Disney’s Castaway Cay vs Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point: What’s the Difference?
When you set sail on a Disney Cruise, you KNOW you’re in for an adventure!
Whether you’re exploring glaciers in Alaska or discovering the Down Under, you’re sure to make new friends, enjoy some Disney magic, and experience new and exciting ports of call.


Photo: Disney
While Disney Cruise Line offers incredible destinations all over the globe, only TWO of them are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests.
Yup — we’re talking about Disney’s Castaway Cay and Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.


Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
These two private, Disney-owned destinations may seem nearly identical at first glance. They both serve up pristine tropical beaches, plenty of palm trees, and that unique brand of Disney magic.
So you might be wondering: what’s the difference between Disney’s Castaway Cay and Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point?


Disney’s Castaway Cay
Come with us to explore the differences between these two beautiful destinations. Let’s check it out!
Castaway Cay vs Lookout Cay: The Basics
Before we get into the differences, let’s take a moment to talk about what these two locations have in common.


Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Most importantly, BOTH Disney’s Castaway Cay AND Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point are located in The Bahamas. This means they have similar weather patterns, similar topographical features, and similar varieties of wildlife.
In addition, both destinations boast a family beach, youth clubs, and a separate adults-only beach for guests in search of some peace and quiet.


Serenity Bay Beach
You’ll also find an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet lunch at both locations, where cruise ship Cast Members debark to provide on-land services.


Cookie’s BBQ on Castaway Cay
Finally, it’s probably worth mentioning that lunch is included in both places, while alcoholic beverages are available at an upcharge.


Lookout Cay Water Hole Bar
But What’s the DIFFERENCE?
Okay, we’ve got some basic SIMILARITIES covered. But what’s the DIFFERENCE?


Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Let’s get into it!
Specifics:
It’s a common misconception that Disney’s Castaway Cay AND Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point are both “private islands.” You might be surprised to learn that this isn’t actually true!


Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
In reality, the biggest difference between the two locations is that only ONE of them is actually an island. Spoiler alert: it’s Castaway Cay!
The private island, which opened back in 1998, lies just to the west of Great Abaco Island.


Photo: Disney Cruise Line
Meanwhile, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which opened this year in 2024, is actually a private peninsula. It’s located on the southernmost tip of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera.


Photo: Disney
Additionally, Castaway Cay is a bit more developed, while Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has a more rugged and natural terrain.
Theming: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
All over the world, Disney Parks are known for their extraordinary and immersive theming. Unsurprisingly, this trend continues far beyond the parks, onto Disney Cruise Line’s incredible ships, and even onto Disney’s private island destinations!



Photo: Disney Parks Blog
But while both destinations involve a fair bit of Disney’s trademark theming, the major difference is in the execution.
Where Disney’s Castaway Cay is themed around a fictional backstory involving a shipwreck, Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is themed and inspired by the real-life island of Eleuretha.



Image Credit: Disney
For instance, on Disney’s Castaway Cay, you can snorkel a lagoon full of fantastical sunken statues left behind by the ill-fated “shipwreck.”


Credit: Disney
Over at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll find a more organic type of “theming.”
Disney’s newest private destination incorporates Bahamian culture in everything from food and shopping to entertainment.


RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Of course, there’s much to be said for both types of theming, so your choice really boils down to personal preference.
While Castaway Cay capitalizes on the Disney magic you know and love, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point leans into its location and works with its environment, showcasing the island’s very real and very interesting culture.


Treasures of Eleuthera at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Excursions and Activities: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
One of the best things about cruising is the adventures you have onshore! At both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll find a variety of excursions to choose from.


Photo: Disney
However, there IS a difference in the type of excursions you’ll find in each location.
At Castaway Cay, excursions consist primarily of water activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and boating. It’s all about fun in the sun — and on the water!

Photo: Disney
On the other hand, you’ll find a more varied list of onshore excursions over at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Like Castaway Cay, Lookout Cay offers plenty of water-based activities and excursions. However, you’ll also find more varied options that delve into the history and culture of the area.
In addition, Lookout Cay’s Goombay Cultural Center invites guests to learn about the culture, traditions, and environment of the Bahamas through art, music, and dance.


RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration at the Goombay Cultural Center
While Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point connects with the Bahamas in a more authentic way, Castaway Cay’s fantastical backstory delivers a magical escape from the real world.



Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Which one is right for you depends entirely on your personal preferences and travel style!
Getting There: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
So your Disney cruise ship has docked at your port of call, and it’s time to start your day! You’ll simply step off the ship and the fun begins…right?


Credit: Disney
I hate to break it to you, but not exactly. Sometimes, getting from the ship to the beach is a bit more involved than you might expect — and your experience will depend on whether you’ve arrived at Disney’s Castaway Cay or Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.



Image Credit: Disney
If you’ve arrived at Castaway Cay, the trip from the ship to the Family Beach is relatively quick and convenient.
After disembarking, you’ll walk a short distance to the tram stop, where you have the option to hitch a ride the rest of the way. You can also opt to skip the tram and walk the entire way – the walk should take you about 10-15 minutes.


