Disney Cruise Line offers two private island destinations in the Bahamas: Castaway Cay, a favorite since 1998, and the newer Lighthouse Point, which opened in 2024.
Each island offers a unique experience—both with standout highlights and a few drawbacks.
After visiting both islands multiple times, including back-to-back on recent cruises, I’ve had the chance to directly compare them.
Here’s my take on the best and worst aspects of Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point to help you decide which Disney island might be the better fit for your family.
1. The Islands: A Tale of Two Destinations
Castaway Cay: Polished and Immersive
Castaway Cay feels like a world of its own.
Many people incorrectly think that Disney owns Castaway Cay.
It doesn’t.
The island is actually owned by The Bahamas, but Disney took a 99 year lease of Castaway Cay in 1997.
However, unlike Lighthouse Point, Castaway Cay is a private island – so Disney can keep the island entirely within it’s own “bubble”.
From the moment you step off the ship, everything feels polished and purposefully designed.
You’re surrounded by Disney magic, and there’s no sense of the outside world intruding.
Related: Castaway Cay – The Real Backstory
Lighthouse Point: Natural and Scenic
Lighthouse Point, by contrast, offers a more natural and understated experience.
It’s not a standalone island—it’s part of the larger Eleuthera island, which gives it a more authentic and local feel.
However, it lacks the immersive Disney theming found at Castaway Cay. While beautiful, it feels less like a dedicated Disney destination and more like a lightly Disney-branded beach stop.
This will develop over time – Castaway Cay opened in 1998 and Lighthouse Point in 2024.
Plants and trees will take take to grow, and hopefully more activities and facilities will be developed at Lighthouse Point.
2. The Walk from the Ship: Effortless vs. Challenging
The long walk from the ship is a major difference at Lighthouse Point – and for some it is a deal breaker.
Castaway Cay: Convenient and Easy
Castaway Cay’s setup is incredibly convenient.
The dock is close to everything, and there’s a tram ready to take you to the beaches or Serenity Bay. Or you can walk easily to the family beach.
The transport system is frequent and well-organized, making it easy to get around without much effort.
Lighthouse Point: Long and Unshaded
The walk from the ship to the main area at Lighthouse Point is about 0.6 miles, with no shade along the path. It takes me about 12 to 14 minutes depending upon how many photos I’m taking on the way!
The walk back feels a lot longer …..
While the surroundings are picturesque, it can feel tiring—especially if you’re traveling with young kids, carrying gear, or dealing with the heat.
There are wagons, wheelchairs and strollers provided for free as you get off the ship. If you go to Guest Services you can ask for a Golf Cart ride to be arranged if you need this.
There is also a Golf Cart stop at the other end of the pier so that you can line up and take this on the way back.
Once you reach the main area, you will go through security, and then a tram ride is required to access the beaches, adding to the travel time.
3. Beaches: Calm and Sheltered vs. Open and Scenic
Castaway Cay: Calm Waters and Family-Friendly
The beaches at Castaway Cay are ideal for families.
Thanks to a breakwater, the water is calm and great for floating or swimming without worrying about waves.
The family beach is well-sheltered, with plenty of shade, chairs, and umbrellas, making it perfect for kids and less confident swimmers.
Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach, offers a peaceful retreat if you want a quieter escape.
Related: Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay – How to Make the Most of Your Day
Lighthouse Point: Stunning but Exposed
Lighthouse Point’s beaches feature softer sand and the color of the water is just stunning, but the open ocean brings waves and less protection.
This can make the water feel more exciting for some but less ideal for families with young children or those looking for calm, relaxing waters.
The adult-only beach is simply sectioned off from the family beach, lacking the exclusivity and tranquility of Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay.
This is definitely another win for Castaway Cay for me. The sand is softer and the water color more stunning, but I prefer the increased safety of Castaway Cay.
And as for the Serenity Bay area on Lighthouse – I just am not impressed.
4. Food and Dining: No Clear Winner
This is the category that I had difficulty picking a clear favorite here.
Castaway Cay: Convenient and Familiar
One of the highlights of Castaway Cay is the Cookie’s BBQ dining areas, where you’ll enjoy an island-themed buffet included in your cruise fare.
The menu features crowd-pleasing options like barbecue ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and fresh salads. There’s also a selection of sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, and chips, as well as cookies and soft-serve ice cream for dessert. Combine the two to make an ice cream sandwich!
