you a superb seat near the water or with some shade at Castaway, you usually have to both get off the ship fairly early or wait till after lunch when extra households begin to head again to the ship.

Meanwhile, at Lookout Cay, that normal recommendation continues to be true in order for you a seat on the primary strip of seashore. However, at Lookout Cay, you might have much more choices.

First, there are further chairs in a secondary part behind a dune, not fairly as near the seashore. But maybe extra importantly to me, if you happen to merely stroll a bit of bit farther down towards the island’s tip, you will discover loads of house that is not crowded, even throughout the busiest time of the day.

There are chairs you’ll be able to carry right down to that uncrowded part of the seashore, making it a fairly improbable setup. This can be open water within the sense that you’re going to get some waves that you do not get when at Castaway. Whether or not you want that can seemingly depend upon the ages of your youngsters and their swimming talents, however we liked it.

Last however not least, Lookout Cay’s pink-hued sand provides an extra-special seashore expertise.

My private choice is the seashore at Lookout Cay. However, I’m calling it a tie as a result of the water within the household seashore part is just not as calm as at Castaway Cay, because of the latter’s breakwater rocks. The much less crowded a part of the seashore at Lookout Cay can be away from the lifeguards, and there aren’t shade-providing timber on the seashore, so it will not be the very best match for all households.

Winner: Tie relying on preferences

Best meals

Of course, meals can be very subjective. However, I do have a transparent favourite on this battle of the Disney islands, so this one is not going to finish as a tie in my e book.

On Castaway Cay, lunch is included at Cookies and Cookies Too, that are basically the identical besides they’re positioned at totally different elements of the island. On the buffet menu at each, you will discover choices comparable to ribs, sizzling canines, hamburgers, hen, cornbread, corn on the cob, chips, cookies, pulled pork, fruit, potato salad and beans.

I do benefit from the straightforward lunch with crowd-pleasing favorites at Cookies and Cookies Too. The line is structured with a number of buffet stations which might be all the identical, so it normally strikes rapidly and infrequently has you ready out within the solar in line for lengthy. Not to say, everybody is ready to discover one thing they like effectively sufficient to fill them up.

But whereas I just like the included meals on Castaway Cay effectively sufficient for a day on the island, I loved what is accessible and included at Lookout Cay even higher.

The meals on Castaway provides the vibe of a Fourth of July barbecue picnic, however at Lookout Cay, the island’s True-True BBQ and True-True BBQ Too lean into its tropical location a bit extra with choices comparable to plantains, ginger-marinated snapper and seafood jambalaya. Despite liking the American staples on Castaway as a lot as the subsequent individual, I do know I can get a good variety of these fan favorites on board the ship just about day-after-day of the cruise, so it is enjoyable to combine it up extra whereas on land.

But don’t fret if island-inspired meals seems like your child’s worst nightmare. There are nonetheless cheeseburgers, sizzling canines, french fries and macaroni and cheese, amongst different kid-approved classics, on Lookout Cay.

The number of menu choices at Lookout Cay does result in barely longer traces, in my expertise, because the sections of the buffet are totally different. This is nice for alternative, nevertheless it does imply a probably longer wait (typically within the solar) to make your picks. I’ll additionally add that we had a bit extra hassle getting a desk for lunch at Lookout Cay than we did on Castaway, so be strategic about getting someplace to take a seat or consuming at barely off-peak instances.

But with a higher number of extra island-inspired decisions and what I’d additionally describe as a wider collection of tried-and-true child favorites (just like the addition of fries and macaroni … do not choose), the lunchtime trophy from me goes to Lookout Cay.

Winner: Lookout Cay

Best for ease of use

Both Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay are easy-to-access islands in that no tendering is required. (For these not acquainted, tendering entails leaving your large ship on a smaller boat to achieve the land.)

On Castaway, when you step off the ship on the dock, you might be only a two- or three-minute stroll from the tram that takes you to the totally different elements of the island. However, if you happen to wished to skip the tram, it is not that far of a stroll to the closest of the 2 family-friendly seashore areas, so you might get your steps in and be on the seashore inside a couple of minutes.

On my final journey to Castaway, I acquired off the ship to do the at-your-own-pace 5K within the morning, went again to the ship to get my youngsters up for breakfast after which all of us went again onto the island collectively later that morning. The on-and-off-and-on-again state of affairs did not really feel like a giant deal as a result of proximity of all the things on Castaway.

Lookout Cay is a unique story.

To shield the ocean flooring life and never must dredge to ensure that the ship to have the ability to pull up nearer to the land, Disney constructed a prolonged pier from the place the ship docks to the island. It actually does look a bit worse than it’s, however my Apple Watch clocked the stroll from the ship to the tram cease on Lookout Cay at about 0.6 miles every means. That’s not the largest deal on this planet, nevertheless it does discourage hopping on and off the ship an excessive amount of in sooner or later. And in inclement climate, it would not essentially be a really nice a part of the journey.

