Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay or Just Castaway Cay?

[aebeauregard]

Planning on taking a 5 night disney cruise this coming Jan or Feb. I am torn between the itineraries that travel to both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay or the itineraries that only visit Castaway Cay. The sailings that don't visit both seem a little cheaper. I get the consensus from the community that Lookout Cay isn't as great as people expected. Will we be missing out if we skip Lookout Cay. We've done one Disney cruise before out of Galveston that didn't visit either Disney location. We loved the ship and sea days. We found the port days a little overwhelming. I think port days still being immersed in Disney are appealing to us.

Thoughts??

 

[OKW Lover]

Yes, you'll be missing out if you don't experience Lookout Cay for yourself. Don't judge by the "consensus". Judge for yourself.

 

[insureman]

We are not going to Lookout Cay until it's been in operation for awhile. These cruises are too expensive to go to a destination that hasn't had time work the kinks out. Just my opinion.

 

[OKW Lover]

We are not going to Lookout Cay until it's been in operation for awhile.

How long will you wait? It has been a couple of months already.

 

[gatordoc]

We are not going to Lookout Cay until it's been in operation for awhile. These cruises are too expensive to go to a destination that hasn't had time work the kinks out. Just my opinion.

You should of course do what you think is best for you and your family, but we were on Lookout Cay twice in the past few weeks, and both those days were absolutely amazing! Would not hesitate to go back again anytime.

 

[Skippyboo]

Other than the flies which I have not heard any recent complaints what kinks need to be worked on Lookout Cay? The long pier isn’t going to become magically shorter. If the ship is just going to Castaway and then it’s also going to go to Nassau where a lot of people stay on the ship or you do an excursion that you have to pay for.

 

[CarolynFH]

We specifically booked an itinerary that includes both (and no Nassau) because we want to check them both out. Recent reports from Lookout Cay have been much more positive than the first ones. See this one - https://www.disboards.com/threads/another-review-of-lookout-cay.3951955/

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Yes, you'll be missing out if you don't experience Lookout Cay for yourself. Don't judge by the "consensus". Judge for yourself.

In my opinion, the private islands are the best thing about DCL. I was nervous about Lookout Cay after hearing all the complaints here. We did OK (and I have a disability that makes being on my feet for long periods difficult)— I did need to wear good orthopedic shoe supports and pack my flip flops… but it was definitely the second best (of maybe 10-12?) DCL port we’ve ever stopped at. I don’t love it quite as much as castaway cay, but I’d say it was more relaxing and less stressful (combined walking/standing/waiting around) than any DCL excursion we’ve ever done in Cozumel or Nassau or even BVI.

How long will you wait? It has been a couple of months already.

I do think there will be at least more shade and bikes + bike paths at some point. If I could only ever go once or twice, I might wait another 12-18 months? I say go now, but also know I will probably go every 18-24 months for the next decade.

Other than the flies which I have not heard any recent complaints what kinks need to be worked on Lookout Cay? The long pier isn’t going to become magically shorter. If the ship is just going to Castaway and then it’s also going to go to Nassau where a lot of people stay on the ship or you do an excursion that you have to pay for.

We did not notice any more flies at LC than we do at CC. The one day we spent there we did have a very difficult time finding ANY chairs (lounge or even regular chairs) on the beach (there were more behind the dunes but not good for watching kids in the water)— so I really hope they put more out on other days because we went on the Magic and I’m worried what it will be like on the Dream this winter. FWIW, we did show up late (about 11:30?) but we usually have luck at CC because many people are picking up their stuff to get lunch or return to ship. Maybe because there are only 2-3 rows of chairs people keep their stuff there while breaking for lunch? Around 2pm it became pretty easy to find chairs on the family beach— but all the drinks (alcoholic and not) were closing by 3:30. I’d recommend it with zero reservations for early birds and able bodied…it’s still a bit trickier for mobility limited and late risers (I am both), but I would still recommend it over Nassau and Cozumel in a heartbeat.

 

[insureman]

How long will you wait? It has been a couple of months already.

At least a year.

 

[tidefan]

We just got back and was pleasantly surprised by Lookout Cay.

