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My Review of the Disney Treasure

Writer: Erin Feldman
Erin Feldman
23 hours ago
31 min read

Updated: 41 minutes ago

The stage in the Grand Hall of the Disney Treausre.
The stage in the Grand Hall of the Disney Treausre.

This past November, my family had the privilege of sailing aboard the Disney Treasure. Choosing which Disney Cruise Line ship to sail on can be a big—and sometimes daunting—decision, so I wanted to share my review of the Disney Treasure in hopes that it will help you decide whether this is the right ship for your family.

One factor that may influence your ship selection is the location and length of the cruise. The Disney Treasure currently sails out of Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, primarily on seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. So, if you are hoping to sail from San Diego or London, or are eyeing an Alaska itinerary, this will not be the ship for you. But if you are looking for a weeklong Caribbean cruise departing from Florida, there is a good chance the Disney Treasure could be a great fit.

Initial Thoughts

I have sailed on five different Disney Cruise Line ships, and I have loved every one of them. Each ship has its own pros, cons, personality, and unique offerings.

With that said, I have to say that the Disney Treasure is my favorite of the ships I have sailed on so far.

From the moment we boarded, I was blown away by the ship’s theming—from the Grand Hall and entertainment spaces to the staterooms and even the hallways. It is a beautiful ship filled with thoughtful details.

We also loved the combination of entertainment and rotational dining offered aboard the Treasure. This was our first seven-night Disney cruise, and I am sure having more time to relax, explore, and enjoy the ship contributed to how much we loved the experience.

Below, I will break down the ship in more detail and share my thoughts on the different spaces, entertainment, dining, and attractions onboard.


These Aladdin themed mosaics were spectacular.
These Aladdin themed mosaics were spectacular.

A beautiful Moana themed mosaic near one of the coffee shops.
A beautiful Moana themed mosaic near one of the coffee shops.



Entertainment

One of my favorite parts of cruising is the onboard entertainment. It plays a major role in deciding which ship and itinerary I want to book, so it seems appropriate to begin with the entertainment aboard the Disney Treasure.


Disney: The Tale of Moana

The newest musical created for the Disney Treasure—and its flagship entertainment offering—is the Broadway-caliber production Disney: The Tale of Moana.

I had heard amazing things about this show before setting foot on the ship, so my expectations were already very high. Somehow, it still managed to exceed them. It has become my favorite musical of all the Disney Cruise Line productions I have seen so far.

The performers were incredibly talented and truly brought the characters to life. The singing and dancing were fantastic, and hearing the familiar songs performed live onstage was wonderful. Disney also did an excellent job condensing the story into approximately one hour without sacrificing the important moments from the animated movie. The story was easy to follow and flowed naturally from beginning to end.

What really sets this musical apart from other Disney Cruise Line productions, in my opinion, is its incredible use of puppetry and visual effects.

The puppetry used to bring Te Kā to life—and then transform her into Te Fiti—was breathtaking. It was a genuine wow moment. The way Grandma Tala transforms into a manta ray and is woven into the story is equally magical.

Interestingly, “Shiny,” sung by Tamatoa, is probably my least favorite song in the animated movie—although I still enjoy it—but onstage, the entire scene came alive. I enjoyed it more than I ever had before.

The special lighting throughout the theater, bubbles, puppetry, and other visual effects elevate the production to another level. This show should not be missed and, in my opinion, could be a reason on its own to choose the Disney Treasure.


Photo Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line. The amazing props from the Disey: A Tale of Moana.
Photo Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line. The amazing props from the Disey: A Tale of Moana.

Beauty and the Beast

Before sailing on the Disney Treasure, my favorite Disney Cruise Line musical was Beauty and the Beast, so I was excited to see it for a second time. I had previously watched the production aboard the Disney Dream and literally got goosebumps during the show.

Beauty and the Beast is an excellent choice for Disney Cruise Line because Disney has the benefit of drawing from the full Broadway production. Perhaps that is one reason I had previously ranked it slightly above the other shows I had seen across the DCL fleet.

Again, the special effects and puppetry used to bring the characters to life are outstanding—no small feat considering that many of the main characters are inanimate objects.

The staging of the classic songs is beautiful, and there are so many big moments, from “Gaston” in the tavern to “Be Our Guest” and, of course, the ballroom scene featuring “Beauty and the Beast.”

The talent of the casts I saw on both the Disney Dream and Disney Treasure was exceptional. I am always impressed by Disney’s ability to cast performers who fit their roles so perfectly while also appearing in multiple productions during the same sailing.

When Disney describes these productions as “Broadway-caliber,” it truly is an appropriate description. The production quality is extremely high.

Since the Disney Treasure features my two favorite musicals that I have seen across the DCL fleet, I suppose it is no surprise that I rank the Treasure as my favorite ship so far.


A memorable moment form Beauty and the Beast. Photo curtesy Disney Cruise Line.
A memorable moment form Beauty and the Beast. Photo curtesy Disney Cruise Line.


Disney Seas the Adventure

Disney Seas the Adventure is the musical typically shown on the first night of the cruise.

It is a shorter production starring Goofy, who is given an opportunity to take over the captain’s duties from Captain Minnie. As he sails across the ocean, he inevitably finds himself in a few very “Goofy” situations, which lead into musical scenes featuring songs and characters from a variety of popular Disney films.

It is a fun show with some excellent music and scenes, although I do not think it is quite as strong as the other two main productions aboard the Treasure.

