We’ve Arrived at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!

[Mags2002]

I really don't mind the island looking the way it does, my wife and I are there for the calm and the beach. I do got to ask though, do you think the fly issue can/will be resolved at some point? I've seen so many negative reviews and videos, even showing the flies all over the food on the pool deck of the ship :/.

They’re definitely hoping it will be and are looking into how to solve this without harming the environment

 

[dreamer17555]

I’m sorry but this is inexcusable. They should not be serving food that covered in flies to anyone. There is no way Disney did not know this would be an issue prior to sailing.

ETA- I don’t understand how Disney can serve this food. Isn’t one of the Keys safety? This is a serious health risk. Flies carry all sorts of nasty virus and bacteria- some even carry parasites. What is DCL thinking serving this to guests?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1800344507621523630

 

[CampbellzSoup]

They’re definitely hoping it will be and are looking into how to solve this without harming the environment

I understand you work for Disney, so you might not be able to be openly critical, but it’s frustrating for someone who had super high hopes for this island. If the culture and environment were really a priority, why not stop at existing islands instead of creating a new Disney destination? It's possible to be environmentally friendly, entertaining, and respectful to the culture. No one wants it overly "Disney-fied," but right now, it seems bland and uninspired. I was excited for Disney's response to CocoCay, which was amazing, but this is disappointing.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

My understanding is that when they opened WDW, they had to regularly fumigate the entire area with thick clouds of pesticides and they still use a decent amount of chemical pesticides to this day. I would be curious to hear how they manage Castaway Cay but I’m guessing it is not all natural either.

It sounds like Disney made a lot of commitments about minimizing environmental impact so I’m not extremely optimistic about how they will keep insects to a minimum, especially when they can easily migrate south from the other parts of the island. If the ship is easy enough to access, I would be willing to return to the ship for meals if it means keeping protecting the local ecosystem, but I am also curious/concerned what situation is with biting insects, need to remember to pack my own bug spray, I guess.

 

[dreamer17555]

My understanding is that when they opened WDW, they had to regularly fumigate the entire area with thick clouds of pesticides and they still use a decent amount of chemical pesticides to this day. I would be curious to hear how they manage Castaway Cay but I’m guessing it is not all natural either.

It sounds like Disney made a lot of commitments about minimizing environmental impact so I’m not extremely optimistic about how they will keep insects to a minimum, especially when they can easily migrate south from the other parts of the island. If the ship is easy enough to access, I would be willing to return to the ship for meals if it means keeping protecting the local ecosystem, but I am also curious/concerned what situation is with biting insects, need to remember to pack my own bug spray, I guess.

I don’t know if you saw but apparently the flies from the island are following guests to the ship so pool deck food is also covered in them. Some reports say flies in Cabanas as well.

Add that to needing to take a tram + long walk on the pier it’s not exactly quick and easy to go back to ship for lunch.

I think you are right that DCL made certain agreements likely about protecting the ecosystem which is why there doesn’t appear to be an easy fix but on the other-hand serving food covered in flies is risk guests’ health.

 

[Mags2002]

I understand you work for Disney, so you might not be able to be openly critical, but it’s frustrating for someone who had super high hopes for this island. If the culture and environment were really a priority, why not stop at existing islands instead of creating a new Disney destination? It's possible to be environmentally friendly, entertaining, and respectful to the culture. No one wants it overly "Disney-fied," but right now, it seems bland and uninspired. I was excited for Disney's response to CocoCay, which was amazing, but this is disappointing.

I understand some people are disappointed by what they have seen/heard/read. But am very pleased to say the majority of people I have spoken to who have actually been there said they would definitely go back. So nothing in any bad review is obviously that terrible that people don’t want to go back. I recommend everyone experience it for yourself before jumping to conclusions

 

[ChipTheRescueRanger]

I had a look at the concept page for lookout.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/featured/lighthouse-point/

What we saw and what we got appears to be quite different. The buildings look well themed bight and colourful with lush vegetation. What we got was concrete boxes with pot plants

Plants will flourish over time. but will take years.

 

[RedHead0186]

I understand there are some concerns and some of them will be able to easily be addressed but it will take time to do so. Some changes have already been made in 2 days.
There is no point saying something is boring; Disney planned for it to look this way. It is not supposed to be “Disneyfied”. It is basically a port that showcases Bahamian culture, offers a stunning beach, beautiful hiking/biking trails and activities for the kids with a few Disney touches thrown in. They were very careful about the way they have done things to protect the wiIdlife and natural environment. I think it is a great destination overall and can’t wait to spend quality time there

Thank you! All the people complaining about the look seem to not understand this isn't supposed to be Castaway Cay 2.0 (at least in terms of theming). This island is meant to be a showcase of Bahamian culture, something we've seen DCL restate on social media/promos for LCLP.

