Lookout Cay long pier.

[CampbellzSoup]

If only Disney had a private island…

They do it’s half done and incomplete.

 

[DisneyPrince22]

They do it’s half done and incomplete.

Care to explain how Castaway is “half done” and “incomplete”?

 

[71 Truck]

I posted this back on page 2 and still believe it will it will go a long way with a lot of guest who may have challenges with the long walk on this long pier.


(How about a Gondola?

My wife and I like to walk as much as possible. Weather it is the ports of call, around Cast Away Cay or even the parks to us it is not a big deal for us.
With that said their will always be people who will need accommodation and it looks like Disney has thought of that.

The average person walks approximately 5 to 10 miles a day around Disney World. And yes I know if you get tired you can take a break inside an air-conditioned building if needed.
I think what will go a long way for most people will be three things,
1. A covered or partial covered walk way
2. Benches or a place to sit so people can stop and rest if needed
3. Cold water stations so people can get a drink if needed

I am sure Disney is reading not only comments from the online community but also the guest surveys.
If enough people mention the long walk on the pier I am sure Disney will do something about it, remember this is a new concept for them with it not being their own private Island.)

 

[TeamRiley]

Expectations are if I choose to sail with Disney, I’m getting unique Disney experience not a nature experience.

So we should destroy the environment and endanger more species just so you can feel special?

I think we can protect the environment and still have a great time

 

[Cheburashka]

If only Disney had a private island…

It is now harder to cruise to their private island because of Lookout Cay. Half of their Bahamian cruises, and most of their cruises on certain ships, are headed to LC. The debut of LC absolutely reduces people's ability to have the real Disney private island experience.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

So we should destroy the environment and endanger more species just so you can feel special?

I think we can protect the environment and still have a great time

Who even said that? We’re having a discussion about the island stop taking it personally, relax.

 

[TeamRiley]

Who even said that? We’re having a discussion about the island stop taking it personally, relax.

I am not taking it personally. I am just saying that I agree with Disney's new approach, and I would bet a lot of other people do as well. I would rather have the new resort as it is rather than having it be Castaway part 2.

Just because other developers do things to an island doesn't mean it is the right thing, or that everyone should do it.

 

[dreamer17555]

My issue isn't just the pier (But benches and shade seems like something that could be done). But with this idea of "environmental impact" used to justify everything lacking at LC. Why is there no teen space like as Castaway? Or In Da Shade equivalent? But a splash pad with slides that only appeal to the under 10 set is ok?

And the cultural center is lacking IMO and do not even get me started on Play!Play!...

 

[CampbellzSoup]

My issue isn't just the pier (But benches and shade seems like something that could be done). But with this idea of "environmental impact" used to justify everything lacking at LC. Why is there no teen space like as Castaway? Or In Da Shade equivalent? But a splash pad with slides that only appeal to the under 10 set is ok?

And the cultural center is lacking IMO and do not even get me started on Play!Play!...

EXACTLY so well put.

But the over abundance of cabanas at $600/$800 a pop seem to be environmentally friendly.

 

[insureman]

Expectations are if I choose to sail with Disney, I’m getting unique Disney experience not a nature experience. This talk about not buying an island doing anything you want is garbage. Recently, Carnival and other cruise lines have bought their own islands, focusing on exclusive and luxurious experiences for their guests. Disney could have done the same, investing in a private island to create a unique Disney-themed paradise. However, they chose to focus on nature preservation instead.

While I understand this decision if they had an audience passionate about environmental conservation, it seems misaligned with their core audience. Disney fans are drawn to the magic and wonder of Disney's unique brand, not necessarily nature preservation. Also this wonderful bohemian culture that Disney is emphasizing on everyone stays on the ship most days when it’s ported in the Bahamas.

Good points. It sort of reminds when they built Animal Kingdom (remember not a zoo they kept telling us). They had to add attractions to get people to come. I can tell seeing Lookout Cay videos this has Joe Rohde all over it.

 

[DCLMP]

It is now harder to cruise to their private island because of Lookout Cay. Half of their Bahamian cruises, and most of their cruises on certain ships, are headed to LC. The debut of LC absolutely reduces people's ability to have the real Disney private island experience.