I was actually a little disappointed the first time I saw it aboard the Disney Wish because it is noticeably shorter than most other Disney Cruise Line stage productions. While the other major shows generally run somewhere between 45 and 75 minutes, Disney Seas the Adventure is closer to 30 minutes.

I enjoyed what I saw, but I was left wanting more. I also did not find the storyline quite as developed as Disney’s other compilation-style shows, such as Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic or Disney Believe on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Interestingly, I enjoyed the show more the second time, aboard the Disney Treasure, probably because I knew what to expect.

It is still a very enjoyable evening at the theater, and I absolutely recommend seeing it. Just be aware that it is shorter than the other major productions.


Sage and Coriander

Sage and Coriander are two adventurers who host many of the smaller entertainment experiences aboard the Disney Treasure. They serve as guides throughout the cruise, appearing periodically to help bring the ship’s adventure theme and stories to life.

They first appear during the Sail-A-Wave Party at the beginning of the cruise and then pop up throughout the sailing in smaller performances in the Grand Hall and Sarabi.

They perform several entertaining theatrical retellings of classic Disney stories, including Stories from the Lamp: Aladdin Retold, Treasure Sea-Ker: Stories Retold, and the popular Jungle Cruise: An Interactive Story Adventure.

They also host an adult comedy show in Sarabi called Choose Wisely: An Indiana Jones Story Adventure.

These performances are funny and interactive, with audience members offering suggestions that help shape the stories and adventures. Since the audience helps influence each performance, no two shows are exactly alike.

We did not manage to see all of them, but we stopped for a couple of the Grand Hall performances and had a great time. The audience was clearly enjoying itself as well.

I have also heard wonderful things about the adult show. My husband and I never managed to sneak away from the kids to see it, but if you can fit it into your schedule, it sounds like one not to miss.


Headliner Acts

One of the major advantages of a longer sailing is the additional entertainment.

Disney cruises generally feature three main Broadway-caliber productions, and you will see those even on many shorter three-night sailings. From my experience, on a four-night sailing you generally have the three stage productions plus a first-run movie shown in the main theater one night.

Once you reach a five-night sailing, you may also get a headliner act.

A headliner act is a guest performer who comes aboard the ship and performs one evening in the Walt Disney Theatre. The performer may also appear in one or more smaller shows elsewhere on the ship.

One of the big advantages of our seven-night Disney Treasure sailing was that we were treated to three different headliner acts.

The exact performers will vary because different entertainers have contracts to appear on different ships and sailings, but I will share some of the headliners we have seen to give you an idea of what you might expect.

The first Disney Cruise Line headliner we ever saw was aboard the Disney Magic during a five-night sailing. He was an incredible magician who performed impressive sleight-of-hand and mind-boggling card tricks. He had appeared on several major television shows and specials and had also performed at the Magic Castle in California.

His show appealed to every generation of our family. My mom was in her early 70s, while my youngest child was only four at the time, and everyone loved it.

In addition to his main theater show, he performed an adults-only show in one of the lounges. My husband and I were fortunate to see that performance while my mom stayed with the kids.

He also held an all-ages event in one of the lounges where he taught audience members how to perform a couple of magic tricks. That was a lot of fun. From just one headliner, we received several additional entertainment experiences.

When we boarded our seven-night Disney Treasure cruise, I was excited to find out whether we would have any headliners—and, if so, how many. I was thrilled to discover that we would have three.

The first was a physical comedian who also incorporated a few magic tricks into his act. He was extremely funny and completely family-friendly. My kids, my husband, and I all enjoyed the show.

Next was a brother-and-sister duo who had each performed in multiple Disney Broadway productions. The female vocalist had played Jasmine in Aladdin, while her brother had appeared in both The Lion King and Aladdin on Broadway.

They were fantastic and ended up being my favorite of the three headliner acts. They sang for approximately 45 minutes, performing many classic Disney songs, and our whole family loved the show.

They also performed a separate adults-only set in Sarabi later in the cruise. My husband and I could not squeeze that performance into our schedule, but I am sure it was excellent.

The third headliner was a male vocal trio performing Disney songs as well as other popular hits in a swing-inspired musical and dance style. They were talented, entertaining, and engaging with the audience.

They also performed a second adults-only show in Sarabi, although once again we were busy with the kids and did not get a chance to see it.

One thing I really appreciate about Disney Cruise Line’s headliner acts is that the main performances are extremely family-friendly.

We have never attended a main-stage Disney headliner show that felt inappropriate for children. In fact, all of them have been entertaining across generations.

I also enjoy that some of the performers incorporate Disney songs into their shows. If you are sailing with Disney Cruise Line, chances are you probably like Disney, and that extra touch helps the performances feel connected to the overall cruise experience.

On other cruise lines, we have seen some excellent headliners, but not all of them appealed equally to our kids. On Disney, we have consistently been able to enjoy the main headliner performances together as a family, which I really appreciate.

I found headliner performances to be one of the areas I had trouble finding detailed information about when researching Disney cruises, so I hope this section is especially helpful.

These shows may not feature the regular Disney Cruise Line cast, but they can be a major addition to the entertainment lineup and should not be overlooked.


Extra Entertainment

Some of our favorite Disney Cruise Line memories come from the smaller organized activities and family entertainment offered throughout the day.

Before our first cruise, this was an area I knew very little about. I actually wondered what we would do to stay busy onboard.

It turns out I had nothing to worry about.

