Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Well, Disney Cruise Line is betting it isn’t. The line’s newest ship, Disney Treasure, offers some of the most detailed and immersive experiences at sea drawing inspiration from popular theme park attractions. How does it compare to other DCL ships? Well, we are back from one of the first cruises on this brand-new Disney ship and share our first impressions of Disney Treasure to help you decide if it’s right for your next vacation.

First Impressions of Disney Treasure – What It’s Really Like Onboard

Like many sailing on a Disney cruise from Port Canaveral, Terminal 8 was our starting point for this three-day preview cruise as hosted guests of Disney Cruise Line. Weaving our way through the mouse silhouette to the gangway, we were ready for our next adventure.

After scanning our MagicBand+ and being formally welcomed onboard, we stepped into the Grand Hall. This is the first public space all guests see, instantly transporting them to a whole new world. The signature statue of Aladdin and Jasmine from the 1992 animated classic is the focal point of this atrium, along with Agrabah-inspired decor.

If you didn’t already know, we are big Disney fans. So, we felt right at home entering the Grand Hall. But, even if you’ve never seen the film, this warm and extravagant atrium sets the stage for a cruise unlike any other.

Adventure is a key theme throughout Disney Treasure, unlike its sister ship, Disney Wish, which focuses on enchantment. This is evident in the décor and art throughout the ship, depicting some of the most notable stories in the Disney catalog.

While the layout of Disney Treasure is identical to that of Disney Wish, there are some significant differences between the two ships aside from theming. Some of the biggest changes can be found in the bars and lounges, along with a brand-new rotational dining room and stage production.

Look Alive at the Haunted Mansion Parlor

It might surprise those who have never sailed with Disney Cruise Line to learn that these ships aren’t just for kids. DCL boast a variety of bars with dynamic nightlife and other adult-focused offerings.

Perhaps the most successful transformation on Disney Treasure is the Haunted Mansion Parlor. While I am a Star Wars fan, I have to admit that I enjoyed this space more than the Hyperspace Lounge on Disney Wish.

In the intricately themed Haunted Mansion Parlor, foolish mortals have a place to enjoy some spirits with happy haunts from a specialty cocktail menu that comes alive on tablets. We couldn’t pass up the Happily Never After and Regions Beyond cocktails. But, many will be drawn to the The Chilling Challenge as well.

Adorned with early 20th-century furniture with velvety finishes, this parlor is an eerily comfortable space. The wallpaper, paintings, and several design details with nods to the Disney attraction by themselves would have made this parlor a smash hit. But, once the clock begins to toll, that’s when the room really comes alive. According to Disney Imagineers, eight different “mysterious happenings” occur in a random sequence. These can include singing wall art, a séance with Madame Leota, or other playful spooks depicted on the mirror behind the bar.

We highly encourage you to grab a drink and enjoy one of the most intricately designed and immersive venues at sea. Just remember, no flash pictures, please, as these spirits are frightfully sensitive to bright lights. Oh, and be sure you don’t let any ghosts follow you home!

More Disney Theme Park Attractions at Sea

Across the way, the Skipper Society places guests in the middle of another Disney Parks attraction, the Jungle Cruise. From the lanterns on the tables to the bamboo wood and white awnings, guests can settle in for a three-week journey that lasts only 12 minutes.

Although, the servers here did not receive a crash course in humor. We were expecting some off-beat jokes that go on for Niles and Niles, but the only thing the waitstaff delivered were cocktails. Still, the overall décor and vibe of the lounge did impress us. Some of our favorite drinks were this one and this one…no really, you won’t want to pass on the Skipper Sipper or the Salted Carmel Tini.

Unlike the Haunted Mansion Parlor, the Skipper Society wears many hats. During the day, activities staff host arts and crafts among other events here. Trivia sessions or live music may be on the agenda in the evenings as well.

When it comes down to Skipper Society vs. The Bayou on Disney Wish, it’s a tougher call but we think this one takes the slight edge.

The Periscope Pub is another new addition to Disney Treasure. This bar borrows nautical notes and accents from the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction. With lighting effects, signature beer selections, and a small menu of pub fare, this bar is a seaworthy addition to the ship. The signature beers here are so popular that two of the three were sold out by night three of our cruise.

Other themed bars include the Scat Cat Lounge. This piano bar features decor inspired by The Aristocats. Guests can enjoy some Purrfect Tinis, while listening to light tunes from the resident musician. The cruise line did rearrange this piano lounge, moving the position of the bar. Now, it can serve patrons in the Scat Cat Lounge as well as guests looking for a drink off the Grand Hall.

