Disney Cruise Line non-public 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 authentic non-public island, Castaway Cay, positioned within the sunny Bahamas.

Castaway Cay was really a primary of its sort in some methods, because it didn’t require a young to achieve the island, in contrast to the best way another cruise traces’ islands operated on the time. As a substitute, 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 non-public island vacation spot for many who selected to sail with Mickey and mates.

Nevertheless, the road entered an growth period in 2022 when Disney Want joined the unique fleet of 4 ships. This part of development will culminate in 2033 when the road expects to sail a complete of 13 ships (greater than 3 times the quantity it had in early 2022).

With the fast development in ships and passengers has come the addition of a second non-public island vacation spot within the Bahamas, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Level, which opened in 2024.

Get the free planning assist of a Disney trip planner through TPG’s associate, Mouse Counselors.

Not like Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Level is not a completely non-public island, because it sits on the southernmost tip of the populated Bahamian island of Eleuthera (about 70 miles east of Nassau). However 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 just lately took on Disney Fantasy, hit the itinerary jackpot by going to each Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. However many occasions, you might be on a ship that both goes to 1 island vacation spot or the opposite.

If it’s important to select between Disney’s Castaway Cay and Disney’s Lookout Cay, here is how these islands examine so you possibly can choose one of the best match for your loved ones.

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

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Greatest seashore

That is the place I provide the good or unhealthy information about this comparability of Disney’s two island locations. A lot of which one is “higher” is subjective, even whenever you break it into classes. So, I provides you with my take and my causes, however you would possibly come to the other conclusion than I did, which is nice, as the entire level helps you establish which one you may 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 implies the water is often very calm, making it an amazing match for households.

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

Nevertheless, if you would like a superb seat near the water or with some shade at Castaway, you typically have to both get off the ship fairly early or wait till after lunch when extra households begin to head again to the ship.

In the meantime, at Lookout Cay, that common recommendation continues to be true if you would like a seat on the primary strip of seashore. Nevertheless, at Lookout Cay, you’ve got much more choices.

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

There are chairs you possibly can deliver all the way down to that uncrowded part of the seashore, making it a reasonably unbelievable setup. That is additionally open water within the sense that you’ll get some waves that you aren’t getting when at Castaway. Whether or not or not you want that may probably depend upon the ages of your youngsters and their swimming skills, however we cherished it.

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

My private choice is the seashore at Lookout Cay. Nevertheless, I am calling it a tie as a result of the water within the household seashore part will not be 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 one of the best match for all households.

Winner: Tie relying on preferences

Greatest meals

In fact, meals can be very subjective. Nevertheless, 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 ebook.

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

I do benefit from the simple lunch with crowd-pleasing favorites at Cookies and Cookies Too. The road is structured with a number of buffet stations which can be all the identical, so it often strikes rapidly and infrequently has you ready out within the solar in line for lengthy. To not point out, everybody is ready to discover one thing they like properly sufficient to fill them up.

However whereas I just like the included meals on Castaway Cay properly sufficient for a day on the island, I loved what is out there 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. Regardless of 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 by day of the cruise, so it is enjoyable to combine it up extra whereas on land.

However don’t fret if island-inspired meals seems like your child’s worst nightmare. There are nonetheless cheeseburgers, scorching 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 completely different. That is nice for alternative, nevertheless it does imply a doubtlessly longer wait (typically within the solar) to make your picks. I am going to additionally add that we had a bit extra bother 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 occasions.

However with a higher number of extra island-inspired decisions and what I would 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

Greatest for ease of use

Each Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay are easy-to-access islands in that no tendering is required. (For these not acquainted, tendering entails leaving your massive 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 completely different elements of the island. Nevertheless, should you 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 could possibly get your steps in and be on the seashore inside a couple of minutes.

On my final journey to Castaway, I received 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 scenario did not really feel like an enormous deal as a result of proximity of all the pieces on Castaway.

Lookout Cay is a distinct story.

To guard 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 method. That is not the most important deal on the planet, nevertheless it does discourage hopping on and off the ship an excessive amount of in in the future. And in inclement climate, it would not essentially be a really nice a part of the journey.

There are little pink wagons for younger youngsters to be pulled in, and people with mobility points can request a golf cart experience, if wanted. However the majority of company 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 simple to get off the ship and revel 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

Greatest 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?

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

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

• Pelican Plunge: That is an in-water play construction positioned within the cove. It has two waterslides that shoot you into the water.
• Spring-a-leak: It is a small, lined 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 when you’ve got your individual tools; in any other case, there’s a small charge to hire snorkeling tools).
• Castaway Cay 5K: It is a free, untimed, go-at-your-own-pace route you are able to do whereas on Castaway Cay. You may earn a medal after finishing the course. Professional tip: Do that very first thing within the morning, because it does get scorching later within the day.
• In Da Shade Sport Pavilion: It is a shaded space with actions comparable to basketball, foosball, chess and pool.
• Scuttle’s Cove: It is a drop-off youngsters membership for kids ages 3 to 10 (much like what you may discover on the ships).
• Teen Hideout: This hangout space on the island is only for teenagers ages 14 to 17.