Throughout the day, you will find a huge variety of family-friendly activities, including cooking demonstrations, animation classes, crafts, trivia, live music, and family game shows.

Our favorites are the trivia competitions and family game shows.

A must for my family on every Disney cruise is attending at least one Disney-themed trivia session.

I enjoy other types of trivia too, but since I am a huge Disney fan, having so much Disney-focused trivia onboard makes it especially fun for our family.

I will warn you: some of the trivia is very difficult!

I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about Disney movies and music. I have watched just about every Disney documentary I can find on Disney+, and I have visited the theme parks in California and Florida many times.

I still have almost no chance of winning.

There are some incredibly knowledgeable Disney fans aboard these ships who continually amaze me.

Win or lose, we love competing against ourselves to see how well we can do. There are trivia sessions focused on music, quotes, individual movies, Disney parks, general Disney knowledge, and many other topics, so there is usually something for everyone.

The family game shows are another highlight for us.

We love playing games, and there are not many other vacations where our whole family can participate in game-show-style entertainment together.

There are many different games, but some of our favorites include Majority Rules, Villains Game Night, and Family Style Game Show.

Another thing we enjoy is that the audiences are usually small enough that someone in our family often gets an opportunity to participate. In some games, everyone in attendance becomes part of the action.

We always have a good laugh, and we have even managed to win a few times.

There is something surprisingly satisfying about walking around the ship wearing one of those coveted Disney Cruise Line medals.

That said, I may never live down the time I ignored my family’s instincts and convinced our team to change an answer during Majority Rules, costing us the championship—and the medal.

Lesson learned: trust your family!

Disney also offers live music in the adult lounges and throughout the Grand Hall, as well as animation classes, cooking demonstrations, crafts, and many other activities.

There truly is no shortage of entertainment aboard a Disney cruise.

Overall, I think the Disney Treasure has one of the best—if not the best—entertainment lineups in the fleet.


Having a blast at the "Heard That?" game show.
Having a blast at the "Heard That?" game show.

Participating in another really fun gameshow while we sailed on the Disney Treasure.
Participating in another really fun gameshow while we sailed on the Disney Treasure.

Some of the medals we had the good fortune of winning on a Disney Cruise! I have to say we feel pretty proud wearing these around the ship!
Some of the medals we had the good fortune of winning on a Disney Cruise! I have to say we feel pretty proud wearing these around the ship!


Rotational Dining

Every Disney Cruise Line ship offers guests three different restaurants that they rotate among throughout the sailing.

Disney pioneered this rotational dining concept, and it has become a hallmark of the Disney Cruise Line experience.

On the Wish-class ships, one of the rotational dining restaurants is the elegant 1923, another is the high-tech World of Marvel, and the third is an immersive dinner-theater-style restaurant that differs by ship.

Plaza de Coco

On the Disney Treasure, the dinner-theater restaurant is the Coco-themed Plaza de Coco.

From the moment you enter, you are immersed in the world of Miguel and his family from the Pixar film Coco. Family photos line the walls, and the entire restaurant is designed to evoke the Mexican town where Miguel and his family live.

Just before entering the main dining area, you can see a beautiful recreation of the ofrenda featured in the film.

The décor is spectacular, and you really do feel as though the movie has been brought to life around you.

The restaurant also features two different dinner shows—one for each night your party dines there during a typical weeklong Treasure sailing.

The restaurant uses a theater-in-the-round design, with dining tables surrounding the stage.

Guests enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine while feeling as though they are dining outdoors in the Mariachi Plaza from Miguel’s town. Trees, lights, furnishings, and other details help create an immersive atmosphere.

During your first evening at Plaza de Coco, the entertainment celebrates “La Familia.” The story picks up after the events of the film and features upbeat music and a joyful celebration of family.

The second performance centers around Día de los Muertos and is more emotional, celebrating loved ones who have passed away while still incorporating upbeat music and folk dancing as Miguel reconnects with his ancestors. Songs from the movie, including “Remember Me,” are incorporated into the show.

We loved our dinners at Plaza de Coco.

I have also had the opportunity to dine at Arendelle aboard the Disney Wish and really enjoyed that experience. I love when Disney creates such immersive dining environments.

The décor at Plaza de Coco is beautiful and extremely detailed. I also appreciate having live singing and entertainment during dinner.

When traveling with children, having something interesting happening around the room can make the meal much easier and more enjoyable. There is less need to come up with ways to entertain the kids while waiting for the next course.

I think most families will thoroughly enjoy their meals at Plaza de Coco. The atmosphere was wonderful, the food was good—with non-Mexican options available as well—and the entertainment was performed by a very talented cast.


Enjoying the show in Plaza de Coco onboard the Disney Treasure.
Enjoying the show in Plaza de Coco onboard the Disney Treasure.

The Dia de los Muertos show on our second night in Plaza de Coco.
The Dia de los Muertos show on our second night in Plaza de Coco.


The incredible ofrenda as your enter Plaza de Coco.
The incredible ofrenda as your enter Plaza de Coco.


World of Marvel

The second restaurant in the Treasure’s rotational dining trio is World of Marvel.

Although World of Marvel originally debuted aboard the Disney Wish, a new dinner experience was created for the Disney Treasure to differentiate it from the Wish.

Since the Disney Treasure primarily sails weeklong itineraries, guests will generally dine at World of Marvel more than once, giving them an opportunity to experience both shows.