Dining on Disney Treasure                         

Disney Cruise Line does dining differently. Unlike most other cruise lines, which offer flexible dining options or a fixed dining schedule, this cruise line offers only the latter but with a twist.

All cruisers on Disney Treasure get an assigned dining time, either early dining at 5:45 PM or late dining at 8:15 PM. Guests then follow the same dining team through Disney Treasure’s three main dining rooms. Each main dining room offers a distinct ambiance, vibe, and signature menus. The main dining rooms include: 1923, Worlds of Marvel, and Plaza de Coco.

During our sailing, we sampled items from all three dining rooms’ second-night menus. Disney Treasure is sailing 7-day cruises starting later this month. This means guests will have two seatings in each of the three restaurants, with completely different menus (and shows if applicable). There is also the famous Pirate Night menu to roundout the 7-day lineup.

The newest addition to the dining lineup might be the best. Replacing the Frozen dining experience on Disney Wish, the dinner shows at Plaza de Coco mix authentic Mexican cuisine with live music and storytelling. The enchanting music and story of the Rivera family from the Pixar movie Coco come to life across two distinct dining experiences in this venue.

The equally captivating menu boasts spicy offerings like Red Chicken Enchiladas, Beef Birria Empanadas, and Michoacan Carnitas. Of course, you won’t want to pass up the cocktails or churros for dessert either.

Disney Treasure offers interactive dinner shows in Worlds of Marvel as well. We boogied down to the new Groot’s ReMix celebrating Marvel Heroes. Menu selections like Ahi Tuna Poke and Beef Wellington were a step above those found in most contemporary main dining rooms. The second show here will be the same as Disney Wish, which we personally enjoyed more.

In 1923, a baked lobster tail pairs perfectly with this refined dining room. Surrounded by hundreds of pieces of Disney sketches and art, it is reminiscent of a 21st-century supper club, with upscale menu items and an equally swanky vibe.

The food on Disney Cruise Line is at a premium level. So, even if the dining room decor or show on the digital screens doesn’t interest you, the food may have you returning again and again.

Additional Dining Options

Whether you are a fan of the popular Pixar movie or Mexican fare (or both), Plaza de Coco might become your favorite dining spot on Disney Treasure.

But those who prefer something more casual will not be disappointed either. Disney Treasure also has several quick service options. Mickey’s Festival of Foods serves up cruiser classics like barbecue, pizza, grilled favorites, and tacos.

The Marceline Market, the ship’s buffet, is open for breakfast and lunch. Like other premium cruise lines, cast members on the ship serve guests their selections. For lunch, guests can even enjoy items like crab legs and peel-and-eat shrimp.

Further, room service is also complimentary on Disney Cruise Line. This means guests can grab a light snack, including Mickey ice cream bars, without having to leave their staterooms.

All Disney ships feature a sweet shop too. Jumbeaux’s Sweets is a Zooptoia-themed shop where you might want to try everything. If 35 flavors of gelato and ice cream aren’t enough, there are other delectable desserts inspired by the film as well. Among the offerings is the Paw Shortbread Sandwich, an elevated take on Nick Wilde’s pawpcicle.

There’s also adult dining with two specialty restaurants, Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. Palo offers both brunch and dinner menus that are well worth the up-charge! Reservations are required and do fill up very quickly.

Entertainment on Disney Treasure

If there is one thing you cannot escape on a Disney cruise ship, it is Disney music and entertainment.  

Disney Treasure offers two cinemas showing first-run movies and classics. Whether it is Moana 2, Inside Out 2, or an Indiana Jones flick, guests can settle in with a bucket of popcorn to enjoy a feature film at no additional cost. Although, the popcorn will cost extra.

Likewise, in the Walt Disney Theater, there is a signature production or headliner act each night of the cruise. Brand-new for Disney Treasure is The Tale of Moana. This Broadway-style adaptation of the Disney film features a dynamic cast with an equally mesmerizing and elaborate set. For us, this show hit all the high notes. In fact, it is one of the most entertaining musicals at sea.

Disney Treasure is also home to other Disney Cruise Line productions. On Night 1, the aptly named Seas the Adventure is a welcome board-style show you would expect on a Disney cruise, complete with Disney characters and a little pixie dust.