The food at Castaway Cay is plentiful, and the multiple buffet locations mean lines are rarely long.
The setup is practical, with plenty of shaded picnic tables near the food stations, making it easy to grab a quick meal and get back to the beach.
Lighthouse Point: High-Quality but Limited Variety
Lighthouse Point offers a similar buffet-style dining experience, but the menu feels more limited compared to Castaway Cay.
You’ll find barbecue staples like grilled chicken, burgers, fish and ribs, alongside fresh salads and fruit.
One notable aspect of Lighthouse Point’s dining is the focus on fresh, local ingredients.
The food quality is good, and the flavors feel slightly more elevated than what you’ll find at Castaway Cay.
However, the fewer food stations and limited seating areas, particularly at Serenity Bay, can make it feel less convenient, especially during peak times.
While the food is good, Lighthouse Point’s dining options don’t quite match the scale or convenience of Castaway Cay’s well-established system.
Also the Serenity Bay area did not have enough seating.
5. Theming and Atmosphere: Disney Magic vs. Cultural Charm
Each destination has a very different vibe and feeling.
Castaway Cay: Classic Disney Magic
Castaway Cay has subtle but distinct Disney theming throughout, from the signage to hidden Mickeys and character meet-and-greets.
As soon as you arrive you know this is very much a Disney destination. This is partly because this has been established and evolved over more than two decades now – but also it just seems to have had so much more of a coherent plan than Lighthouse Point.
Lighthouse Point: Cultural and Understated
Lighthouse Point leans into Bahamian culture, with art and design inspired by local traditions.
While the effort to celebrate Bahamian heritage is appreciated, the overall atmosphere feels less “Disneyfied.” This should have been much more appealing that it is in reality.
The concept art promised much more than the reality and the level of detail just doesn’t seem to be up to Disney’s high standards.
Some areas, like the Cultural Center, feel underwhelming compared to the original concept, and the theming doesn’t feel fully realized.
My lasting memory of the Cultural Center will be a very bored Cast Member scrolling on his iPad.
I really really wanted this aspect of Lighthouse Point to work, and make it distinguishable from Castaway Cay and stand out as an island destination. It may be that I had high expectations.
But there just seem to have been cost cuts here and I didn’t get much of a sense of the local culture.
6. Adults-Only Serenity Bay: Separate vs. Sectioned Off
Castaway Cay: A True Retreat
Serenity Bay at Castaway Cay is a completely separate area, accessible by tram.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like a true escape. With plenty of loungers, umbrellas, and a sense of seclusion, it’s an ideal spot for adults looking to relax.
The one issue that it has is the tide – and even Disney can’t do anything about this. The tide goes out very quickly and even in early morning you have to go out quite a way to get the water above knee level – even for people of my short stature!
Lighthouse Point: Less Exclusive
At Lighthouse Point, the adult-only area is simply a section of the main beach marked off by cones.
It lacks the privacy and exclusivity of Serenity Bay, making it feel more like an afterthought than a dedicated retreat for adults.
I have to say that this is pretty disappointing for me. The area was much more crowded that at Castaway Cay and there weren’t really enough sun loungers or umbrellas in this area.
7. Activities and Things to Do: Variety vs. Relaxation
Castaway Cay: Plenty of Options
Castaway Cay offers a wide range of activities, from snorkeling and biking to kayaking and paddleboarding.
The snorkeling lagoon is particularly fun, with hidden treasures to discover. There’s also a water slide, Pelican Plunge, which is a lot of fun!
Lighthouse Point: Relaxation-Focused
Lighthouse Point doesn’t have as many activities.
While it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty, it lacks the variety and excitement of Castaway Cay.
If you’re someone who likes to stay active, you might find Lighthouse Point a bit limited.
Final Thoughts: Castaway Cay is Still the Winner
Both islands have their strengths, but for me, Castaway Cay comes out on top.
Its polished design, immersive Disney theming, and variety of activities make it feel like a true Disney destination.
While Lighthouse Point is undeniably beautiful and offers a quieter, more natural vibe, it feels less finished and lacks the same sense of magic.
That said, if you’re looking for a more authentic, laid-back beach experience, Lighthouse Point might be the better choice.
Ultimately, both islands are great places to spend the day—it just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Let me know which island you prefer!
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.