As you enter the restaurant, you are immediately transported into a high-tech Marvel universe.

Screens surround the dining room, and each table features an interactive device used during parts of the entertainment.

The menu is internationally inspired, with dishes drawing inspiration from different parts of the Marvel universe. I enjoyed the food during both of our visits and would happily dine there again.

During one dinner, the entertainment centers around a humorous story featuring Wasp and Ant-Man.

Guests participate using the interactive device at their table to help the characters grow and shrink during the story.

The experience culminates with Wasp and Ant-Man being joined onscreen by other Avengers characters, tying together the Marvel universe and Disney Cruise Line.

There is also a surprise appearance from Spider-Man, which is a huge thrill for Spider-Man fans onboard.

The second dinner features a different story centered around the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Throughout the meal, guests can enjoy facts and trivia about the franchise and even answer trivia questions using the interactive device at the table.

This was a lot of fun, although it also made me realize that I need to learn considerably more about the Guardians of the Galaxy!

Since this experience is also featured aboard the Disney Destiny—and my family will be sailing on that ship this fall—we decided to learn more about the franchise before our next cruise. We have already watched the first movie and plan to watch the second and third as well in hopes that we will be better prepared for the trivia next time!


Meeting Spiderman in World of Marvels.
Meeting Spiderman in World of Marvels.


1923

1923 is the classic dining experience featured aboard the Wish-class ships.

The restaurant honors the founding of the Walt Disney Company in 1923, a particularly fitting theme given that the Disney Wish debuted shortly before the company celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The restaurant is divided into two sides—Walt and Roy—honoring the Disney brothers who helped create and guide the company.

On both sides, guests are surrounded by wonderful memorabilia representing a variety of Disney films and franchises. You will see sketches, models, color studies, and many other pieces highlighting the artistic process behind Disney animation.

There are also excellent display cases outside the restaurant that are worth taking some time to explore.

The menu has the feel of a classic upscale steakhouse. On one of our nights, filet mignon was featured, while another included lobster.

We enjoyed 1923 both aboard the Disney Wish and again on the Disney Treasure.

It is a relaxing dinner because there is no scheduled entertainment competing for your attention. You can enjoy a conversation with your family or group, take in the surrounding artwork, and appreciate the food.



Service

One part of the Disney Cruise Line dining experience that deserves special mention is the consistently excellent service.

One of the great features of Disney’s rotational dining model is that although guests rotate between different restaurants, their primary serving team rotates with them.

This provides variety in the dining environments while still offering consistent, personalized service.

Over the course of the cruise, your serving team gets to know you—and you get to know them.

They often remember your favorite drinks, learn about dietary preferences, and anticipate little requests before you even have to ask.

For example, our servers learned that one of my daughters loved having raw tomato slices with dinner. Before long, they were bringing them out each night without us even asking.

The servers also make an effort to keep the experience entertaining for children.

They frequently perform little magic tricks or puzzles at the table. On our Disney Treasure cruise, our servers used the crayons each night to create a small logic puzzle for us to solve.

I also appreciate that Disney provides themed activity books designed around each restaurant. These give younger children something to do during quieter portions of dinner and make the whole experience more relaxing for the family.


Casual Dining and Marceline Market

Although rotational dining is always the culinary highlight of our Disney cruises, the Treasure also offers plenty of excellent casual food.

The buffet aboard the Wish-class ships is called Marceline Market, named after Marceline, Missouri, where Walt Disney spent part of his childhood.

Here, you will find a huge variety of food at breakfast and lunch, with stations featuring cuisine inspired by different parts of the world.

Many dishes rotate from day to day, while some popular favorites are offered consistently.

One feature I particularly like is the children's counter, which is positioned lower so kids can more easily see and select their own food. At breakfast, they may find pancakes and waffles, while lunch includes familiar favorites such as chicken tenders, burgers, and fries.

Elsewhere around the buffet, you will find an extensive salad bar, plenty of fruit, numerous hot entrées, made-to-order options such as omelets or stir-fries, and even a fresh seafood counter with items such as shrimp and crab legs.

This is a very high-quality buffet. It is clean, the food is good, and there are plenty of healthier choices.

And, of course, if you are looking for something less healthy, do not forget the dessert counter!

There are also several quick-service stations located near the pools.

This is one area where I thought the Wish-class ships represented a significant improvement when they launched.

Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue adds several barbecue options, while Donald’s Cantina offers Mexican food. These venues create much more variety on the pool deck and also make it easier to find something beyond the traditional burger-and-fries options.

You can still find Disney Cruise Line favorites such as Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill for burgers, chicken, and hot dogs, and Minnie’s Ice Cream.

Something about knowing you can walk up and get an unlimited soft-serve ice cream cone throughout the cruise makes me very happy.

I also love that Disney rotates flavors beyond vanilla and chocolate. We enjoy finding out what the flavor of the day will be—banana, strawberry, coconut, and more.

Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté

At the opposite end of the spectrum from quick-service dining are the adults-only specialty restaurants Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté.

These restaurants require an additional charge, but everything I have heard suggests that they are well worth it.

We have not yet tried either one, so I cannot speak from personal experience, but I consistently hear excellent reviews of both.

Reservations open before sailing and can fill very quickly. First-time Disney cruisers, who have later activity-booking windows than returning Castaway Club members, may have difficulty securing a reservation in advance.

If you cannot get one before sailing, it is always worth checking once you board to see whether anything has opened up.

