History of Lookout Cay

at Lighthouse Point

  • Located on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas

    • Southern end of the island near Bannerman Town

  • Located about 70 mile southeast of Nassau

  • 110 miles long and 1 mile wide

  • Lighthouse Point rumor has it that would only allow Disney to build on the island

  • Beaches on both sides

  • Need extra space with addition of the Wish Class of ships

  • Purchase approved on October 19, 2018, by the Bahamian Government

    • The previous owners of the property were the Meritage Hospitality Group and The Related Group who planned to develop the area back in 2008

    • The area was originally listed for sale for $20 million but minimal additional information

    • March 11, 2019 Disney signed and completed the sale with the Bahamian Government

  • Bahamas government will lease the seabed for 50 years even though DCL purchased the 75 acres island

    • DCL can renew that lease for another 50 years

  • Will take 4 years to develop the area

  • 109 acres DCL gave back to Bahamian government

    • Crown land was donated back to the government with the salt ponds and the island tips

  • Atlantic and Caribbean side of the island have completely different beaches

    • Calm on the Caribbean side and wave action on the Atlantic side

    • The sand is different on the sides also with the Caribbean side having more sand dollars and conch

  • When guests arrive at Lighthouse Point, they’ll be greeted by a breathtaking architectural design. The curvilinear buildings will look like Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline, and upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas. 

  • The destination will also pay homage to the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the island, visitors will find playful folklore characters, which will evoke the warmth and charm of Bahamian culture.

  • At least 90% of the destination’s electricity needs will be met by an onsite solar panel

  • According to Kevin Thomas, the creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering, the goal was to create designs that accentuate the site’s qualities in an organic way. The team was focused on low-density, sustainable development that protects and preserves the environment, allowing the site’s biodiversity to shine.

  • Families can relax on the beach or play in the ocean water

  • Children ages 3 to 12 will splash and play at a themed kids’ club inspired by favorite undersea creatures from The Little Mermaid, plenty of shade, and a dedicated dining area.

  • Additional recreational activities will be available including a covered gaming pavilion; a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking.

  • North of the family area will be an adult-exclusive beach, complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation.

  • A collection of new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators will take guests beyond Lighthouse Point to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera.

  • This island will mirror what is offered on Castaway Cay, beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, tram service and lunch

  • Begin welcoming cruisers summer June 2024 on Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy

  • A three-night preview cruise is available aboard the Disney Magic departing from Fort Lauderdale on June 6, 2024. This sneak peek will provide passengers with limited access to some areas of Lighthouse Point.

  • The first official sailing to Lighthouse Point will be a seven-night itinerary aboard the Disney Fantasy, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida on June 8, 2024. This sailing will stop at the island twice. After this sailing the Disney Magic will continue sailing there from Port Fort Lauderdale.

  • Unlike Castaway Cay (separate island completely leased to Disney), this island is not entirely rented/leased by Disney, just a part of the island

    • Not technically a private island

  • Island was originally developed with the help of Joe Rohde before he retired

  • Disney has spent a lot of time to make sure the environment and Bahamian influence is added or included in the development of the island

  • Airports

    • Rock Sound (closed to DCL area but nothing international)

    • Governor’s Harbor

    • North Eleuthera

      • Only one with jet service

Information from DCL Website

https://lighthousepointbahamas.com/

Benefits To the Bahamas

  • Disney Cruise Line is creating a new experience in Eleuthera – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The destination will create sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protect and sustain the natural beauty of the site, celebrate culture, and help strengthen the community in Eleuthera.

  • A study by Oxford Economic shows that over a 25-year time horizon, Disney’s project is conservatively expected to provide a more than $800 million increase in Bahamian GDP and a more than $355 million increase in Bahamian government revenues, significantly exceeding concessions.

Highlights of the Heads of Agreement include:

  • Investing between $250 million and $400 million to create a destination in Eleuthera. This level of investment reflects Disney’s commitment to the environment and sustainable building practices.

  • Creating more than 300 construction-related jobs for Bahamians, nearly tripling the number of jobs DCL committed to in its Heads of Agreement, with an overall ratio of 80% Bahamians over the life of construction.

  • Creating at least 150 well-paying operations jobs with benefits in a range of disciplines and with opportunities for advancement. The current average wage at Castaway Cay is $600-700 per week. With guests expected to be in port 3-5 days per week year-round and the need to complete a variety of projects on non-port days, the roles will provide much-needed employment stability.