Maybe it's time to do something besides Bahamian cruises?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Maybe it's time to do something besides Bahamian cruises?

We have. We've done Alaska, Med, Norway and Panama Canal x2. We'd sail DCL for the British Isles next year if they still stopped in Belfast.
Sometimes we just want to unwind on a short cruise which usually means sailing from FL so the Bahamas becomes the default getaway when you need a break from the stress of life.

 

[Jwaire]

My issue isn't just the pier (But benches and shade seems like something that could be done). But with this idea of "environmental impact" used to justify everything lacking at LC. Why is there no teen space like as Castaway? Or In Da Shade equivalent? But a splash pad with slides that only appeal to the under 10 set is ok?

And the cultural center is lacking IMO and do not even get me started on Play!Play!...

This is the same WDI team that reimagined EPCOT, what did you expect? Generic rectangle buildings, decals instead of permanent signage, lack of regard for the guest experience, awkward Family cabanas location, etc.

They budget cut this private destination just like everything else created during the last few years.

The admitted they redesigned World Nature and Communicore Hall on Zoom during a panel at IAAPA.

This was probably done the same way—value engineering. Especially after they forced
Joe Rohde into retirement.

 

[imbelle]

If I'm reading correctly it looks like the pier is about the same length (.8 mile) as the walkway between Epcot and HS. I do this walk at least a couple of times each trip and I don't remember any benches or shade (except under a car overpass). If someone wants to get a feel for whether or not they are up to the pier walk, they could maybe try doing a trial run on the Epcot/HS walkway when they're in WDW.

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

It is now harder to cruise to their private island because of Lookout Cay. Half of their Bahamian cruises, and most of their cruises on certain ships, are headed to LC. The debut of LC absolutely reduces people's ability to have the real Disney private island experience.

Let's not forget they are adding the Treasure and 77 ADDITIONAL cruises to CC, none of which go to LC.

But Easy, Hard, harder, hardest, these are all relative terms. I am not the best with the disneycruise web reservation site, sometimes miss cruises as has been pointed out here, but even I can find 458 available cruises that go to Castaway Cay ranging from 3 nights (103) to 13 (1) with 326 in-between. 458 seems like a big number to me. Certainly there is something there for people to choose?

And I also note, while many/most just go to CC (99% of the three night, 66% of the four night, 24% of the 5-6 night, 99% of the seven night) and NOT both CC and LC, many that go to CC alone also stop at Nassau. Many people chose Nassau as a stay on the boat port, so if a cruise DOES go to both CC and LC, what is the difference that and CC and Nassau? For those that absolutely are allergic to LC that is. Stay on the boat. It's a choice.

Just saying there are 458 cruises that go to CC. This does not appear to be an undo hardship depriving people that want to visit CC. It will be interesting to see how prices evolve over time.

 

[OKW Lover]

Let's not forget they are adding the Treasure and 77 ADDITIONAL cruises to CC

Is the Treasure going more than once a week? What other ships add up to the 77?

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

Is the Treasure going more than once a week? What other ships add up to the 77?

Treasure cant go more than once a week as they are 1 week long cruises

I just used the DisneyCruise site for available cruises and as filters used destination 'go to castaway cay' and ship 'treasure.' I did not restrict the date range. I see that it goes into 2026 (having just booked one of those cruises on the treasure myself lol). so, the 77 IS the treasure alone. the total 458 is for all the ships that go there, and I am not going into that again lol. but yes, the time frame is ALL available cruises, and that goes into 2026 now. I could have restricted my time search, but the results would be similar, except for the treasure. yes if I only looked at cruises for this summer, the treasure is 0

I think my point stands, yes the presence of LC does alter the equation, but there are PLENTY of trips to CC still so people really do still have a choice if they absolutely vomit at the thought of LC and dont even want it on their itinerary.

I guess I am just too much of a pragmatist but tend to deal with the situation that is, not what I wish it might be.