Or perhaps it is simply a good excuse to book another Disney cruise!

We have always been so busy enjoying rotational dining that we have not yet made time for these restaurants. Once guests reach Platinum Castaway Club status, one of the perks is a complimentary meal at Palo. We are still a few cruises away from that level, but I look forward to trying it someday.

Overall, Disney does an excellent job offering dining options that can satisfy a wide range of preferences.

There is a strong combination of formal dining, immersive dining, buffets, and quick-service food.

Whatever your family prefers, you certainly will not go hungry aboard the Disney Treasure.


Lounges

The Disney Treasure has several fun and highly themed lounges, including the Haunted Mansion Parlor, Periscope Pub, Scat Cat Lounge, Skipper Society, and Sarabi.

Haunted Mansion Parlor

The Haunted Mansion Parlor is one of the most popular lounges aboard the ship, and it has received considerable praise since its debut.

Children are permitted in the lounge during designated daytime hours, while it becomes an adults-only space later in the evening.

The theming is spectacular and genuinely makes you feel as though you have stepped into the world of the Haunted Mansion attractions at the Disney parks.

There are wonderful references to familiar characters and several fun special effects that complete the experience.

I highly recommend spending some time here, whether you stop for a drink or simply want to appreciate the details of the space.


The Haunted Mantion Palor on the Disney Treasure!
The Haunted Mantion Palor on the Disney Treasure!


Scat Cat Lounge

The Disney Treasure’s piano bar is Scat Cat Lounge.

This is a fun space for adults to socialize and enjoy performances from the ship’s piano players.

The lounge is filled with details inspired by The Aristocats, and the theme works particularly well for a piano bar.


The Scat Cat Lounge on the Disney Treasure. A really fun piano bar!
The Scat Cat Lounge on the Disney Treasure. A really fun piano bar!


Periscope Pub

Periscope Pub is located one level above many of the other lounges, near the upper level of Sarabi.

The pub is themed after 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which feels like an especially appropriate theme for a lounge aboard a cruise ship.


The Periscope Pub on the Disney Treasure!
The Periscope Pub on the Disney Treasure!


Skipper Society

Skipper Society is the central lounge located just off the Grand Hall.

Because of its location, it naturally becomes a meeting point, with guests frequently passing through while moving from one area of the ship to another.

The lounge is larger than some of the others and features plenty of tables where guests can sit, socialize, enjoy drinks or snacks, and participate in activities.

It hosts musicians, animation classes, trivia competitions, and other programming.

The theme is based on the Jungle Cruise attraction from the Disney parks, and I thought Disney did a fantastic job bringing that theme to life.

It is a fun space that gives guests another opportunity to feel connected to a beloved Disney attraction.



Sarabi

Sarabi is the Disney Treasure’s main secondary entertainment lounge after the Walt Disney Theatre.

This is where headliner performers may present additional adults-only shows, Sage and Coriander perform their adult show, and many of the family game shows and Bingo sessions take place.

I have mixed feelings about this space.

It is beautiful, but I do not love the seating layout for interactive game shows.

I prefer the configuration of D Lounge aboard some of the older Disney ships, where the seating makes it easier to see the activity and feel immersed in the game.

Because Sarabi has more traditional rows of seating, I sometimes felt more removed from the action.

The configuration probably works better for performances, but for interactive game shows, I prefer the older lounge design.

We did not spend a huge amount of time in the lounges because this particular trip was focused primarily on activities we could enjoy with our children.

However, we were fortunate enough to participate in an Imagineering tour of the ship, which allowed us to visit each lounge and learn more about its design.

We also participated in trivia at Skipper Society and stopped by the Haunted Mansion Parlor while children were allowed inside.

If you have the opportunity to participate in an Imagineering tour, I highly recommend it.

In fact, I enjoyed the experience so much that it deserves its own section.

Imagineering Tour

As a Disney fan—and someone especially interested in Disney Imagineering—the Imagineering tour of the Disney Treasure was one of the highlights of the entire week for me.

I knew my oldest daughter, who enjoys watching Disney documentaries with me, would love it. What surprised me was how much my six- and nine-year-olds enjoyed it as well.

Even my husband, who definitely enjoys Disney but is not watching Disney documentaries at the gym like I am, found the tour fascinating.

Best of all, it was free.

The tour could be reserved in the app, although the available reservation option was listed for adults.

On our first day aboard the ship, I went to Guest Services and asked whether there was any possibility that we could attend with our children since they also love learning about the Imagineering behind Disney attractions.

A day later, we received a message saying that Disney would arrange a tour for our family on the final day of the cruise.

We were thrilled.

It was also another example of the exceptional level of service Disney Cruise Line can provide when accommodating reasonable guest requests.

The tour was fascinating and made us appreciate the incredible attention to detail that went into the ship.

Our guide pointed out many subtle elements that we otherwise never would have noticed.

One particularly touching example was a set of paw prints incorporated into the piano in Scat Cat Lounge. We learned that the prints came from one of the Imagineers’ real cats, who had passed away.

Our guide also highlighted numerous pieces of artwork around the ship and explained their meaning and significance.

After this experience, I will definitely try to attend an Imagineering or ship-design tour whenever one is offered on a future Disney cruise.


The atrium on the Disney Treasure while we toured the ship.
The atrium on the Disney Treasure while we toured the ship.