There are little purple wagons for younger youngsters to be pulled in, and people with mobility points can request a golf cart experience, if wanted. But the vast majority of visitors will get about 1.2 miles price of steps in full solar simply strolling from the ship to the island and again.

Then, as soon as you might be on the tram cease and loaded on the tram, it is nonetheless a five- to 10-minute experience to the primary seashore space that Disney makes use of.

All this to say, whereas each islands are very straightforward to get off the ship and luxuriate in in comparison with visiting most different islands exterior the “Disney bubble,” there is not any query that getting straight to the enjoyable at Castaway Cay is a bit of simpler than at Lookout Cay.

Winner: Castaway Cay

Best included facilities

Do you want a waterslide into the ocean? What about a big youngsters splash space with waterslides that do not drop you into the ocean? How a few “free” 5K with a medal?

Do your youngsters wish to head to an island youngsters membership (with a shaded splash space) only for them? Do your teenagers need a hideout space the place little youngsters and adults aren’t allowed? What a few nature path?

Well, you might be in luck, relying on which of Disney’s island locations you select.

Here are some highlights of the included facilities on Disney’s Castaway Cay:

• Pelican Plunge: This is an in-water play construction positioned within the cove. It has two waterslides that shoot you into the water.
• Spring-a-leak: This is a small, coated splash space for youthful cruisers to play.
• Snorkeling Lagoon: There are some Disney-themed surprises beneath the water right here (snorkeling within the lagoon is free if in case you have your individual gear; in any other case, there’s a small charge to hire snorkeling gear).
• Castaway Cay 5K: This is a free, untimed, go-at-your-own-pace route you are able to do whereas on Castaway Cay. You’ll earn a medal after finishing the course. Pro tip: Do this primary factor within the morning, because it does get sizzling later within the day.
• In Da Shade Game Pavilion: This is a shaded space with actions comparable to basketball, foosball, chess and pool.
• Scuttle’s Cove: This is a drop-off youngsters membership for kids ages 3 to 10 (just like what you will discover on the ships).
• Teen Hideout: This hangout space on the island is only for teenagers ages 14 to 17.

While there are some overlapping facilities at Lookout Cay, there are additionally some very differentiated choices. In addition to the beforehand talked about pink-hued seashore, beachside chairs and lunch, the primary included facilities to take pleasure in on Disney’s Lookout Cay are:

• Rush Out Gush Out: This giant, colourful interactive water play space has two waterslides, splash and water drums, amongst different options.
• Junkanoo parade: This vigorous parade is placed on by the Bahamian individuals who reside on the island. It normally occurs twice per day.
• Sebastian’s Cove: This drop-off youngsters membership for these ages 3 to 10 has a water play space that’s impressed by “The Little Mermaid.”
• Goombay Cultural Center: The Junkanoo parade ends right here, so it is an excellent place to take pleasure in music and see the characters and headpieces.
• Play-Play Pavilion: This can be a shaded place to see Disney characters, plus play video games comparable to ring toss.
• Nature Trail: lf you wish to stretch your legs and study in regards to the indigenous natural world of the island, you’ll be able to stroll the roughly 20- to 25-minute marked nature path (and see the historic lighthouse from 1901).

Winner: Tie relying on preferences

Best cabanas

Both of Disney’s island locations have cabanas which you could hire in your personal private house to benefit from the seashore.

But earlier than we discuss which Disney island cabanas are higher, I wish to be certain you already know that these cabanas are fairly laborious to e book. As you’ll quickly see, there aren’t very many cabanas in comparison with the hundreds of visitors on board a typical Disney cruise, so that you usually should be crusing in a concierge-level cabin or have the very best stage of Disney’s Castaway Club standing to have a shot at early reserving … and even then, it is not assured you will get one attributable to provide and demand.

With that caveat out of the way in which, let’s dive into the cabanas on every island.

On Castaway Cay, there are 20 cabanas out there on the household seashore (certainly one of which is bigger than the others) and 6 cabanas out there at Serenity Bay, the adults-only seashore, although extra are reportedly underneath building.

Currently, the household cabanas on Castaway Cay have house for as much as six folks and price $880 for the day. It prices $1,238 for the Family Grand Cabana for as much as 10 folks for the day. The six cabanas on Serenity Bay value $523 for the day and might accommodate as much as 4 visitors ages 18 and over.

At Castaway, the household cabanas are positioned proper subsequent to one of many primary household seashores and only a seashore ball’s throw away from one of many primary areas the place you will get lunch, bikes and extra.

Related: Are Disney’s Castaway Cay cabanas definitely worth the value?

Meanwhile, over at Disney’s Lookout Cay, you will discover 20 household cabanas over in Mabrika Cove, which is notably on the alternative aspect of the island from the primary household seashore. In truth, that is the one seashore on Disney’s a part of the island the place you’ll be able to see the cruise ship from the sand. To get straight to your day within the cabana, you will not have to take the tram, as this space is the primary cease to the fitting after you stroll throughout the pier.