Whereas there are some overlapping facilities at Lookout Cay, there are additionally some very differentiated choices. Along with 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 massive, colourful interactive water play space has two waterslides, splash and water drums, amongst different options.
• Junkanoo parade: This full of life parade is placed on by the Bahamian individuals who reside on the island. It often 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 Middle: The Junkanoo parade ends right here, so it is an amazing place to take pleasure in music and see the characters and headpieces.
• Play-Play Pavilion: That is additionally a shaded place to see Disney characters, plus play video games comparable to ring toss.
• Nature Path: lf you wish to stretch your legs and study in regards to the indigenous wildlife of the island, you possibly can stroll the roughly 20- to 25-minute marked nature path (and see the historic lighthouse from 1901).

Winner: Tie relying on preferences

Greatest cabanas

Each of Disney’s island locations have cabanas that you would be able to hire on your personal non-public area to benefit from the seashore.

However earlier than we discuss which Disney island cabanas are higher, I wish to make certain you recognize that these cabanas are fairly arduous to ebook. As you’ll quickly see, there aren’t very many cabanas in comparison with the 1000’s of company on board a typical Disney cruise, so that you typically must be crusing in a concierge-level cabin or have the best stage of Disney’s Castaway Membership standing to have a shot at early reserving … and even then, it isn’t assured you may get one resulting from provide and demand.

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

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

Presently, the household cabanas on Castaway Cay have area for as much as six individuals and value $880 for the day. It prices $1,238 for the Household Grand Cabana for as much as 10 individuals for the day. The six cabanas on Serenity Bay price $523 for the day and may accommodate as much as 4 company ages 18 and over.

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

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In the meantime, over at Disney’s Lookout Cay, you may discover 20 household cabanas over in Mabrika Cove, which is notably on the other facet of the island from the primary household seashore. Actually, that is the one seashore on Disney’s a part of the island the place you possibly can 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 correct after you stroll throughout the pier.

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

The 16 six-person household cabanas on Lookout Cay are priced at $963 for the day. Presently, for the 4 grand cabanas with area for as much as 10 individuals, you possibly can count on to pay $1,375 per day. (You may add further company for added charges.)

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

Distinctive 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 accessible on the important lunch stations, plus steak for cabana company.

Nevertheless, you might be faraway from a lot of the island’s important facilities (and folks). That could 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

Greatest sense of tradition

OK, let’s be critical. These are each Disney non-public island locations, so we’re speaking tastes or levels of tradition, not depths of genuine tradition. That mentioned, 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 may additionally get a intelligent shipwrecked storyline with a lot of Disney Easter eggs hidden about.

However in the case of any true, genuine tradition exterior of the one created by Mickey and mates … properly, this isn’t the island you might be searching for.

Whereas Mickey and Minnie even have some completely different festive outfits on Lookout Cay, they aren’t 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.

As a substitute of making a fictional storyline for the island, like Disney did for Castaway Cay, the cruise line made the Bahamian individuals 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. Meaning you do get a dose of tradition that may be loved not solely by 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 gadgets that had been made by island residents.

Winner: Lookout Cay

Greatest for staying within the Disney bubble

Each Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay are non-public Disney locations (despite the fact that one is not technically a complete non-public island). Each have Disney characters, an included lunch, a number of included facilities and Disney forged members entertaining company at virtually each flip.

So, each islands are fairly solidly within the Disney Bubble in lots of respects. Nevertheless, they don’t seem to be precisely the identical in how they strategy that have.

On Castaway Cay, you possibly can snorkel to get a have a look at underwater Disney statues in a chosen space and ebook an exercise on the stingray journey proper on the seashore. And, after all, we have already lined how simple it’s to get off the ship and be virtually instantly within the enjoyable.

On Lookout Cay, you might be really 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 could possibly ebook the South Eleuthera Eco and Cultural Tour, throughout which you will notice issues just like the city of Rock Sound, the Boiling Gap (also referred to as “nature’s scorching tub”) and the Cathedral Cave, with its gorgeous rock formations. That seems like quite a lot of enjoyable if you would like a broader sense of the island, nevertheless it will not be one of the best match for many who wish to keep all-in on Mickey and mates throughout their day.

Winner: Castaway Cay

Backside line

If you happen to requested my household in the event that they’d relatively cruise to Disney’s Castaway Cay or Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Level, I wager you’d get a break up vote — although the true reply is absolutely both, anytime.

For us, our favourite parts 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. Nevertheless, it’s totally a lot within the Disney bubble, which generally is a good or unhealthy factor, relying on what you might be after from that port.

In the meantime, 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 facet, Lookout Cay was actually scorching (even in March) as a result of it did not have a lot pure shade, and, after all, that trek from the ship to get to the enjoyable was unquestionably longer than on Castaway Cay.

However really, each are top-notch cruise island locations, and I would pack my luggage in a scorching hurry should you advised me we had an opportunity to return to both and take consolation in understanding that there is no such thing as a unhealthy alternative.

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