One of the highlighted pieces of art on the Disney Treasure. It was fun to look for the hidden Disney objects.
One of the highlighted pieces of art on the Disney Treasure. It was fun to look for the hidden Disney objects.

Incredible art on the Disney Treasure, complete with living plants!
Incredible art on the Disney Treasure, complete with living plants!


Coffee Shops

The coffee shops are spaces I have grown to appreciate more with every Disney cruise.

I definitely overlooked them during my first few sailings.

One reason is simple: I do not drink coffee.

However, I have grown to enjoy chai lattes, and I have always loved hot chocolate, so I eventually discovered that Disney’s cafés still have plenty to offer me.

I also love how heavily themed the coffee shops are on the Wish-class ships. Each has its own personality and design.

Another reason our family now makes a point of visiting the cafés is something I discovered a few cruises ago: when you order certain hot beverages topped with foam, you can choose from a selection of Disney character images and have one printed directly onto the foam.

My kids think this is incredibly fun.

Now we typically stop by the coffee shops several times during each cruise to pick up fun drinks before a movie or Broadway-style show.

It also gives my youngest son a beverage or snack to help him sit through the performance!

There are four coffee shops aboard the Disney Treasure.

Marceline Market Café is located inside Marceline Market and is convenient for grabbing a specialty beverage while visiting the buffet.

Cove Café is located near the adults-only pool and is a quieter, more peaceful place to enjoy a drink.

The two cafés we visited most often were HeiHei Café and Jade Cricket Café, themed after Moana and Mulan.

One is located between the two movie theaters, while the other is closer to the Walt Disney Theatre, making both convenient places to pick up specialty beverages before a movie or live performance.

Do not forget to ask for a loyalty card so you can work toward free drinks during your cruise.

Because we were purchasing drinks for a family of five, we filled ours fairly quickly and earned a couple of complimentary beverages during the week.

I even saved my partially completed card to continue working toward another free drink on our next cruise.


Jade Cricket Cafe on the Disney Treasure. Beautiful decorated!
Jade Cricket Cafe on the Disney Treasure. Beautiful decorated!


The adorable printed characters in the foam of my beverage.
The adorable printed characters in the foam of my beverage.


Jumbeaux’s Sweets

The Disney Treasure’s specialty ice cream and dessert shop is themed to Zootopia and is called Jumbeaux’s Sweets, after the ice cream shop featured in the film.

The ice cream and desserts here cost extra, but they certainly look delicious.

We did not purchase anything because we were already indulging in desserts at lunch and dinner—not to mention the complimentary all-you-can-eat soft serve available on the pool deck.

Even if you do not plan to buy dessert, stop inside to look around.

There is a great statue of Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps sharing an ice cream sundae that makes for an excellent photo opportunity.


Activities Around the Ship


AquaMouse, Slide-a-saurus Rex, Toy Story Splash Zone, and Pools

Since many cruises sail to warm tropical destinations, chances are you will want to spend at least some time cooling off in the water.

There is no shortage of ways to do that aboard the Disney Treasure.

AquaMouse

AquaMouse, which debuted aboard the Disney Wish, is a two-person raft attraction.

Guests board a raft and travel up a conveyor-style lift while watching Mickey and friends in animated scenes, with plenty of water effects along the way.

Then you slide and splash your way through the rest of the attraction.

It is a fun ride, although it is somewhat shorter than I expected.

Be sure to look around near the end of the ride because there are some very cute character statues and decorative details.

The cartoon sequence can also change, so it is worth riding more than once during your cruise to experience the different versions.

Guests must be at least 42 inches tall to ride with an adult and 48 inches tall to ride alone.

Slide-a-saurus Rex

The other waterslide aboard the ship is Slide-a-saurus Rex.

It is a smaller body slide that ends near the Toy Story Splash Zone.

It was not particularly thrilling for our family now that our children are getting older, but it is a great option for younger kids—or kids at heart.

The minimum height requirement is only 38 inches, making it accessible to many younger cruisers.

Even though our kids prefer more thrilling slides these days, they still enjoyed taking a few turns on it.

Toy Story Splash Zone

The Toy Story Splash Zone is filled with themed characters, water features, and two small slides designed for Disney’s youngest cruisers.

We did not use the area because it is intended for children ages four and under and our kids are now too old, but it certainly looked like fun. We saw plenty of little ones having a wonderful time.

I do wish Disney offered a comparable water-play structure for older children.

My kids love Splashaway Bay on Royal Caribbean ships, which has several medium-sized slides, a playground-style climbing structure, water sprayers, and a giant dumping bucket.

I think Disney could benefit from adding something similar.

It would not necessarily require a huge footprint but would provide another water activity for children who have outgrown the Toy Story Splash Zone.


Pools

The Disney Treasure also has numerous pools throughout the ship.

Our family has mixed feelings about the pools on the Wish-class ships.

On the positive side, having many different pools helps spread guests out, and we love watching Disney movies on the giant Funnel Vision screen while relaxing in the water.

However, the individual pools are quite small and can become crowded.

There is not much opportunity for actual swimming, especially for older children and adults. They are better suited for hanging out, splashing around, and cooling off—almost like oversized cool-water hot tubs.

Disney Cruise Line gets many things right, but I would give the larger Royal Caribbean ships the edge when it comes to water attractions.

Royal Caribbean generally offers more thrilling waterslides, larger pools suitable for actual swimming, and water-play structures that appeal to older children.

That said, we still have plenty of fun using the Disney pools, watching Funnel Vision, and riding AquaMouse and Slide-a-saurus Rex.

