Did they think the water was enough?

[DisneyPrince22]

I'm not sure I'd agree with that conclusion. Perhaps it was a conscious choice by Disney to limit the impact of construction on that part of the island?

I believe it’s listed in the environmental reports, where it states Disney created this raised platforms and walkways to avoid messing with the natural aspects of the island. I’m sure agreements were made with the Bahamian government on their impact and how much of the land they were to develop.

I still hope we see some improvements further out. Disney would have been smart to push the official opening a little and sail to the island for two months as play test previews. See what works, what doesn’t and make improvements before a big splashy premiere.

 

[Imaginette]

Can @Mags2002 or anyone else suggest how I may contact DCL with a suggestion to add Hammocks to LP? ALSO - We love the hammocks, truly, it's the only way I can sell DCL to my husband. He loves them, and if anyone knows the best places on CC for hammocks in the shade, please give me some info... He really, really needs this, it's been a year! Lol thank you!

 

[auntlynne]

Can @Mags2002 or anyone else suggest how I may contact DCL with a suggestion to add Hammocks to LP? ALSO - We love the hammocks, truly, it's the only way I can sell DCL to my husband. He loves them, and if anyone knows the best places on CC for hammocks in the shade, please give me some info... He really, really needs this, it's been a year! Lol thank you!

Serenity Bay has a few hammocks in the shade - near the entrance to the beach.

Maybe some at Family side? Others can comment…

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Is there anyone here who went to CC right when it opened? Curious what it was like back then. Also, curious if weather/winds will impact docking at LP like it does at CC sometimes, anyone know?

 

[LoveDaisy]

Is there anyone here who went to CC right when it opened? Curious what it was like back then. Also, curious if weather/winds will impact docking at LP like it does at CC sometimes, anyone know?

There is a thread on it as people have been comparing the two.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/what-was-castaway-cays-opening-like.3947854/

 

[auntlynne]

Is there anyone here who went to CC right when it opened? Curious what it was like back then. Also, curious if weather/winds will impact docking at LP like it does at CC sometimes, anyone know?

I expect LP to have docking issues, too. I’ve watched or read enough reports of cruise ships buffeted by winds and rain at ports to think it’s a chance anywhere.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

I expect LP to have docking issues, too. I’ve watched or read enough reports of cruise ships buffeted by winds and rain at ports to think it’s a chance anywhere.

From experience, it's much easier (not perfect, but easier) coming alongside the pier at LP than backing into the dredged channel at CC. Much, much, much easier.

 

[JimmyMartin]

You know, Disney just can't win. If there's too much Disney, all we see is whining that Disney is forcing its IP everywhere and that they should go back to the more subtle, light Disney touches. If they go with a more subtle theme, all we see is whining that there isn't enough Disney. You all are impossible.

You know Disney hid the long pier till opening day.

 

[Kwami]

You know Disney hid the long pier till opening day.

Did they, though? Because they released a map quite a while before opening day and it showed the pier. And you could see it on Google Maps for even longer than that. I really don't know why anyone was surprised by it.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Did they, though? Because they released a map quite a while before opening day and it showed the pier. And you could see it on Google Maps for even longer than that. I really don't know why anyone was surprised by it.

My guess based on nothing more than pure speculation is that people were expecting some shade and benches to be there on opening day.

 

[GoofyDisneyDaddy]

I expect LP to have docking issues, too. I’ve watched or read enough reports of cruise ships buffeted by winds and rain at ports to think it’s a chance anywhere.

At lighthouse point right now. It’s very windy - sand blowing windy. Ship docked fine.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Yeah, the water is stunning, but I agree, they could definitely add more activities and amenities. I'm sure Disney will expand on it eventually—they usually do!

Absolutely

 

[asgur5]

It's 90% of what Castaway Cay offers, and people love that island.

They will be adding the nature trail and bike rentals, which Castaway also has. The only big thing that's missing is the Stringray area, but they offer snorkeling excursions that take you out to reefs, which is a big upgrade over Castaway IMO.

A new island should be better then castaway cay. Not the same or even worse.

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

A new island should be better then castaway cay. Not the same or even worse.

Apples and oranges. It is up to the person which they prefer, and if that preference means they won't go to the other. They are two different experiences that are not mutually exclusive. And one aspect of LC that does not get discussed much in comparing the two, is it has actual private shore excursions as part of the island of Eleuthera, versus CC which has none. That is going to make it better to some people, but like I said it's a matter of taste. I am glad they didn't just make CC Version 2.0 that had to be 'better.' Who would want to go to the original CC then?

