Disney Cruise Line hosted Bahamian officials and community members for a special celebration to commemorate the opening of its new island destination in Eleuthera, .
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, performed by local talent, nature trails and beaches that offer a window into the breathtaking of The Bahamas.
Following an inaugural cruise on June 8, the Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy will all offer select sailings with stops at Disney Lookout Cay.
“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.” In addition to remarks from Bahamian officials and members of the Disney Cruise Line leadership team, attendees were 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 Hon. 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.
Bahamian Inspiration and Influence
The rich culture of The Bahamas is prevalent throughout Disney Lookout Cay, from vibrant music and festive entertainment to architecture reflecting Bahamian nature and artistry. Disney collaborated with local artists and business owners to create experiences and entertainment at Disney Lookout Cay.
“Disney’s collaboration with Bahamian creative communities resulted in a truly unique cultural experience in South Eleuthera,” said Antonius Roberts, renowned Bahamian artist. “Visitors and locals alike will be enlightened and entertained by the powerful stories shared by local musicians, artisans and storytellers. I am proud to have played a part in bringing this vision to life and believe that Disney’s commitment to promoting cultural understanding and appreciation will leave a lasting impact on all who visit Disney Lookout Cay.”
“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.”
Beautiful permanent art installations by Bahamian artists will be on display throughout Disney Lookout Cay, including:
- A large sculpture created by Antonius Roberts located near the tram stop that was constructed from a fallen tree that was found on Lighthouse Point property.
- Paintings by Kevin Cooper featured in the Goombay Cultural Center and cabanas.
- Nature-inspired sculptures created by ceramicist Imogen Walkine featured above the destination’s bars, along with Junkanoo-inspired tilework in locations such as the Goombay Cultural Center.
- Plaited fish, pineapples, conch and Junkanoo headdresses by Philip and Michelle Kemp in the Goombay Cultural Center and cabanas.
- Wood carvings on exterior doors inspired by Andret John’s original designs.
- Original murals painted by Dorman Stubbs that have been replicated and are featured on many of buildings.
- Land- and sea-inspired art by interdisciplinary artist Kishan Munroe featured in the dining pavilions.
- Sculptures by mixed media artist and painter Edrin Symonette found throughout the destination.
Creations by local Bahamian artists and a full line of will also be available at merchandise locations throughout the island destination. At Disney T’ings, guests will find a new, uniquely Bahamian clothing line designed by acclaimed Bahamian fashion designer, Theodore Elyett. The clothing line features bright colors and Junkanoo-inspired patterns and is exclusively available at Disney Lookout Cay. Elyett also designed new for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends to wear at Disney Lookout Cay. At Treasures of Eleuthera, guests may also purchase locally made art, ceramics, jewelry and other unique keepsakes, created by Bahamian artists.
Disney entertainment will also merge with Bahamian culture throughout the destination. Local Bahamians will introduce families to a special cultural tradition, during Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration at Disney Lookout Cay. Families will be invited to join Disney friends in beachside games during Disney Fun in the Sun Beach Bash, all to the sound of Bahamian renditions of Disney tunes.
Beyond Disney Lookout Cay, guests will have the opportunity to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera on Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators.
Investing in Community Youth
In celebration of the opening of Disney Lookout Cay, Disney is investing $1 million to support youth programs, school playground improvements and a community sports space, in addition to its other ongoing initiatives to support community needs. This investment also includes support from the Disney Conservation Fund for youth education focused on conservation in Central and South 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.”
“This critical support from Disney continues the deep community involvement the cruise line has already shown over the last few years. The meaningful impact they’re making on the island is commendable. We expect this level of support to be an example to other investors, locally and internationally,” said Hon. Clay Sweeting. For more than 25 years, Disney has introduced countless families to the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas and has provided significant economic impact while demonstrating a strong commitment to the environment and the community. The majority of cruises offered by Disney have at least one stop in The Bahamas, all five of its ships are registered in The Bahamas and it is estimated that Disney Cruise Line operations currently contribute more than $70 million toward The Bahamas gross domestic product annually. For more information about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and for the latest on Disney Cruise Line’s community initiatives, visit lighthousepointbahamas.com.