That’s nice information for entry functions, however on the flip aspect, which means the cabanas aren’t significantly near the Junkanoo parade, Sebastian’s Cove, the waterslides and different happenings, which would require a experience to the opposite aspect of the island.

The 16 six-person household cabanas on Lookout Cay are priced at $963 for the day. Currently, for the 4 grand cabanas with house for as much as 10 folks, you’ll be able to count on to pay $1,375 per day. (You can add additional visitors for added charges.)

On Lookout Cay, there are two grand cabanas on adults-only Serenity Bay that as much as 10 folks can take pleasure in for $963, whereas the 4 Lookout Serenity Bay cabanas that accommodate as much as 4 visitors are priced at $523.

Unique to the brand new cabanas at Lookout Cay is the presence of iPads from which you’ll order meals, extra towels, toys, cocktails and extra with simply the press of some buttons.

You do have your individual place to make your plate for lunch within the household cabana space on Lookout Cay. It has the identical meals as what’s out there on the primary lunch stations, plus steak for cabana visitors.

However, you might be faraway from many of the island’s primary facilities (and other people). That could also be a professional or con, relying on the ages of your youngsters and what you wish to do throughout your day at Lookout Cay.

Winner: Tie relying on preferences

Best sense of tradition

OK, let’s be severe. These are each Disney private island locations, so we’re speaking tastes or levels of tradition, not depths of genuine tradition. That stated, this class nonetheless has a transparent winner.

Castaway Cay is an absolute blast with enjoyable particulars, together with nice seashore outfits donned by Mickey and his buddies. You’ll additionally get a intelligent shipwrecked storyline with plenty of Disney Easter eggs hidden about.

But on the subject of any true, genuine tradition exterior of the one created by Mickey and pals … effectively, this isn’t the island you might be on the lookout for.

While Mickey and Minnie even have some totally different festive outfits on Lookout Cay, they don’t seem to be the one ones dressed for the event.

Residents of the island additionally get into the celebrations on Lookout Cay by placing on the twice-daily Junkanoo celebration.

Instead of making a fictional storyline for the island, like Disney did for Castaway Cay, the cruise line made the Bahamian folks and tradition the celebrities of Lookout Cay’s story. The island leans right into a (barely Disney-fied) model of the place it actually sits. That means you do get a dose of tradition that may be loved not solely via the parade and the cultural middle, however even within the meals and the outlets.

For instance, whereas you will get official Lookout Cay merch on the island, it’s also possible to buy jewellery, decor, luggage, toys and different objects that had been made by island residents.

Winner: Lookout Cay

Best for staying within the Disney bubble

Both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay are private Disney locations (regardless that one is not technically a complete private island). Both have Disney characters, an included lunch, a number of included facilities and Disney forged members entertaining visitors at nearly each flip.

So, each islands are fairly solidly within the Disney Bubble in lots of respects. However, they are not precisely the identical in how they method that have.

On Castaway Cay, you’ll be able to snorkel to get a have a look at underwater Disney statues in a chosen space and e book an exercise on the stingray journey proper on the seashore. And, in fact, we have already coated how straightforward it’s to get off the ship and be nearly instantly within the enjoyable.

On Lookout Cay, you might be truly on a bigger, inhabited Bahamian island, so whereas the a part of the island Disney makes use of is only for Disney, you’ll be able to do excursions that get you out of the bubble.

For instance, on Lookout Cay, you might e book the South Eleuthera Eco and Cultural Tour, throughout which you will note issues just like the city of Rock Sound, the Boiling Hole (also referred to as “nature’s hot tub”) and the Cathedral Cave, with its beautiful rock formations. That seems like quite a lot of enjoyable in order for you a broader sense of the island, nevertheless it is probably not the very best match for many who wish to keep all-in on Mickey and pals throughout their day.

Winner: Castaway Cay

Bottom line

If you requested my household in the event that they’d reasonably cruise to Disney’s Castaway Cay or Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, I guess you’d get a cut up vote — although the true reply is actually both, anytime.

For us, our favourite components of Castaway Cay are its familiarity, ease of use, 5K working and biking course, extra mature timber for shade, protected seashore and teenage hideout, the latter of which Lookout Cay notably lacks. However, it’s extremely a lot within the Disney bubble, which could be a good or unhealthy factor, relying on what you might be after from that port.

Meanwhile, our standout reminiscences from Lookout Cay contain the cool on-land waterslides, the attractive seashore with pink sand, the enjoyable Junkanoo parade and the delectable island-inspired lunch. On the flip aspect, Lookout Cay was actually sizzling (even in March) as a result of it did not have a lot pure shade, and, in fact, that trek from the ship to get to the enjoyable was unquestionably longer than on Castaway Cay.

But really, each are top-notch cruise island locations, and I’d pack my luggage in a sizzling hurry if you happen to instructed me we had an opportunity to return to both and take consolation in figuring out that there isn’t a unhealthy alternative.

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