Following years of
planning and construction, Disney
Cruise Line’s (DCL) second private island destination is finally ready to
welcome visitors to its paradisaical shores. On Thursday, DCL brought together local
officials and community members to commemorate the official opening of Disney
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, Bahamas.
Disney Lookout Cay
is a product of the continued collaboration between Disney and a host of
Bahamian contributors—artists, historians and cultural experts—who came together
to bring this unique Caribbean retreat to fruition.
The destination offers
guests a deep dive into Bahamian culture and heritage through its artistic
designs, architectural styles, immersive experiences and entertainment
presented by local performers, as well as the island’s nature trails and
pristine beaches that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the Bahamas.
“We are excited to
celebrate the opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point with the
Bahamian community,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general
manager, Disney Cruise Line. “The making of our second island destination in
The Bahamas has been an incredible collaboration. We’re so proud of the
relationships that we’ve built here in the community and the unique story that
we’re telling together. We look forward to welcoming our first guests to the
island, where they will experience the spirit of The Bahamas with a
special touch of Disney magic.”
Thursday’s
celebration took place at the heart of Disney Lookout Cay, in front of the
colorful, Junkanoo-inspired Goombay Cultural Center. The event featured
speeches from Disney Cruise Line leadership and prominent Bahamian officials,
including Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister
of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Hon. I. Chester Cooper; and Minister of
Works and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera Hon. Clay
Sweeting.
Attendees enjoyed
a performance by local Junkanoos, including the winning teams of this year’s
Junior Junkanoo competition from Tarpum Bay Primary and Preston H. Albury High
School in Eleuthera.
Opening celebration at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, Bahamas. (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)
Bahamian Infusion
“The inclusion of
culture at Disney’s new destination in Eleuthera is exemplary,” said the prime
minister. “From its thoughtful design to entertainment featuring Junkanoos,
people who visit will experience The Bahamas and our special culture in a new
way.”
Bahamian culture
is deeply embedded throughout Disney Lookout Cay, with vibrant music, festive
entertainment, and architecture inspired by local nature and artistry. Disney
partnered with local artists and business owners to design experiences and
entertainment that reflect the rich heritage of The Bahamas.
The island getaway
itself also features beautiful permanent art installations by Bahamian artists,
including a massive sculpture formed from a fallen tree near the tram stop;
paintings, plaited fish, pineapples, conch and headdresses, and Junkanoo-inspired
tilework in the Goombay Cultural Center and cabanas; nature-inspired ceramic sculptures
in the destination’s bars; wood carvings on exterior doors; and original murals
on many of the buildings. Plus, mixed media land- and sea-inspired artworks are
scattered throughout the rest of the destination.
Artist rendering of Disney Lookout Cay. (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)
“At Disney Lookout
Cay, the inclusion of local artists promotes the diversity of our culture and
allows guests to experience this diversity through a different lens,” said
Eleuthera artist Kevin Cooper. “Spotlighting local artists and talent for
guests from around the world is paramount. These artists portray the vibe of
the island and The Bahamas at large. Guests will be entrenched in our
culture.”
Artful creations
by local Bahamian talent and a diverse array of Disney merchandise unique to
the destination will be available throughout Disney Lookout Cay. At Disney
T’ings, visitors can explore a distinctively Bahamian clothing collection
crafted by renowned Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett. Characterized by
vibrant colors and Junkanoo-inspired patterns, this line is exclusive to Disney
Lookout Cay. Elyett also designed Bahamian-themed attire worn by Mickey Mouse,
Minnie Mouse and their friends in the destination. At Treasures of Eleuthera,
guests will also find locally produced artwork, ceramics, jewelry, and other
distinctive souvenirs created by Bahamian artisans available for purchase.
Disney's
entertainment offerings will be also infused with Bahamian culture throughout
the island. Families will have the chance to participate in Rush! A Junkanoo
Celebration, where local Bahamians will share a special cultural tradition.
Additionally, Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash will invite visitors to engage
in beachside games with Disney characters, all accompanied by Bahamian versions
of popular Disney tunes.
Outside of Disney
Lookout Cay, guests will be able to personally discover the rich cultural
heritage and stunning scenery of Eleuthera through Port Adventures, which are
organized in collaboration with local tour operators.
Bahamian officials and Disney cast members presented at the opening of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Eleuthera, Bahamas. (Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line)
Community
Inclusion
The development of
Disney Lookout Cay has had a significant positive impact on the local
community, creating hundreds of construction-related jobs—more than triple the
amount Disney committed to prior to the project’s commencement—and nearly 200
high-quality permanent roles for Bahamians. The destination’s operations will
be led by an all-Bahamian team, providing opportunities for training and
advancement.
“Disney Lookout
Cay at Lighthouse Point is a prime example of the investment boom in The
Bahamas. Disney continues to be a gold standard community partner in its
support of conservation, culture, economic and community growth,” said Cooper.
Beyond the island
retreat, Disney Cruise Line is investing $1 million in youth programs, school
playground improvements and community sports spaces in Eleuthera, expanding upon
its other ongoing initiatives and commitment to supporting the local community.
This fresh investment also includes funding for the Disney Conservation Fund,
which supports youth education relating to conservation in Eleuthera.
“We want to
inspire young people in Eleuthera to dream big and provide them with the tools
they need to pursue those dreams,” said Siskie. “From donations of books and
supplies to investing in afterschool programming, playgrounds and sports
facilities outside of the classroom, we’re committed to creating a lasting,
positive impact in this community and will continue to invest in the next
generation of Bahamian leaders, storytellers and innovators.”
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