  • Developing training and professional development programs to maximize opportunities for Bahamians.

  • Providing space for Bahamian vendors for the sale of authentic, high-quality Bahamian retail goods, services, souvenirs, arts and crafts and more.

  • Providing priority to Bahamian-owned and -operated tour operators.

  • Providing priority to Bahamian entertainers.

  • Purchasing some Bahamian agricultural and seafood products.

  • Providing full access to the site for citizens and residents of The Bahamas for non-commercial purposes.

Low-Density Development & Conservation

  • Disney Cruise Line plans to have as little impact as possible on the natural environment. In fact, the project will leave the overwhelming majority of the site undeveloped. The current design calls for developing 16% of the acreage, much of it for low-density uses like the placement of beach chairs, umbrellas and small support structures. Disney is also donating more than 190 acres, including the site’s southernmost point and a significant amount of beachfront property, to the government and people of The Bahamas.

  • For the areas Disney does intend to develop, the company is focusing on sustainable design and building practices. Key highlights include:

  • The construction of an innovative, open-trestle pier that extends to deep water will prevent the dredging of a ship channel. The location of the proposed pier is based on a scientific assessment of the ocean floor to avoid areas where coral reefs are present. The viable individual corals within the pier’s footprint were expertly relocated to improve the health of struggling coral reefs in the area.

  • A proposed elevated design for many walkways and structures will reduce impacts to the natural environment.

  • 90% of the energy demand of the project will be from renewable sources.

  • Zero waste to landfill with a commitment to explore waste to energy capture.

  • The continuation of already established environmental and wildlife monitoring programs throughout construction and into operation.

  • A commitment to developing a multi-faceted program to educate employees, vendors and guests about the role they play in protecting the site, something Disney has been able to effectively do with its projects around the world.

  • The Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance for the project in November 2021.

  • Disney Cruise Line has long said it will only move forward with a project at Lighthouse Point if it is able to do so in an environmentally responsible manner.  The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) confirmed this will be possible with the Environmental Management Plan that has been put in place. Along with its own Animals, Science and Environment team, Disney assembled a team of highly qualified and experienced scientists and other professionals who worked on the EIA and EMP for more than three years. The EIA was based on extensive field work, robust data collection and analysis, direct engagement with those who have studied the site and the species observed there and a review of available literature.

  • The Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance for the project in November 2021. In addition, all necessary government permits and approvals have been granted and construction on the site has begun.

Bahamian Conservationists Disney

  • Cruise Line has hired two Bahamian wildlife conservation experts who lead the implementation of the project’s environmental management plan and local conservation strategies within The Bahamas, particularly at Lighthouse Point.

How will the development in Eleuthera be different from Disney Castaway Cay?

  • The design for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is influenced by both the natural environment of Lighthouse Point and the culture of Eleuthera and The Bahamas more broadly. Disney Cruise Line is working with the local creative community, including master artists Kevin Cooper and Antonius Roberts, to create an experience rooted in the history and nature of The Bahamas. The new destination will complement Castaway Cay, giving families the opportunity to enjoy the site’s beautiful beaches and explore nature, as well as enjoy the broader tourism offerings in Eleuthera.

How will Disney Cruise Line’s investment in Eleuthera benefit the people of The Bahamas?

  • Disney Cruise Line plans to invest between $250 million and $400 million in its project at Lighthouse Point and has committed to:

  • Create at least 120 construction jobs with an overall ratio of 80% Bahamians over the life of construction.

  • Create at least 150 operational jobs with benefits in a range of disciplines, including management roles, and with opportunities for training and advancement.

  • Develop training and professional development programs to maximize opportunities for Bahamians.

  • Provide space for Bahamian vendors for the sale of authentic, high-quality Bahamian retail goods, services, souvenirs, arts and crafts and more.

  • Provide priority to Bahamian-owned and -operated tour operators for Disney guests.

  • Provide priority to Bahamian entertainers.

  • Purchase some Bahamian agricultural and seafood products.

  • Donate more than 190 acres of privately-owned land to the government and the people of The Bahamas.

  • Develop the site in an environmentally responsible manner.

  • Provide full access to the site for citizens and residents of The Bahamas for non-commercial purposes.

  • Help strengthen the community, with a focus on schools and entrepreneurship, among other initiatives.

How much dredging will be required to develop Lighthouse Point as a cruise port?

  • No dredging will occur. Disney is developing an innovative, open-trestle pier that will not require dredging, nor will the small marina.