NASSAU, Bahamas, May 3, 2024 — Bahamians have developed everything from nature trails, to artwork, to music, to custom clothing for Disney’s iconic characters for the soon-to-open Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera, The Nassau Guardian reported today in an article written by Senior Business Reporter Chester Robards.
Some of those Bahamians explained during a roundtable discussion held by Disney Cruise Line yesterday, what they did to create some of the experiences Disney’s guests will involve themselves in when they visit the newest port of call for Disney in The Bahamas.
Bahamian clothing designer Theodore Elyett was the mastermind behind Bahamian-themed clothing for characters like Mickey and Minnie, and brought the characters’ classic styles to life through a Bahamian twist.
“For me when I began on this journey with the Disney team, the story that I wanted to tell was Junkanoo fun in the sun, and so for the Disney icons who will be wearing their Theodore Elyett designer looks, not costumes, they’re themed ‘Junkanoo fun in the Sun’,” said Elyett.
“And what you will see on their designer looks by Theodore Elyett is a repetition of Junkanoo print, pattern, texture and volume.
“When we look at Micky’s designer look, the iconic Bahamian conch shell comes to life on a beautiful yellow and striped pair of pants, with a pop art Junkanoo conch shell. And you cannot come to The Bahamas and say you’ve been here without enjoying conch.”
Conservation Programs Manager Bradley Watson said the Disney team spent several years surveying the property on Eleuthera and understanding the flora and fauna, in order to create the best and most authentic nature experience for Disney’s guests. Disney has developed only 16 percent of the property it owns at Lighthouse Point, in order to maintain a small footprint on the fragile southern point of Eleuthera.
“We spent years studying our site prior to our development,” said Watson.
“We kind of chose a special spot that we curated to develop a nature trail.
“We wanted to take everything from the site that was beautiful, from a natural history perspective, including the cliffs that you would walk past on the nature trail… you’re thinking about the curly tail lizards, you’re thinking about the conchs, and we have signage that’s going to tell you exactly about those animals to give you a bit of a sense of place.
“I really can’t wait for people to go down there and feel the same awe that I feel every day.”
Director of Entertainment Creative for Disney Live Entertainment Denise Case said local musician Victor Johnson gave well-known Disney songs a Bahamian beat and flare for the cruise port. She said those songs will be heard by guests as they traverse Lookout Cay.
Bahamians also have unique works of art throughout the site, with many of those artists being natives of Eleuthera.
The first ship with guests docks at Disney’s new port on June 7.
