Today, representatives from Disney Cruise Line, The Bahamian government, and community leaders assembled at the brightly colored, Junkanoo-inspired Goombay Cultural Center to celebrate the completion, and to commemorate the opening of its new island destination in Eleuthera, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Lookout Cay reflects the ongoing collaboration between Disney and Bahamian artists, historians and cultural experts who helped bring this one-of-a-kind tropical retreat to life. The destination immerses guests in the spirit and culture of The Bahamas through its artistry, architecture, experiences, Bahamian-inspired entertainment performed by local talent, nature trails and beaches that offer a window into the breathtaking 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.”
The program featured remarks from members of the Disney Cruise Line leadership team, as well as 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.
Thomas Mazloum, President, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences shared the following on LinkedIn:
For years, our teams at Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering have collaborated with the incredible community in The Bahamas to bring our second island destination to life. And today, we gathered alongside government officials and local leaders to celebrate the completion of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!
Thomas Mazloum
We cannot wait to welcome guests to the island when the Disney Magic arrives for the very first time next week!
Congratulations to all who made this dream a reality.
President, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences
Guests were also treated to a performance by a specially curated group of local Junkanoos featuring the winning teams of this year’s Junior Junkanoo competition from Tarpum Bay Primary and Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera.
“The inclusion of culture at Disney’s new destination in Eleuthera is exemplary,” said Prime Minister Philip Davis. “From its thoughtful design to entertainment featuring Junkanoos, people who visit will experience The Bahamas and our special culture in a new way.”
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said this new destination reinforces the importance of building strong partnerships to strengthen the future of tourism in The Bahamas.
“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,” added Cooper.
The development of Disney Lookout Cay created hundreds of construction-related roles for Bahamians, more than tripling the number of jobs Disney committed to before the project began. The destination will open with an all-Bahamian leadership team and has created nearly 200 high-quality roles for Bahamians, exceeding the original commitment in Disney’s Heads of Agreement. In addition to benefits, these roles offer opportunities for training and advancement.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will welcome the first cruise passengers on June 7th when the Disney Magic arrives during a 3-night Bahamian Crusie from Fort Lauderdale.
Looking forward to seeing it on our DVC member cruise.