At the recent D23 Expo, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared more information about Disney Cruise Line’s second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the beautiful island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse point.
The new destination will celebrate both the stories and culture of The Bahamas, as well as the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.
Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, whose work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of the Bahamas to meet with local artists and cultural advisers. Together, they have explored arts and cultural sites across New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art galleries.
Take a look at this video to hear how Joe and Bahamian master artists, Kevin Cooper and Antonius Roberts, are working together to draw on the spirt of the Bahamas for inspiration to create Lighthouse Point.
Disney Cruise Line completed the purchase of the privately-owned Lighthouse Point earlier this year and signed an agreement with the Government of The Bahamas that guides the responsible and sustainable way the site will be developed.
Disney Cruise Line has committed to develop less than 20 percent of the property; employ sustainable building practices, including an open-trestle pier that eliminates the need to dredge a ship channel; establish environmental monitoring programs during construction and operation; and donate more than 190 acres of privately owned land to Government, among other commitments.
You may not be aware that through the Disney Conservation Fund, Disney has provided more than $13 million to marine conservation programs around the globe, including several in The Bahamas. Since 2007, Disney has been directly involved in leading a multiyear initiative to protect and rehabilitate coral reefs in The Bahamas and will continue to work with leading conservation organizations and communities to protect special places there.
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
We’re so excited about our plans for Lighthouse Point and we can’t wait to share more. Be sure to stay tuned here for the latest updates.