EDIT: To avoid confusion I probably should have said "Let's not forget they are adding the Treasure and it is goin to CC 77 times so that is an ADDITIONAL 77 cruises to CC, none of which go to LC." I blame too much coffee, for making the assumption one thought followed the other. Sorry about that! that is why I review and edit my business reports several times lol

 

[sabrecmc]

For me, the pier length and lack of shade wouldn't be such a huge issue if it was getting me to a place I really wanted to go. I think part of the dissatisfaction is the cumulative effect of all the perceived deficiencies of LC. No teen place, not much seating on the beach, adult beach not separated, flies, not a ton to do, long tram ride, vegetation still growing in, FLIES (sorry, I'm still grossed out, I know it's nature, but ew), etc. Overall, it's just disappointing to me.

I'm happy to just stay on the ship, don't get me wrong, but it would have been nice to have something really exciting and luxurious to look forward to at the end of that pier, and FOR ME, what I've seen so far is not that. I'm sure it appeals to many people, and I hope it is well enjoyed. Maybe they will make some changes over time. In the meantime, I moved our cruise that stopped here to one that goes to CC. I think I'd be disappointed if I didn't.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

My treasure goes to castaway cay thank god.

What’s up with the no shading or colorful shading on the dock anyone wanna defend them in this one?

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

For me, the pier length and lack of shade wouldn't be such a huge issue if it was getting me to a place I really wanted to go. I think part of the dissatisfaction is the cumulative effect of all the perceived deficiencies of LC. No teen place, not much seating on the beach, adult beach not separated, flies, not a ton to do, long tram ride, vegetation still growing in, FLIES (sorry, I'm still grossed out, I know it's nature, but ew), etc. Overall, it's just disappointing to me.

I'm happy to just stay on the ship, don't get me wrong, but it would have been nice to have something really exciting and luxurious to look forward to at the end of that pier, and FOR ME, what I've seen so far is not that. I'm sure it appeals to many people, and I hope it is well enjoyed. Maybe they will make some changes over time. In the meantime, I moved our cruise that stopped here to one that goes to CC. I think I'd be disappointed if I didn't.

For what it is worth, I applaud your decision. You evaluated and chose. I can understand how LC isnt for everyone, and to me one can complain, or move on to another choice (or maybe both lol). I think making a choice is more productive.

I am still in the evaluate mode but have no plan to change. I originally had a cruise that went to both CC and LC, but decided that was too much to pay to satisfy my curiosity on LC, so I downgraded to LC only. Put the rest of the money into an Alaskan cruise (okay that and more lol). I watched like everyone else the first few videos and sure I was not impressed by the flies. But it's not my first rodeo with vloggers (not saying it is with you), and always take what they say with a HUGE grain of salt. Negative comments get more clicks thats just how it is. And I know how to spot the corporate shills too. the truth is usually in the middle and can be found by watching more than listening. Plus I know little goes as planned on inaugural cruises. That's the nature of the beast. Again, people complain companies should finish a project and test it thoroughly before exposing passengers, but thats just not how it works in the cruise industry. that is a LOT of revenue lost to them. shrugs. some people will always pay to be first, even when told the risks. of course they still complain lol.

And I think my patience is being rewarded. By all accounts the fly problem has been resolved. no one is reporting on it now. The chair issue, well, yes, not all of the beaches have chairs as close to the shore as they are at CC, but that has to do with the high tide line and by all accounts there are beaches where one can find a chair on the shore (LOTS of shoreline at LC). With larger boats that might be a problem, with smaller ones, less of a problem. but frankly I am old enough that I was raised during a time there were no chairs on the beach and one laid on a towel, so its just not a huge concern to me. I understand why it might be to others. No teen place, well again, raised in a time we didnt seek to entertain our teenagers, I certainly wasn't lol. My mom was clear, not her job, go do something. shrugs. Apparently I was an abused child. Maybe thats why I am so ornery now. But hey, it's a Caribbean island, how bad can it really be? Yep, agreed the pier is not optimal. I reserve the right to request transport a day before if I so decide. a 10 minute tram ride to the Beach? not really an issue to me, I got time. There are things to see. Not excited at the cutesy narrative but oh well. I was concerned about the apparent lack of separation of family and adult beaches until I saw the videos, but I really haven't heard or seen any accounts of hordes of invading families wandering down the beach with kids in diapers or anything like that so it falls under the list of theoretical concerns for me to find out for myself.

Choice is great. Congrats on exercising yours!