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

[Kwami]

But, really, it just seems odd to me that the pier isn’t little wider with a walk lane and a tram lane.

In the FAQ posted earlier about locals having access to the area, there were a bunch of questions about the environmental impact of building Lookout Cay. In one of the answers, Disney made a point that they were able to reduce the width of the pier by a substantial amount so that it would be less damaging to the surrounding environment, including corals.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

Yup. Disney Dream, Fantasy and Magic do it. They are 4 night cruises though with stops at CC and LP. 5 Night cruise will add Nassau to CC and LP

We are on a 5 night in February that stops at all three.

 

[lilmc]

I understand long, hot walks with tired children at the end of the day schlepping gear, but the additional damage to coral reefs and the added advantage of (hopefully) less days that the ships can’t dock are important considerations. It really is no different than hauling kids to the parking lots at nap time from the parks (reminiscing about the COVID days with no trams in the MK parking lots).

 

[dcassetta]

From the video I posted a link to by Views and Queues. Looks like there is 9:50ish mark in the video. Unless you mean nothing else than these chairs? Not sure haven't been there and randomly saw the videos on YouTube.

View attachment 866791

It’s these images that are a little concerning. There will be three or four of us visiting the island and we would like to all sit together, in a shady area. That is not a problem at all at CC. Here it looks like the umbrellas only cover two chairs, and there are no trees yet.

 

[Donna3271]

When are these? Not in August I know that.

I am on the Oct 31 cruise. It is a 5 night stopping at Lookout Cay, Castaway Cay and Nassau.

 

[Donna3271]

Did anyone see about the firsts guests to the "island" well cay not being on a Disney cruise. They rented a boat and sailed over and welcomed with open arms.

apparently due to it being a public beach people have access who are not guests. Not sure if they can use the facilities but can walk around. Not sure how true or if this has been confirmed yet.

I read this too, that the locals have full access. Perhaps someone can elaborate on the particulars.

Edit: Just read through the thread. Someone explained... Thank you!

 

[kdonnel]

It’s these images that are a little concerning. There will be three or four of us visiting the island and we would like to all sit together, in a shady area. That is not a problem at all at CC. Here it looks like the umbrellas only cover two chairs, and there are no trees yet.

There were 4 in my group. We just grabbed two of the umbrellas and had our four chairs. While not right next to one another we felt close enough.

 

[jimmymc]

Are there any reports about how strict the golf carts are for who they will and won't take? Do you have to be staying in an accessible room or register with the ship, or can anyone just line up for a ride?

Similar to Disney World, there are plenty of people who might not need help getting around the ship or to the tram stop in Castaway, but a 15 minute uncovered walk with nowhere to stop isn't doable. I'm also wondering if a tired family could get in line for a cart at the end of the day.

When I visited Icy Strait Point and Ward Cove on NCL, there were carts waiting to help anyone who needed them. And neither of those piers were close to this one.

 

[LadyNia]

I understand long, hot walks with tired children at the end of the day schlepping gear, but the additional damage to coral reefs and the added advantage of (hopefully) less days that the ships can’t dock are important considerations. It really is no different than hauling kids to the parking lots at nap time from the parks (reminiscing about the COVID days with no trams in the MK parking lots).

The difference is that at Disney parks we have a stroller. Just went on an April cruise with my 4 year old and we didn’t bring one and did just fine because we didn’t have walks like this as part of our vacation. We have a cruise that includes lighthouse point next year and I really hope Disney has some complimentary strollers or wagons at each end of this pier to help families with young children get across.

 

[Mags2002]

I have no issue with the walk but I’m curious how it’s gonna go if you have golf carts going in two directions. If the walkers can only be say 2-3 wide and you get stuck behind the preschoolers…. That’s not gonna be pleasant. Even if you are playing frogger to get around them. I could very well be wrong- we’ll see next week with real guests.

It’s actually wide enough for 2 golf carts and walkers

 

[Mags2002]

The difference is that at Disney parks we have a stroller. Just went on an April cruise with my 4 year old and we didn’t bring one and did just fine because we didn’t have walks like this as part of our vacation. We have a cruise that includes lighthouse point next year and I really hope Disney has some complimentary strollers or wagons at each end of this pier to help families with young children get across.

There are complementary strollers and wagons but only for the island, not the pier

 

[randumb0]

I understand that Disney wants to protect us environment, but they also need people to not stay on this ship during the stop

 

[JM_97]

It appears it was done to preverse wildlife and to avoid tendering. I don't think it's going to be this huge hassle that some are making it out to be.

Also, the first of anything is going to have bumps in the road. A new restaurant, cruise ship, vacation spot, etc. It's why I never jump on things on Day 1. Let it work through the growing pains. I've heard that the Disney Magic inaugural sailing was a madhouse, but obviously got things right.

 

[HopperFan]

The DCLFan link posted above included a picture of large golf carts that look to be for those with disabilities.

View attachment 866551

Travel Planner on the ship said they asked and were told only guests who have BOOKED a H/A Cabin can use the cart transportation.

Did anyone see about the firsts guests to the "island" well cay not being on a Disney cruise. They rented a boat and sailed over and welcomed with open arms.

apparently due to it being a public beach people have access who are not guests. Not sure if they can use the facilities but can walk around. Not sure how true or if this has been confirmed yet.

Travel Planner on ship reported ~
~ Not a private island, Disney just owns some land
~ Because of ^ anyone on the island or by boat can use the Disney beaches with a Day Pass
~ She said these folks ^ can not enter the Children's Areas but have access to the rest including food
~ Said it feels like a Bahamian beach but does not feel like Disney

 

[DCLMP]

We are on a 5 night Magic in mid August sailing from Ft Lauderdale. Stops are at Castaway Cay, Nassau, Lighthouse Point. I believe only sailings from Ft L are currently scheduled for stops at LHP

Yes but I was questioning the cruises without Nassau

 

[DCLMP]

Even for folks who don’t have mobility issues, 15 minutes (each way) in direct sun in 90+ degrees schlepping beach gear and infants/toddlers is not the same as wandering through Europe with the option to pause and rest in shops and cafes. Moreover, it’s not how most people want to start a beach day and definitely not how they want to end it….there is a reason why beach-adjacent rentals cost 3-5x as much as houses that are 10 blocks from the beach.

Walking 10 minutes without stopping is not difficult.

 

[DCLMP]

Perhaps it’s not your intent, but your post comes across as rather ableist. I would guess that people expected a similar level of transportation accommodation on the new island as already exists on CC. After all, this is not a European cruise, they are booking a Bahamian cruise to a private island.

It’s a 10 minute walk at a slow pace. I think people are overestimating how far 1/2 mile is.
Floating piers or seawalks are becoming more common. Apparently they are more environmentally friendly. I don’t think are designed to accommodate trams. It certainly beats sitting in the Walt Disney theatre for a tender boat.

 

[xiphoid76]

Will be interesting to see how it goes. These vlogger videos are always a little biased and I don’t trust them. I actually wish Disney would not have them at all. Stop giving them a free cruise to vlog about it. When guests start going in a few weeks we will see what it is really like. And maybe Disney will improve what needs fixing.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Walking 10 minutes without stopping is not difficult.

I probably would have made this comment a decade ago, it's easy to take being healthy for granted if you've never known anything else -- I truly hope that nothing happens in your life that changes it, but I hope you consider yourself fortunate that a > 1mi round trip in tropical temperatures doesn't cause you any concerns.

 

[dcassetta]

Walking 10 minutes without stopping is not difficult.

For you.