Castaway Cay
Meanwhile, over at Lookout Cay, the trip from the ship to the beach is significantly longer and can be a bit more complicated. This is especially true if you’re traveling with kids or anyone with mobility issues.
Here, you’ll walk half a mile from the ship to land (for reference, this is roughly the same distance between Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort!), where you’ll embark on a 10-minute tram ride which will deliver you to the main area. You can take a look at the tram route on the map below:


Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination Map © Disney
If you have young kids in tow, be sure to bring the stroller. If you or anyone in your party cannot walk the distance, visit Guest Services onboard your ship to arrange for assistance.
Water Play Areas: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Whether you’re visiting Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll have access to a fun-filled water play area.
At Castaway Cay, this comes in the form of a spiral water slide called Pelican Plunge. Located on the island’s Family Beach, the slide is actually a floating fixture in the water — so be prepared to swim out to it!


Photo Credit: TripAdvisor.com
The height requirement for Pelican Plunge is 38″, and guests between 38″ and 48″ are REQUIRED to wear a life vest.
Meanwhile, at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll find interactive water play at Rush Out Gush Out.


Rush Out Gush Out Water Play
Unlike Pelican Plunge, Rush Out Gush Out sits firmly on land. Situated conveniently on the Family Beach, it features two slides, interactive water features, and musical instruments for creative play.


Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
There is no specific height requirement for Rush Out Gush Out, but the area is largely geared toward kids between the ages of three and 12. This makes it an attractive option for families with small kids or kids in different age groups.
Family Beaches: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Both of Disney’s private ports of call cater to kids and adults alike. At Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll find both a Family Beach and a serene, adults-only beach called Serenity Bay.


Serenity Bay Beach at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
If you’re traveling with children, you’re likely to spend the bulk of your time at the main Family Beach, where you’ll find activities like snorkeling, bike rentals, character appearances, cabana rentals, and more. Be aware that some activities come at an additional cost.


Family Beach at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
While the Family Beaches are similar in many ways, the biggest difference lies in the snorkeling experience.
At Castaway Cay, you’ll snorkel in the lagoon and explore sunken “artifacts” from the island’s fictional shipwreck. At Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, on the other hand, you’ll snorkel in the natural swimming ocean, exploring natural reefs and marine life.


Photo: Disney Cruise Line
Adults-Only Beaches:
Looking for a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle? Disney’s got you covered! At both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll find a separate beach that’s JUST for guests ages 18 and older.


Photo: Disney
In both locations, Serenity Bay serves up a bit of peace and quiet for adult guests. You’ll find loungers, food and drink, and private cabanas that are available for rent.


Serenity Bay Private Cabana at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
The major difference between the two is the location and set up of the beaches.
At Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is accessible by a tram, which delivers guests to a secluded beach that’s located far from the main Family Beach.


Photo: Disney
At Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Serenity Bay shares the same stretch of beach as the family beach, and the two are divided by a rope divider.
This may be a positive or a negative, depending on your situation. If you’re truly traveling kid-free, the more isolated location on Castaway Cay might be preferable. But if you’re traveling with kids, the convenience of Lookout Cay’s Serenity Beach could allow for a quick escape.


Serenity Bay Beach
Food: Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Whether you’re inside a Disney Park, onboard a Disney cruise, or relaxing at one of Disney’s private beach destinations, you KNOW you’re in for a good time — and LOTS of food!


Serenity Bay BBQ on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
While both locations offer similar options, you’ll find a few noticeable differences between the two.
At Disney’s Castaway Cay, guests can dine at three restaurants:
- Cookie’s BBQ: Located in the center of the island’s Family Beach, Cookie’s BBQ is the island’s main restaurant. Dining is buffet-style and features classic BBQ staples.
- Cookie’s Too: The same as Cookie’s BBQ, but located at the far end of the Family Beach.
- Serenity Bay BBQ: Located on Serenity Bay Beach, this restaurant is exclusively for guests 18 and older. Serenity BBQ offers the same menu as the other two restaurants, with the addition of rib eye.
- Food Trucks: Several food trucks are also available for quick bites.


Castaway Cay
Over at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, you’ll also find three restaurants. The biggest difference lies in the menu, which leans more into Bahamian culture.
- True-True BBQ: Located near the tram stop on the Atlantic side of Lookout Cay, True-True BBQ is the area’s main dining location. The restaurant features four food service windows including Beach BBQ Burgers, BB Ribs & Rotisserie Chicken, Flavorful Fish, and Chicken and Seafood Rice Bowls.
- True-True Too BBQ: The second True-True location features the same menu, but is situated further down the beach.
- Serenity Bay BBQ: Again, this restaurant features the same menu as the other two restaurants. However, Serenity Bay BBQ sits on the adults-only beach and only serves guests 18 and older.


Serenity Bay BBQ
You can check out our full review of dining at Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point HERE!
Don’t Miss Out!
Ultimately, think of Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay not as an “either/or” situation — they each have unique offerings and we encourage you to visit both islands!
Ready to check out Disney’s Castaway Cay or Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point? Contact MickeyTravels today to book your next Disney cruise!


Mickey & Minnie
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