We simply know going into a Disney cruise that the pool deck will not be the sole focus of our vacation.

There is far too much other Disney entertainment to enjoy.


The pool deck on the Disney Wish, sister ship to the Disney Treasure.
The pool deck on the Disney Wish, sister ship to the Disney Treasure.


Hero Zone and the Incredibles Course

One feature I really like on the Wish-class ships is Hero Zone, an indoor sports and recreation space.

Regardless of the weather, guests can play sports or enjoy games such as air hockey and foosball.

On select sea-day times, Disney sets up a large inflatable obstacle course themed to The Incredibles.

The course has two lanes, allowing guests to race against one another.

Our family loves this activity. We always try to squeeze in a few races during our sea days and enjoy some friendly competition.

I also tell myself that running the obstacle course earns me an extra dessert at dinner.


The Hero Zone indoor sports zone with the inflatable Incredicourse set up!
The Hero Zone indoor sports zone with the inflatable Incredicourse set up!

This inflatable obstacle course is so much fun!
This inflatable obstacle course is so much fun!


Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Another popular Disney Cruise Line experience is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Reservations can fill quickly, and the experience can be expensive, but many families absolutely love it.

Children can be transformed into the princess of their choice with a costume, hairstyle, glitter, makeup, and nail polish, depending on the package selected.

Guests may also choose prince or Captain Mickey options, and during Pirate Night there are pirate-themed packages available.

Reservations open according to Disney Cruise Line’s activity-booking windows, beginning with Concierge guests and then opening progressively to the various Castaway Club levels before becoming available to first-time cruisers.

The Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s complimentary loyalty program, which guests automatically join after completing their first cruise.

As you take more cruises, you move through different membership levels, which provide benefits such as earlier opportunities to book activities and complete certain pre-cruise planning.

Because first-time cruisers have a later booking window, securing a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment can sometimes be difficult.

If you cannot reserve a time in advance, check with Guest Services or the boutique after boarding. Cancellations do happen, and Disney may still be able to accommodate you.

And if you do not get an appointment, do not worry—you can still have an amazing vacation.

We have sailed with Disney five times and have never booked the full experience for our children. We bring our own princess dresses and still have a wonderful time dressing up.

If you do decide to book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney offers several packages. One good way to save money is to choose an option that does not include a costume and bring your own dress instead.


Movie Theaters

The Wish-class ships feature two small movie theaters: the Never Land Cinema and Wonderland Cinema.

Both have adorable themed entrances that immediately put you in the mood to sit back and enjoy a Disney movie.

The theaters show many of Disney’s newest theatrical releases, and if you time your cruise correctly, you can sometimes watch a movie onboard at the same time it is debuting in theaters on land.

Halloween- and Christmas-themed sailings also tend to feature a selection of seasonal Disney movies, both new and classic.

We usually make a point of watching at least one movie during each cruise.


Spa, Gym, and Other Fun


Spa

Disney Cruise Line is known for offering an extensive spa experience.

Guests can reserve all kinds of treatments, either individually or as a couple.

Some ships also feature the Rainforest Room, where guests can purchase access to amenities such as heated stone loungers, saunas, specialty showers, and hot tubs, depending on the ship.

I have not yet visited the spa on a Disney cruise, but I am hoping to experience the Rainforest Room during our upcoming sailing aboard the Disney Destiny.


Gym

I have visited the fitness centers aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

The gyms offer plenty of cardio equipment and weight-training machines, and there are also fitness classes available, some of which require an additional fee.


Disney Uncharted Adventure

Disney introduced a new interactive activity aboard its Wish-class ships called Disney Uncharted Adventure.

It is essentially a scavenger-hunt-style experience that takes guests around the ship to locate different interactive points.

At each location, you complete a small game on your phone.

Four different characters guide guests through the adventure, with the overall goal of finding the missing pieces of the wishing star.

The experience eventually culminates in a show in one of the ship’s entertainment lounges.

We were very excited to try this because it reminded us of the Midship Detective Agency, which guests can enjoy aboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

We first tried Uncharted Adventure while sailing on the Disney Wish in 2024.

We enjoyed the concept but were ultimately disappointed because it did not work nearly as smoothly as the Midship Detective Agency.

Because Uncharted Adventure operates through the Disney Cruise Line app on your phone, we repeatedly experienced connection problems and glitches.

We eventually completed the adventure after restarting several times and attended the finale aboard the Wish.

When we sailed on the Disney Treasure, we hoped some of those technical issues would have been resolved.

Unfortunately, we had even more trouble maintaining a reliable connection.

We tried to play on several occasions but eventually gave up because it became too frustrating.

I hope Disney finds a way to improve the experience because the concept has a lot of potential.

The Midship Detective Agency remains one of our favorite activities aboard the Disney Dream.

In that experience, guests receive a card and map from a kiosk that guide them around the ship to specific pieces of artwork.

Those pieces are actually digital screens that come to life when you hold your card in front of them.

You then complete a small interactive challenge directly on the artwork before receiving your next clue.

It worked extremely well.

I wish Disney had retained more of that technology while simply creating new stories for the Wish-class ships.


Photo Opportunities


Another really fun addition to a Disney Cruise is the photo opportunities. Besides photos around the ship, with characters and in the restaurants, each night about four themed backdrops are set up with professional photographs there to take family photos for guests. You can also ask them to take photos with your own phone or camera. Photos on the grand staircase and in front of the grand hall statues are also a really nice souvenir from your trip.


