From vibrant, handcrafted costumes to the energetic rhythms of goombay drums and brass instruments, young people across The Bahamas recently came together with their schools and communities to celebrate Junior Junkanoo.
This year, Disney Cruise Line proudly expanded its support of the beloved tradition, helping to ensure it’s preserved for future generations. While Disney has long been the primary sponsor of Junior Junkanoo in Eleuthera—home to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—it also served as title sponsor for the return of Junior Junkanoo to Abaco, where Disney Castaway Cay is located.
Since 2022, Disney Cruise Line has supported Junior Junkanoo in Eleuthera by funding each participating school’s costumes, materials, and prizes. They also cover travel expenses for the winning team to compete nationally, helping keep this vibrant cultural tradition alive and thriving. Last weekend, students paraded down Queen’s Highway, turning Governor’s Harbour into a lively community celebration. Cast members from Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point joined the festivities for the first time, adding to the excitement and connection with the local community.
In past years, Disney Cruise Line hosted virtual workshops for students across Eleuthera, connecting them with the Disney entertainment team to collaborate on Junkanoo costume and float designs. During these workshops, students shared their stories and traditions of Junkanoo with their Disney mentors, who provided creative ideas to inspire them. A special highlight from last year was when students had the opportunity to learn from renowned Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett, the creative mind behind the Bahamian-inspired outfits worn by Mickey, Minnie, and friends at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Walt Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Junkanoo when designing Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which officially opened in June 2024. At this unique destination, guests can experience the energy of Rush! A Junkanoo Celebration, featuring live performances by local Junkanoos. Families visiting Lookout Cay can also participate in interactive workshops like the one pictured below, led by local Bahamians, where they’ll learn about the history of Junkanoo and even try their hand at creating traditional costumes.
Disney Cruise Line is committed to investing in programs that support local youth and creating lasting, positive impacts in the port communities it calls home. Recent efforts include:
– Working closely with school leaders to identify and donate critical needs of local schools, such as supplies and books.  
– Providing funding to support career exploration programs and job shadowing opportunities for students through Junior Achievement Bahamas. 
– Teaming up with love.futbol and the community of Eleuthera to design and build playgrounds and sports spaces for kids to enjoy.
– Collaborating with the Agricultural Development Organization to build backyard gardens at the Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau and at several Bahamian schools, including Patrick J Bethel High School in Abaco, last month.
– Supporting University of The Bahamas’ Leading Light Programme, facilitated through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN) and funded by Disney Cruise Line, which provides college-level hospitality and leadership training for residents of Eleuthera at no cost. 
– Sponsoring the LJM Maritime Academy scholarship program and summer camp as well as inviting students aboard Disney ships to learn about careers in the maritime industry. Â
– Joining forces with the Bahamas Feeding Network to organize and pack meal kits to support families across its port communities in Nassau, Abaco, and Eleuthera.
– Visiting local schools during the holidays to spread magic by donating Disney-themed toys and surprising students with a special visit from Mickey Mouse.
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