The other signature production is Beauty and the Beast. This tale as old as time, also on Disney Dream, was outstanding as well.

Other entertainment venues include Sarabi and Triton Lounge. Sarabi is a two-deck space offering game shows, interactive challenges, and parties. Choose Wisely, an Indiana Jones-inspired game show, was among our favorites during this sailing.

Triton Lounge also offers trivia and karaoke throughout the cruise. Along with live music in venues like the Scat Cat Lounge or the Skipper Society, there is still plenty to do when the sun goes down on Disney Treasure.

Other Public Spaces on Disney Treasure

Beyond the Grand Hall and its elaborate chandelier, you’ll find Disney touches around the entire ship. The Hei Hei Cafe brews up signature coffee drinks alongside tiled mosaics from Moana. And the second coffee shop, Jade Cricket Cafe, is inspired by Mulan. You can let your hair down at the Tangled Salon, which offers manicures, pedicures, and services for all ages. There’s also Hooked Barbery, complete with a speakeasy.

Junior cruisers can enjoy the Toy Story splash pad and nearby waterslide on the pool deck. I plunged into a Disney animated cartoon on the ship’s innovative water ride, AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg. This 760-foot attraction propels cruisers up and down as it circles the pool deck in a family-friendly wet and wild ride with a brand new storyline.

Even the staterooms on Disney Treasure are themed. We stayed in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. Stateroom #9592 is midship on the starboard side of Deck 9. 

Our Encanto-inspired stateroom featured a neutral color palette. The vibrant artwork offered just enough pops of color to give the stateroom some character without being overwhelming. Further, Disney Cruise Line offers some of the largest staterooms at sea. Our approximately 284 square foot cabin provided plenty of storage space and a large sofa and desk area. The cruise line’s split bathroom concept offers a separate shower and toilet space with sinks to make getting ready in the morning easier.  

Disney Treasure is built for families. The large Oceaneer Club on Deck 2 features themed rooms, from Fairytale Hall to Star Wars Cargo Bay. Teens and tweens have their own dedicated spaces too. There is also the Hero Zone, an indoor sports court offering free play hours as well as organized events. The IncrediCourse is an obstacle course where mom and dad can challenge their little ones to see who can finish first.

Not to mention, there are several family pools, Disney movies played on the Funnel Vision poolside screen, and character photo-ops throughout the ship.

But adults have their own space, too. Aft on Deck 13 is the Quiet Cove. With an infinity pool overlooking the ship’s stern, the Quiet Cove also boasts a bar, a coffee shop, and plush loungers. Thus, it is the perfect escape from the little ones on the ship. Although, the space is rather small for a ship of this size (similar to cruiser complaints on Disney Wish).

There’s also the Senses Spa. Here, adults can indulge in massages and various other treatments. Or, they can relax in the Rainforest Room. This thermal suite features heated stone loungers, a sauna, a cold room, and a large outdoor deck space at the bow of the ship with whirlpools and comfy seating options.

Who Will Like Disney Treasure

Disney fans will undoubtedly fall in love with Disney Treasure. We both agreed that we liked this ship more than Disney Wish. The decor and attention to detail throughout the entire ship is unlike any other cruise ship.

The bars and lounges are better themed, offering more immersive and unique experiences. We loved the Haunted Mansion Parlor. For us, Plaza de Coco was another big improvement. While we think the Frozen dinner theater show might be better, the bright and festive dining room and menu selections give this communal experience a celebratory glow.

Additionally, Disney offers some of the best main theater entertainment at sea. These productions brought animated classics to life. The performers were excellent, and the approximately hour-long shows still had all the energy and heart of the original films upon which they were based.

However, if you are not a Disney fan, then Disney Treasure might not be the right ship for you. Indeed, you don’t need to know all the intricate details to enjoy the new spaces like the Haunted Mansion Parlor. While Disney aficionados can spend hours pouring over the details, others can simply enjoy drinks in a well-themed haunted bar. The same is true at dinner. You don’t have to love Disney animation to appreciate a three-course meal in a stylish setting.

However, Disney Treasure does come with a higher price tag. So, non-Disney fans may want to opt for another cruise line to save some money. As Disney fans, even we sometimes find it hard to justify a Disney cruise’s costs.

We took advantage of booking early and scored a January 2025 Caribbean cruise on this ship for just over $5,000. This puts the trip on par with new megaships from cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. So, we look forward to stepping back onboard Disney Treasure in just a few weeks to experience a full sailing. Stay tuned.

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