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Cruises
Cruise to Disney's Private Islands Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
November 14, 2024
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Cruise with Disney and escape to their private retreats in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Depending on your cruise, you might visit:

  • Disney’s private island at Castaway Cay
  • Disney’s private retreat, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Today we’ll help you learn more about Disney’s private islands and escapes in the Caribbean. Plus, debunk some myths including which is a true private island, owned by Disney and which one might be a better choice for your cruise itinerary.

Our cruise experts know their stuff and are always on the lookout for the best Disney cruise deals to help make your vacation dreams happen, no matter where you plan to go. If at any point in the planning process you have questions—especially about booking, feel free to call us at 877-510-2929.

Disney Cruise Ship docked at privat island with colorful umbrellas on the beach with chairs

Disney’s Private Islands

Many people refer to Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay as Disney’s private islands, but the truth is—only one is truly privately owned by Disney. But both are a private oasis reserved for guests of Disney Cruise Lines. Let’s get into it.

Disney’s Castaway Cay

Disney's Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas and only Disney Cruise Line ships can pull into port here—and good news, no tenders needed. Disney purchased a 99-year land lease for the island from the Bahamian government in 1997.

Most of the island is undeveloped, but the portion being used for Disney’s recreation and day use is full of fun and entertainment. To keep Castaway Cay at its absolute best there are about 100 permanent residents employed by Disney.

Wooden sign with white bold letters saying Castaway Cay with netting around it

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

The newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line’s private oasis is Lookout Cay. It’s easy for people to mistake this as a private island, but it is actually a private peninsula. If you need to brush up on your geography skills, a peninsula is land that’s almost completely surrounded by water but is still connected to a larger land mass by a small piece of land.

Peninsulas are very island-like in feel, and while Disney does own this portion of the island of Eleuthera, it does not own the entire island. Eleuthera is an island in the Bahamas and Lookout Cay itself incorporates Bahamian themes, and was constructed by local residents. Disney also employs local residents at Lighthouse Point for its continued operation exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Lighthouse Point Lookout Cay bungalow restaurant artist rendering

Sailing to Disney’s Private Islands

If you’re hoping to stop at one or both of these island paradise locations, you’ll likely set sail from one of the Florida ports near Walt Disney World.

  • Most 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean from Port Canaveral make a stop at Castaway Cay—these sailing are a great choice for Spring Break with families.
  • Most 5 night cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean from Port Canaveral make two stops at Castaway Cay. We particularly love planning for special holiday season cruises that include this stop.
  • Many 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale make a stop at Lookout Cay making it a great addition to your Walt Disney World vacation.
  • Some 5 and 6 night cruises to the Bahamas or Caribbean from Port Canaveral a stop at Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay, so you get a two for one!
Aerial View of Disney Cruise Ship on the water with sun reflecting on the water

What’s Included on Disney’s Private Islands

Everything you need for the perfect beach getaway is here and included at no extra cost.

  • Adults-only area
  • Dining, soft drinks and BBQ buffet
  • Beach chairs
  • Beach hammocks
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Character Meet and Greets
  • Entertainment areas
  • Lifejackets
  • Lounge chairs
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • Sprawling beaches
  • Nature trails
  • Water play areas

Each location has different theming, beach and water play areas as well. You can read up on how we suggest you spend your day at Castaway Cay or your perfect day at Lookout Cay here. You really can’t go wrong with Disney Cruise Line or either location!

Aerial view of Lighthouse Point with colorful beach chairs and umbrellas surrounded by palm trees

Book Your Disney Cruise Vacation

We hope these few comparisons help you narrow down your itinerary choices—and if you need help booking the total package, our cruise experts will walk you through every aspect of your cruise including staterooms and more. Call them at 877-510-2929 for personalized help planning your Disney Cruise Line vacation or explore booking options online.

Cruise to Disney's Private Islands Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay || Get Away Today

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