Treasure Found! A Family’s Magical Disney Cruise - By Ryan Speer | TMC Premier Travel Advisor
If you’re considering a Disney cruise for your family, I’m excited to share our experience aboard the Disney Treasure! My family and I have sailed on both the Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure, and we had an outstanding experience on the Treasure. With a family of five that includes teenagers and a 9-year-old, finding a vacation that offers something for everyone is important to us. The Disney Treasure absolutely delivered!
From thrilling waterslides and incredible entertainment to exceptional dining and the little Disney touches that make a vacation special, there was so much to love. Here’s a look at our favorite experiences, what stood out to us, and some helpful tips I’d share with any family planning their own Disney cruise.
AquaMouse Was a Huge Hit!
If you ask my kids about their favorite part of the ship, there’s no question what tops the list: AquaMouse!
They absolutely loved the waterslide and went on it over and over again. AquaMouse combines the excitement of a water coaster with Disney storytelling, making it a must-do for families who love a little adventure.
Beyond AquaMouse, my kids enjoyed the pools, other water attractions, and outdoor movies. We also found that the pool deck never felt overly crowded. We made a point of getting up there early, which helped us find chairs and settle in for the day.
My tip: If your family loves pool time, head to the pool deck early, especially on sea days. It’s a great way to get comfortable and make the most of the ship’s water attractions!
A Stateroom That Worked for Our Family of Five
One of my favorite things about Disney Cruise Line is that they can accommodate our family of five in a single stateroom.
We stayed in a Deluxe Family Stateroom, which had a main bed for Mom and Dad, a Murphy bed, and bunk beds for the kids. The bunk beds were a particular favorite for our youngest daughter!
For larger families, finding a stateroom that comfortably accommodates everyone can make a big difference. We loved being able to stay together in one room without needing to book two separate staterooms.
When planning a Disney cruise, I always recommend talking through your family’s size, sleeping arrangements, and budget with your travel advisor. The right stateroom can make your vacation much more comfortable!
Dining and Hospitality Exceeded Our Expectations
One thing that really stood out to us on both the Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure was the consistency of the food and hospitality. The quality was outstanding, and our dining team made every evening special.
Our favorite meal was at 1923, where we enjoyed menu options that included lobster tail and rack of lamb. The food was excellent, but the service was what truly made the experience memorable.
Our dining staff made us laugh every night, helped us understand the menu, kept our drinks refilled, and made sure we had everything we needed. They even had our drinks ready on the table when we arrived for dinner! They also performed magic tricks for the kids, which became something we looked forward to each evening.
That personal connection is one of the things I love most about Disney Cruise Line. We still remember our waiter from the Disney Wish two years ago, and I know we’ll remember our dining team from the Treasure for years to come.
The Shows Were Fantastic!
Disney Cruise Line does an incredible job with its entertainment, and the Disney Treasure was no exception.
Our family especially loved the Moana and Beauty and the Beast stage productions. Both were fantastic, and I highly recommend making time to see them during your sailing.
My tip: Get there early! These are popular shows, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive and find seats.
We also enjoyed entertainment geared toward adults. One of our favorites was a ventriloquist show in the Sarabi Lounge that had us laughing throughout the performance. I really appreciated how Disney scheduled entertainment for adults as well as experiences the entire family could enjoy together.
Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, or adults looking for a fun evening, there are plenty of entertainment options to keep everyone happy.
Kids’ Clubs and Teen Spaces Were a Big Plus
Traveling with kids of different ages can make choosing a cruise ship challenging. You want to make sure everyone has activities they enjoy, and the Disney Treasure did a great job of providing options for our family.
The Disney’s Oceaneer Club was a huge hit. It featured a large space with multiple themed rooms where the kids could move between different environments and activities. There was plenty to explore!
Our teenagers also enjoyed spending time at Edge, the dedicated tween and teen club. They liked having their own space to participate in activities and spend time with other young cruisers.
As a parent, it’s great knowing there are engaging activities for each age group. The kids get to enjoy experiences suited to their interests, and the adults can take advantage of some downtime, too.
My Top Tips for Sailing on the Disney Treasure
After experiencing the Disney Treasure with my family, there are a few things I’d recommend keeping in mind as you plan your own cruise.
1. Book your shore excursions early.
We waited to book some of our excursions and discovered that many were already sold out. If there’s a particular port adventure your family really wants to experience, don’t wait too long to reserve it!
2. Pay attention to excursion timing and dinner reservations.
This is probably my most important tip. We returned to the ship after a later shore excursion and missed our early dining time, which was at 5:45 p.m. We then discovered that the buffet wasn’t open for dinner and some quick-service locations closed around 6 p.m. That left us with limited dining options.
If you’re planning a later excursion, check the timing carefully and have a backup dining plan. Room service may be another option, but it’s helpful to know what will be available before you head ashore.
3. Arrive early for popular shows.
We loved the Moana and Beauty and the Beast productions. Make sure you plan ahead and arrive early enough to find seats.
4. Get to the pool deck early.
We found that arriving early made it easy to find pool chairs. If your kids love swimming and waterslides, this simple tip can help you make the most of your day.
5. Leave time for the little extras.
From hunting for hidden ducks to checking out the creative stateroom door decorations, some of the most enjoyable activities happen between the big attractions. Let your kids explore and enjoy these fun Disney cruise traditions!