People are free to prefer one over the other, of course. But the people who complain because it's not the same as Castaway really get me, it's not supposed to be that way. I, for one, am excited to go in September and will reserve full judgement until I see it for myself.

 

[disdreaming2]

Disney needs to go back to the drawing board on this one. The long tram ride and long walkway is inexcusable. The flies are disgusting not to say disease-spreading. I was considering a Disney cruise, not at this port of call. Good grief! They have a lot of problems to fix. I sure hope they do. I understand RedHead0186 your frustration at those (like myself) who have negative things to say or complaints.
I think Disney should make a huge disclaimer that if you have a walking problem/disability to choose Castaway Cay vs Lookout Cay. I appreciate them highlighting the Bahamian culture, but I feel this was executed poorly. I'm rooting for them to improve it!

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Thank you! All the people complaining about the look seem to not understand this isn't supposed to be Castaway Cay 2.0 (at least in terms of theming). This island is meant to be a showcase of Bahamian culture, something we've seen DCL restate on social media/promos for LCLP.

People are free to prefer one over the other, of course. But the people who complain because it's not the same as Castaway really get me, it's not supposed to be that way. I, for one, am excited to go in September and will reserve full judgement until I see it for myself.

I’m happy we really “get you” people who have different opinions are terrible. Who’s saying it’s suppose to be Castaway? We’re comparing it the only other output Disney has offered in terms of island. So thankful we have you to tell me what the island is suppose to be.

 

[Henlady]

A simple solution for those disappointed with light house point, is to just stay on the ship. With most people getting off the ship for the day you will have lots of swimming space in the pools and no wait for the water slide. Food will still be available. You can relax on a lounger and see the ocean if you like.

 

[anricat]

A simple solution for those disappointed with light house point, is to just stay on the ship. With most people getting off the ship for the day you will have lots of swimming space in the pools and no wait for the water slide. Food will still be available. You can relax on a lounger and see the ocean if you like.

That doesn't really tick the box for people who specifically booked a cruise to enjoy the new island.

 

[lklgoodman]

Disney had to know the flies were going to be a problem before the first cruise arrived since they had those spinning things on the buffet and tables. They may not have known just how bad they were going to be. Someone on another site suggested they put the sandwiches/burgers in individual wrappers. I thought that was a great idea. All the side dishes could be in individual containers with lids. We'll be there next month.

 

[DurangoJim]

It seems that this may be an example of Disney not listening to guests but rather wanting to show them an "authentic Bahamian" experience especially with Joe Rhode leading this. Unfortunately I think Disney really missed the mark with this. From the video's I've seen it does not look inspired or interesting. It looks like a thousand other beaches with some buildings that appear interesting from above look quite bland and dull from ground level. The issue to me with the pier is not the length but the lack of theming and any sense of excitement about what a guest is about to experience. I can't stand Nassau but at this point Lookout Cay looks very boring to me and my family.

 

[DurangoJim]

Also do we know what kind of flies they are? I did a google search and it seems the flies mentioned there are all biting flies which these don't seem to be. Any indication that they may be seasonal?

 

[o&smom]

I had a look at the concept page for lookout.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/featured/lighthouse-point/

What we saw and what we got appears to be quite different. The buildings look well themed bight and colourful with lush vegetation. What we got was concrete boxes with pot plants

Plants will flourish over time. but will take years.

Yes, I loved the original concept art when Joe Rhode was still at Disney. I noticed that newer concept art had scaled down the “specialness”.

 

[Mags2002]

Thanks, Mags2002. However, it's been reported that only guests booked into HA staterooms can use the golf carts? The vast majority of mobility issues do not require an HA stateroom. Do you have more info about how guests who are not in HA staterooms can sign-up?

An update on golf carts. If you feel you need this to get to the island due to medical or mobility requirements, book a spot at GS on the ship. The golf carts will bring anyone back to the ship if needed

 

[Mags2002]

Also do we know what kind of flies they are? I did a google search and it seems the flies mentioned there are all biting flies which these don't seem to be. Any indication that they may be seasonal?

Definitely not biting flies

 

[lanejudy]

An update on golf carts. If you feel you need this to get to the island due to medical or mobility requirements, book a spot at GS on the ship. The golf carts will bring anyone back to the ship if needed

Thank you for that update!

 

[tidefan]

An update on golf carts. If you feel you need this to get to the island due to medical or mobility requirements, book a spot at GS on the ship. The golf carts will bring anyone back to the ship if needed

Thanks! We will be on the Magic in August and DW is still recovering from a full knee replacement. Hopefully that qualifies at least her for a cart.