Disney is working on a NEW private island — called Lighthouse Point — for its cruise ships but there’s something important about it that you might not have realized.

Disney’s retreat on the island is set to have architecture inspired by nature and will embody a “unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.” There will be a family beach, a Bahamian art and culture pavilion, a family water play area, and MUCH more. And it’ll all be located on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. But Disney does NOT have this island all to itself!

That’s right — while Disney is creating a private destination (which will open in the summer of 2024) for its cruise line passengers on the southernmost tip of Eleuthera, the island isn’t just home to Disney’s private beaches. There are actually other things already existing on the island and you could visit them right now!

Eleuthera is already home to one of Princess Cruises’ exclusive ports of call — Princess Cays. Princess Cruises has a private beach on the island (at the southern tip) that is home to snorkeling, fishing, and much more.

On top of that, there are resorts on the island, like Royal Island Resort…

…or The Cove Eleuthera (located in Central Eleuthera).

Eleuthera (and Harbour Island) might be new for Disney cruisers but it isn’t for other vacationers! (Eleuthera is separated from Harbour Island just by a 5-minute ferry, which is why you may see it mentioned a lot on things discussing Eleuthera.)

If you want to visit the island (but not those areas privately owned/run by the cruise lines, of course) you can actually book a flight to Eleuthera. Recently, Silver Airways resumed weekly, nonstop service from Orlando International Airport to Eleuthera.

Next stop: paradise! Yesterday, we celebrated our friends @silver_airways who resumed weekly, nonstop service to Marsh Harbor & Eleuthera, Bahamas. We look forward to connecting the City Beautiful to the Caribbean sunshine – sea you in the Bahamas!
: https://t.co/TW7MH9qRDo pic.twitter.com/zkQOoHCYvY

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) May 21, 2023

 

It appears that the airline actually flies into North Eleuthera.

Just be careful when booking. The nonstop flights are quick, but you wouldn’t want to accidentally book a non-direct flight as those can be MANY hours long.

Again, a flight to Eleuthera should only give you access to parts of the island that the public can access or whatever resorts you book a stay at, not those spaces exclusive to cruise lines like Disney (or any other private and exclusive areas). But if you’re itching to see the island that Disney Cruise Line visitors will eventually go to, this could be a way to do it!

Want to see when Disney cruises will first visit Lighthouse Point in 2024? Click here!

For more Disney Cruise Line planning tips, click here to see when is the BEST time to cruise the Caribbean. Or click here for our ULTIMATE list of Disney Cruise Line tips and secrets!

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Would you travel to Eleuthera on your own or wait to visit Disney’s private space there while going on a cruise? Tell us in the comments.

The post Wait…You Can Go to Disney’s New Private Island WITHOUT Taking One of Their Cruises? first appeared on the disney food blog.

An open casting call has just been released for the role of Moana in the upcoming live-action remake of the same name.

Open Casting Call Now Accepting Applicants

.@DisneyStudios is searching for Pacific Islander / Pasifika actors who can sing to play Moana in the live-action adaptation of @DisneyMoana! No acting experience required. Submissions, questions and inquiries must be sent to [email protected]. pic.twitter.com/mZQV2i50RE

— CAPE—Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (@CAPEUSA) May 19, 2023

[MOANA] Actor to play a character that is Female, 16, Pacific Islander, heroic, bold and adventurous, Moana, the daughter of their village’s Chief, feels isolated on her home island of Motunui, yearning for purpose and curious about what lies beyond their reef. Despite her father’s protests, and emboldened by her Gramma’s encouragement, the intuitive and courageous Moana embarks on a dangerous quest, sailing beyond the reef and using her strength and intelligence to overcome epic obstacles along the way. Although following her curiosity and searching for for her own identity, Moana is never selfish, she is determined to fulfill the quest of her ancestors and save her people…STRONG SINGER

No prior acting experience is required, but only those with a strong singing voice will be considered. Anyone interested is prompted to send their name, photo, and current base to the email provided.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures is seeking someone to portray the lead protagonist after her original voice actor (Auli’i Cravalho) recently announced she would not be reprising the role.

When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength. I am truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that helped inspired her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.

Auli’i debuted the wayfaring lead’s character in the animated feature, and additionally provided Moana’s Hawaiian-language voice in a partnership with the University of Hawai’i system, especially its West O’ahu campus. She also portrays the titular role in “Gone Fishing” (a 2017 short) and joined several other Disney Princess cameos in “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”

‘Moana’ Comes to Life

At Disney’s April shareholders meeting, Dwayne Johnson appeared with his two daughters and a massive Maui hook, revealing the new film was in the works with his direct involvement.

The original film grossed almost $683 million worldwide, placing it among the top five financial performances for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film since 1994. A musical with intricate artistry and adventurous spirit, it also prioritized a respectful and culturally immersive celebration of people and environments across the Pacific Ocean’s countless islands. The two leads embodied this: Dwayne Johnson spent much of his life in Hawai’i and has family heritage rooted in Sāmoa, whilst Auli’i Cravalho is both kamaʻāina (someone of the land, referring to those who have called Hawai’i home regardless of ancestry) and kānaka (referring to someone who is of Native Hawaiian ancestry).

The ʻāina (land) is central to Hawaiian culture and life, reflected in the motto of Hawai’i first uttered by King Kamehameha III: Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono — the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. It will be interesting to see how a live-action re-telling of this story incorporates the landscape of the islands and the message of ensuring their health and well-being.

Do you know anybody who might be perfect for this opportunity? Which Disney character have you always dreamed of portraying in a major motion picture? Let us know in the comments.

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The post ‘Moana’ Open Casting Call Begins for Live-Action Remake appeared first on WDW News Today.