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Apples and oranges. It is up to the person which they prefer, and if that preference means they won't go to the other. They are two different experiences that are not mutually exclusive. And one aspect of LC that does not get discussed much in comparing the two, is it has actual private shore excursions as part of the island of Eleuthera, versus CC which has none. That is going to make it better to some people, but like I said it's a matter of taste. I am glad they didn't just make CC Version 2.0 that had to be 'better.' Who would want to go to the original CC then?

I have hardly read anyone who prefers the new island over Castaway Cay. Animal Kingdoms opening focused on conservation, but it had to be completely overhauled with additional attractions due to guest dissatisfaction.

While everyone appreciates nature, they don't necessarily seek it out during a Disney vacation where they're spending thousands for a unique Disney experience.

 

[Kwami]

While everyone appreciates nature, they don't necessarily seek it out during a Disney vacation where they're spending thousands for a unique Disney experience.

Speak for yourself. I very much seek out nature, even on Disney vacations. That's why Animal Kingdom is my favorite park, why I enjoyed my cruise to Alaska more than the others, and why I'm happy that Disney went above and beyond to preserve the environment of the island as much as they could while still building a nice beach destination.

 

[MomOTwins]

I have hardly read anyone who prefers the new island over Castaway Cay. Animal Kingdoms opening focused on conservation, but it had to be completely overhauled with additional attractions due to guest dissatisfaction.

While everyone appreciates nature, they don't necessarily seek it out during a Disney vacation where they're spending thousands for a unique Disney experience.

I love Disney parks, and I love castaway cay, but I’ve never thought of castaway as a “unique disney experience.” The only parts of it that are disney-specific are the merchandise and the characters, which lookout cay has, and the sunken snorkel lagoon items but those are to make up for the lack of a real snorkel reef at castaway. Lookout cay has amazing snorkeling. The rest if castaway with its buildings, beaches, dining etc have more if a tropical theme than a disney theme. It really isn’t all that different in amenities and design to lighthouse point.

A new island should be better then castaway cay. Not the same or even worse.

Honestly I don’t think that is true. Disney needed a second island stop because with the new triton class ships, castaway alone is not enough for all the caribbean/bahamas sailings. To a new cruiser one “disney cay” is as good as another. Howerver, there are some aspects that are better for some people. The beautiful white sand and clear water looks incredible. The nature trail with the little caves to explore looks lovely. The wooden boardwalks are a step up from the concrete at castaway. And the water slide on land instead of dunking you in the sea is a huge plus with little kids who aren’t strong swimmers. I’ll reserve judging until i go but now that the flues are under control and you can take golf carts to the ship if you family gets tired it sounds like they fixed the major pain points.

 

[mousefan73]

Agree I never thought of CC or LH to be a "unique disney experience"... What do I want? very simple: an easy convenient way to enjoy a tropical beach, that is easy to get to and from and in and out of water. Not having to worry about local crime, people selling me stuff on the beach and ammenties like a chair and clean bathrooms.. Oh and make that beach (Sand) and water clear and nice. Have available water toys (like snorkel and floaties) and just let me chill in peace.

Usually going to a beach ( unless you are lucky to be on private beach front) means, driving, trying to find parking, lugging chair and stuff and then trying to find a bathroom at some point and watching your stuff like a hawk. (yes CC stuff has gotten stolen, but you cant compare to Miami Beach) . CC was for us a luxury experience on the ease and convience. I honestly wasnt looking for a "Disney" or mickey experience.

BTW last night took my evening walk.. check my pulse and noticed I had been walking for a while and the time was 13 minutes.. My first thought was OMG this is how long ( if super fast) it takes to walk from the boat to the beach and I was like - well that sucks.

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

I have hardly read anyone who prefers the new island over Castaway Cay. Animal Kingdoms opening focused on conservation, but it had to be completely overhauled with additional attractions due to guest dissatisfaction.

While everyone appreciates nature, they don't necessarily seek it out during a Disney vacation where they're spending thousands for a unique Disney experience.

How many people have you personally met that have been to both? Or are you going off of you tube videos? I have seen plenty of people say they appreciate LC, but I will be glad to give my personal opinion in September. If people don’t think they will enjoy LC they just don’t have to go. Choice is good, what’s the problem with choice? Like I said, I’m glad it’s not more of the same as some people seem to want. I like Disney experiences that are not cookie cutter.

 

[Erica1016]

BTW last night took my evening walk.. check my pulse and noticed I had been walking for a while and the time was 13 minutes.. My first thought was OMG this is how long ( if super fast) it takes to walk from the boat to the beach and I was like - well that sucks.

Our evening walk is typically about 1 mile to the end of the road and back. I've now started saying (right before the turnaround), "we're almost at the tram stop". And when we get back to the house, I say "we're almost back to the ship". Trying to mentally prepare myself for our vist to Lookout in December.