Disney setting its sights on another Private Island?

Are Disney expanding their empire once again? I hear whispers on the grape vine that they just might be. With the announcement of two new ships set to be delivered in 2021 and 2023 it may come as no surprise that Disney have their sights firmly set on a new piece of paradise to add to its collection. Disney currently operate Castaway Cay in the Bahamas but they have shown an interest in Egg Island, an unspoiled, uninhabited 12 acre Bahamian out island currently favoured by nesting sea turtles.

Some very unhappy locals have been reporting the use of drilling equipment which is common practice in order to obtain core samples from the reef and from below the sea bed to ascertain its suitability for a cruise terminal, it is no secret to the local islanders that Disney are interested in moving in on Egg Island, much to their dismay. A petition has been launched which has been signed by over 2000 locals wanting to protect the islands wild life and natural environment.

Disney have failed to comment on the rumours, when questioned have simply responded ‘We don’t comment on speculation’, but if the purchase goes ahead Egg island will be the sixth island in the Bahamas to be owned or leased by a cruise line including Princess Cay, a 40 acre paradise playground owned by Princess Cruises where guests can swim the crystal waters, enjoy a complimentary BBQ on the white sands or visit the local craft market.

Disney’s Castaway Cay is currently under a coral restoration programme in an attempt to save its ailing reefs from pollution and an increasing risk of climate change, so there’s no wonder that the locals from nearby islands are concerned for the future of Egg Island when faced with the prospect of 3000-5000 tourists visiting the island twice a week not to mention the huge liners that will be delivering them.

Personally I feel that special little corners of the world like this one are becoming too rare to be taken for granted and that we should try and preserve them for the future. Just let little islands be little islands. What do you think? Do you think Disney should go ahead and expand or should they leave this precious little island be?