You can pay for different photo packages which include the professional photos taken with the photo back drops, special spots around the ship, in the restuarants and with characters. Or you can ask the crew members to take a photo with you on your own device and skip the photo package. One advantage of the photo package is that magic shot are offered when the professional photographers take your photo with the themed backdrops. Fun magical touches or characters are digitally added into the photos and it is really fun!


A haunted mansion themed magic shot on the Disney Treaure!
A haunted mansion themed magic shot on the Disney Treaure!

Another fun magic shot on the Disney Treasure.
Another fun magic shot on the Disney Treasure.


A photo with the Grand Hall statue on the Disney Treasure.
A photo with the Grand Hall statue on the Disney Treasure.



Kids Clubs

My children are not particularly enthusiastic about kids clubs, so I cannot provide a detailed firsthand review of them.

However, just about everything I have heard from families whose children use them has been extremely positive.

There are several highly themed areas, including an Imagineering space where children can design their own roller coaster, as well as Marvel, Star Wars, and princess-themed areas.

Characters sometimes appear during organized activities, and children can choose from a wide variety of scheduled programming or simply enjoy exploring the spaces and being creative.

The kids clubs can also give parents a chance to relax, spend some time together, or enjoy the adults-only areas of the ship.

Most youth-club programming is included in the cruise fare.

The exception is “it’s a small world” nursery!, which is designed for younger children and carries an additional charge.

For older children, Disney offers Disney’s Oceaneer Club for younger kids, Edge for tweens, and Vibe for teenagers.

These clubs can give both children and parents an opportunity to enjoy some independent time during the cruise.


Meeting Characters

I saved one of the highlights for many Disney families for near the end: character meet-and-greets.

There are so many opportunities to meet Disney characters aboard the ships.

Throughout the cruise, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, and Dale frequently appear at scheduled times.

Princesses are also available to meet, and on various cruises we have encountered characters such as Stitch, Spider-Man, Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee.

Times and locations are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and most character appearances do not require an advance reservation.

I recommend arriving a little before the scheduled time because Disney only keeps each character’s line open for a limited period.

Arriving early helps ensure that you get into the line and generally reduces your wait.

One character event that does require advance booking is the Princess Gathering.

The event is complimentary, but you must have a reservation.

Guests reserve a specific time and then meet several princesses in succession, usually in the ship’s atrium or Grand Hall.

It is an excellent way to meet several princesses without experiencing the long waits you often encounter in the theme parks.

Reservations open 30 days before sailing and can be booked through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Your cruise must be paid in full before you can reserve the Princess Gathering.

Overall, we have found character meetings aboard Disney Cruise Line to be much easier than meeting characters in the parks.

There are plenty of opportunities throughout the sailing, and as long as you arrive slightly early, the waits are usually quite reasonable.

Another fun feature is that the characters change outfits throughout the cruise.

On embarkation day, Mickey and friends may appear in nautical attire. On formal night, they dress up elegantly. On Pirate Night, they appear in pirate costumes. During Halloween and Christmas sailings, they may also wear special holiday outfits.

This makes it fun to meet the same characters more than once because you can get completely different photos each time.


Meeting Moana while on the Disney Treasure!
Meeting Moana while on the Disney Treasure!

Goofy greating guests while in his sailor outfit!
Goofy greating guests while in his sailor outfit!


Final Thoughts

As you can probably tell, my family thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard the Disney Treasure.

It is a beautiful ship featuring my favorite lineup of Broadway-style productions and one of the best rotational dining combinations in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

With such a wide variety of activities and entertainment, your family will never be bored—unless, of course, you want to be!

There is excellent food, plenty of entertainment, and a long list of amenities and activities to enjoy throughout the cruise.

I genuinely do not think you can go wrong with any Disney Cruise Line ship.

I have sailed on some of the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet and, at the time of our Treasure cruise, one of the newest and largest. I have enjoyed every one of them.

What sets the Disney Treasure slightly apart for me is its combination of theming and entertainment.

I was blown away by the Grand Hall, the artwork and décor throughout the ship, and the thoughtful details incorporated into seemingly every space.

We were equally impressed by the breadth of entertainment available throughout the week. Disney did an excellent job providing a varied lineup of activities from morning through evening, with something for almost every member of the family.

For now, the Disney Treasure earns my number-one ranking among the Disney Cruise Line ships I have sailed.

Have you sailed aboard the Disney Treasure?

If so, what did you think? Do you agree or disagree with my impressions? And which Disney Cruise Line ship is your favorite?

If you have not sailed on the Disney Treasure, I hope this review has helped give you a better idea of what to expect.

My goal is to help other cruisers understand what awaits them onboard and what they can look forward to experiencing.

Before our cruise, I learned a lot about the Treasure from reading similar blogs, but there were also several aspects of the ship that I wanted to know more about and had difficulty finding detailed information on.

I hope this article helps fill in some of those gaps and leaves you even better prepared—whether you are already booked or still deciding whether the Disney Treasure is the right ship for your family.

Happy sailing!

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About Me

Welcome to my travel blog! Here, I share my adventures and insights from my journeys. I will be telling the tales from my travels and passing along reviews of my cruise vacations. My family loves to cruise and we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. We hope you will find tips and tricks to help your family love cruising as much as we do. 

© 2023 by Tales Through the Porthole. Powered by passion and adventure.

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