 

[Cheburashka]

I'm happy to sail only to Castaway Cay. If I ever go to Lookout Cay, it will be after the vegetation has grown in and Disney has improved amenities on the island.

 

[MrsInsG]

I'm happy to sail only to Castaway Cay. If I ever go to Lookout Cay, it will be after the vegetation has grown in and Disney has improved amenities on the island.

Same. I think the area needs a couple of years to develop before I head over. In fairness, we went to CC in 2004 for the first time and it seemed to need some more time, too. Now, it's our absolute favorite destination.

 

[KGmomoftwins]

Just off the magic 45 minutes ago I said to our sever last night my dream would be to do a cruise that goes to both lookout and castaway. Lookout is amazing I will do a full tr with lots of pictures. Those who say I’m waiting until the vegetation grows in I would go whenever you get a chance life is short it is beautiful.

 

[Skippyboo]

Just off the magic 45 minutes ago I said to our sever last night my dream would be to do a cruise that goes to both lookout and castaway. Lookout is amazing I will do a full tr with lots of pictures. Those who say I’m waiting until the vegetation grows in I would go whenever you get a chance life is short it is beautiful.

You would love the cruise I am doing this October- 6 night Fantasy w 2 CC stops , 1 Lookout and Nassau Halloween on High Seas.

 

[KGmomoftwins]

I would! I wish Disney would do some of these awesome itineraries when I can go. Teacher here lol. I also wish they would do some 1 ways Puerto Rico to port Everglades would be cool too!

 

[tidefan]

Just off the magic 45 minutes ago I said to our sever last night my dream would be to do a cruise that goes to both lookout and castaway. Lookout is amazing I will do a full tr with lots of pictures. Those who say I’m waiting until the vegetation grows in I would go whenever you get a chance life is short it is beautiful.

Yeah, we were on the Aug 12-17 Magic cruise to both and it was pretty great. I don't get all of the "I'll just wait to go". We loved Lookout Cay.

 

[anjuan]

If you're a beach person, Lookout Cay is amazing. It's one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to and wouldn't miss it.

 

[drew64]

Just off the Magic and was at Lookout Cay. Beach is far, far, better than Castaway. Had no problems with chairs - plenty right on beach that were empty all day. The first beach area is crowded because people don't walk a bit further- same thing occurs at Castaway.

Yes, vegetation will be much nice once it grows a bit and will also hide some of the signs of recent construction, but again, the sand, water, and beach is far, far, nicer than Castaway.

The supposedly endless pier is a 10-12 minute walk. Saw more flies on ship deck than on Lighthouse.

All in all, a great destination and day

 

[auntlynne]

We’ve loved 5-night Double Dip (2 CC days) cruises. As we have chosen to treat many stops at Nassau as a stay-on-boat day, not being in a foreign port city makes these great beach trips. Other than USVI, my favorite beach. I can’t imagine going on a Bahamian or Caribbean beach vacation and only going out one day.

(But I also get off the ship at nearly every port stop. Even if it’s just to say I’ve been there).

The water in the Bahamas is beautiful. On CC, I chose the adult’s Serenity Bay. The water is shallow, warm, clear, nearly colorless, with little wave action. But families with kids have the family beach - with a big sea wall added, blocking the view of the wide open Sea.

On Lookout, everyone gets the big view. There seems to be more wave action. But also more opportunities to snorkel.

Unless the price difference was substantial, I would definitely pick a 2-stop Disney beach cruise.

And I am not a “beach person.” I prefer Alaska. But I want to do a LC & CC cruise. Excited that Destiny will offer these. If you opt for CC only on this cruise and like DCL, there will be opportunities to do both stops in the future.

 

[loislane]

I guess there were a few of us on the Aug. 22-26 sailing that just got home Monday.
Even with it pouring rain until about 10:30 a.m., I loved Lookout Cay. It is truly gorgeous. Yes, there is still construction stuff going on. Look away because there's plenty of other better stuff to look at. The beach is beautiful. The water is fantastic and full of fish. The nature trail is a bit rough still, but the end result of breathtaking views at the lighthouse - plus all the critters you'll see along the way - is worth it.
It doesn't take much imagination to see how truly beautiful it will be when the vegetation grows in, but it's also beautiful right now.
And I can't say enough how fun the Junkanoo Rush is!