Opening Details Revealed for Disney’s Next Vacation Destination

Disney vacations offer something for every taste and budget. From a weekend getaway to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California to a week or more at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, the theme parks are only the beginning.

Beyond Disney’s two domestic theme park based Resorts, the company offers Disney Cruise Line vacations that transport Guests to Caribbean locales, European ports, Alaska, and more destinations around the world. And speaking of global travels, Adventures by Disney gives Guests the opportunity to join small group guided experiences in several countries. Back in the U.S., Guests can also enjoy stays at Disney-exclusive Resorts with Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and of course, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.

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If you have ever taken a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you might be familiar with Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas that has become a fan-favorite destination over the years. Since Disney Cruise Line’s first voyage took place with the launch of the Disney Magic in 1997, the fleet has expanded to include four additional ships, the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish. Additional ships are already in the works to join the fleet, with the upcoming Disney Treasure next in line.

With so many additional ships, and interest in Disney Cruise Line only increasing as the line continues to be the top cruise choice for families, the company announced that a new private island destination was in the works at the 2019 D23 Expo.

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The new island destination, known as “Lighthouse Point,” will be located on Eleuthera, a Bahamian island, giving Disney the unique opportunity to focus on conservation, sustainability, and culture all while hosting Guests at a one-of-a-kind magical destination.

The Disney Parks Blog has now shared exciting new details on the destination, including new concept art and an opening timeline: Lighthouse Point is set to open to Guests for the season in summer 2024.

Much like Castaway Cay, this all-new island destination will give Guests spaces to relax, play, dine, and more all with the top-notch service they have come to expect from the Disney brand. Lighthouse Point will be totally unique, however, in that it will present the experience through a special commitment to the conservation and preservation of local culture and artwork. Here’s what we’ve learned so far about Disney’s next vacation destination….

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Designing Lighthouse Point

Walt Disney Imagineering has been working not only with its internal team but with local officials, advisors, and artists in the Bahamas to create Lighthouse Point. As such, traditional Bahamian artork is central to the design of every experience Guests will have on the island.

The island’s architecture will include curvilinear buildings consistent with traditional building styles along the shoreline all with original artwork depicting local florals and references to Bahamian folklore.

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What Can Guests Expect on Lighthouse Point?

As far as activities on the island destination, Disney has already proven successful in this area with Castaway Cay, so Guests can feel confident knowing there will be plenty to do for the whole family. Similarly to Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point will feature different areas for each age group, with places for adults to relax, along with activities for children and the whole family.

In keeping with Disney’s commitment to conservation and culture, some of the activities on Lighthouse Point will also feature Bahamian storytelling with beloved Disney characters. An entire art and culture pavilion will also be constructed where Guests will experience programming by local artists and opportunities to learn about the nature they can see on Lighthouse Point.

One of the features the whole family can participate in together will be a water play area with two slides, water drums, and fountains, located nearby a dedicated toddler splash pad. For kids ages 3-12, Disney Cruise Line will launch its first themed kids’ club on land inspired by The Little Mermaid.

The adult-exclusive beach on Lighthouse Point will take its cues from Castaway Cay with easy access to food and beverage locations and private cabanas (by reservation.) For a more luxurious day on the island, Lighthouse Point will come with the option to rent cabanas of multiple sizes near the family beach that can accommodate groups of all sizes and massage services for adults.

Other recreation offerings will include a gaming pavilion, sports courts, nature trails (for both hiking and bicycle rentals), and special excursions through local tour companies.

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Disney’s Commitment to Sustainability on Lighthouse Point

Conservation was at the forefront of designing a new vacation spot on Eleuthera, and as such, a minimum of 90% of Lighthouse Point’s electricity will be derived from an onsite solar array. The destination’s pier was also designed to limit impacts on the environment without the need for dredging.

As work continues on Lighthouse Point, Disney will continue to work with local officials to ensure sustainability standards continue to be met ahead of Guests’ arrivals next summer.

We at Disney Tips will continue to monitor updates to Lighthouse Point ahead of its summer 2024 opening. In the meantime, visit DisneyCruiseLine.com to start planning your next Disney vacation at sea, and check back here for all the latest news on Disney destinations.