Disney Cruise Line talks private destination inspiration
The cruise line and its partners want to connect passengers to the soul of The Bahamas.
When families visit Disney Cruise Line’s original private island destination in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay, they’re immersed in an imagined Disney storyline about a castaway community. Passengers are made to feel like they’ve been shipwrecked in a Bahamian paradise touched by Disney magic.
Although its passengers love what Disney Imagineers dreamed up for Castaway Cay, the cruise line went in a completely different direction when it came time to design a new destination.
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Last summer, Disney Cruise Line opened its second private destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and began welcoming its passengers to the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas in a much more authentic way.
Located at the southern tip of Eleuthera, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is not a private island owned by Disney. It’s just one part of a Bahamian island known for its natural beauty and vibrant communities.
Rather than turn its piece of that island into an extension of a Disney cruise ship, Disney Cruise Line created a special retreat that celebrates authentic Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.
From Bahamian-inspired art, architecture and entertainment to Mickey and Minnie’s outfits, every detail at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is designed to immerse passengers in the spirit and culture of The Bahamas.
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A treasured Bahamian tradition inspired Disney Lookout Cay
At the heart of Disney Lookout Cay is Junkanoo, the signature festival of The Bahamas. Junkanoo is a cherished tradition that's a joyous celebration of the colorful sights and sounds of the Bahamian islands.
Disney Cruise Line invites families to experience the joy of an authentic "Junkanoo Rush Out" at Disney Lookout Cay with a lively parade led by a local Junkanoo group. Before the parade, families can learn about the tradition and craft their own colorful costumes at the “Sights and Sounds of Junkanoo” family workshop at Lookout Cay’s Goombay Cultural Center.
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Having Junkanoo authentically celebrated by Disney means a lot to the Bahamian people. That’s easy to see in a new video that Disney Parks shared on its YouTube channel highlighting the Junkanoo celebration at Disney Lookout Cay.
In the video, Disney’s Bahamian partners, including National Junkanoo Committee co-chairs Kishlane Smith and Warren Andrew Pinder, discuss the vibrant festival and what it makes it so special.
“Junkanoo is a passion,” shared Smith. “It is the pulsating rhythmic beat of the drum. It's a joyful expression of our spirit.”
Disney’s Bahamian partners hope cruisers will embrace Junkanoo
The leaders of the National Junkanoo Committee appreciate how Disney Cruise Line worked closely with them to ensure Junkanoo's cultural significance was authentically represented and celebrated through an experience that connects passengers with the soul of The Bahamas.
“Disney did the right job,” said Pinder. “They asked us to come in and assist them. We were able to advise.”
“They listened,” emphasized Smith. “In this sense, Disney Cruise Line is the first non-Bahamian investor for the cultural aspect of Junkanoo.”
“They actually became a part of the community,” added Pinder.
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Disney Cruise Line’s Bahamian partners are hopeful that the magic of the Junkanoo celebration will leave a lasting impact on all who visit Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
“My hope is that they experience something they've never ever seen anywhere else in the world,” said Pinder.
Theodore Elyett, the Bahamian fashion designer who designed the Junkanoo costumes worn by Disney characters at Lookout Cay, also shared his desire for Disney Cruise Line passengers to experience and appreciate Junkanoo.
“When Disney Cruise Line guests see Mickey and Minnie's looks, I want them to feel and walk away with the beauty of The Bahamas, which is Junkanoo,” explained Elyett.
“I want the world to know and understand what Junkanoo is,” Elyett continued. “I want them to embrace the culture and I want it to be something that lives on forever.”
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