Disney Treasure: Magic on the Open Seas

When was the last time you cried tears of pure joy on a cruise? For me, it happened over and over again during the preview sailing of Disney's newest marvel, the Disney Treasure. As the latest gem in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, this ship delivered more magic than I could have imagined. Sailing for the fifth time with Disney, I thought I knew what to expect—luxury experiences, incredible shows, exceptional dining and endless fun for both kids and adults. But this journey? It exceeded every expectation and touched my heart in ways I’ll never forget.

Joining me on board were my AAA ACG colleagues, Ayanna Robinson (on her first Disney Cruise) and Giuliana Moreno (rediscovering the magic on her first Disney Cruise as an adult). We explored every corner of this spectacular ship together, sharing laughter, awe and even a few of those happy tears I was talking about. Dive in to discover our unfiltered impressions of the ship, mouthwatering highlights from the incredible cuisine, and the magical moments that left us speechless.

First glimpse of the Disney Treasure

The Disney Treasure debuted in 2024 and is the sister ship to the Disney Wish in the Wish Class. It boasts 1,250 staterooms and a capacity of 4,000 passengers. Homeported in Port Canaveral, Florida, just a quick hour's drive from the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, the Treasure sails 7-night voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All itineraries include a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s prized private island in the Bahamas that is tailor-made for relaxation and adventure.

“Everything exceeded my expectations,” Giuliana shared, reflecting on her initial impressions of the ship. “All the stories throughout the ship have been brought to life beautifully.” Ayanna, a devoted Disney enthusiast, gushed about “every little detail” aboard the ship, from the vibrant, intricately designed staterooms—each themed after beloved Disney classics like Aladdin, Pocahontas, Encanto, Up, Finding Nemo and Luca—to the stunning Aladdin-inspired Grand Hall, where every guest is welcomed with a touch of magic. One of Ayanna’s most cherished moments was the enchanting “Kiss Goodnight,” when the Grand Hall sparkles to life with the magic of Aladdin. Reflecting on the experience, Ayanna calls the atrium “breathtaking” and “beyond amazing,” a memory she’ll treasure forever. As a seasoned cruiser, I was charmed by the enchanting artwork throughout every deck, from intricate mosaics and ornately designed carpets inspired by Disney’s Aladdin, to a lush 3D mural of Te Fiti from Moana. Plan time to explore the ship, especially the ship’s stairwells, where the best of Disney art delights.

What’s new onboard the Disney Treasure

The Disney Treasure sets sail as the newest gem in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, packed with a treasure trove of exciting, never-before-seen experiences. Here are some of the highlights we can’t stop talking about: 

Disney The Tale of Moana: Inspired by the 2016 Disney animated film Moana, Disney The Tale of Moana is the ship’s mainstage production show. The blockbuster hit is brought to vivid life on stage with a large cast of Broadway-level talent, incredible sets and thrilling special effects. Giuliana details her experience as being “shocked by the production’s beauty,” crying tears of wonder at the show's end. This ranks high among the best shows I’ve seen in years, and I’ll never forget the incredible Te Kā to Te Fiti puppet reveal. 

The Haunted Mansion Parlor: For the first time, Disney Cruise Line has found inspiration from beloved Disney Parks attractions to inspire some ship spaces. The new Haunted Mansion Parlor welcomes “foolish mortals” to the first-of-its-kind immersive lounge. Fans of the dark ride attraction will marvel at the chance to imbibe spirits as apparitions appear in and around every nook of this wondrous lounge. Signature elements of the Haunted Mansion attraction in the parks can be found throughout the space, including hitchhiking ghouls, dancing ballroom ghosts and a spine-tingling Madame Leota seance. You’ll feel like you stepped out of your doom buggy inside the attraction and someone handed you a cocktail. I spent a few nights here sampling cocktails, and the Chilling Challenge was my favorite, with its fun black light revealing the lime salt air foam. All ages are welcome in The Haunted Mansion Parlor during the day, but the bar is restricted to 18+ at night, and the drinking age is 21. 

Periscope Pub: Giuliana and Ayanna were smitten with the new Periscope Pub, a nautical-themed bar inspired by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage attraction that operated for decades at Walt Disney World Resort. As we enjoyed a meal there (the à la carte menu includes the best tater tots on the ship and an excellent gourmet burger), the bar staff shared some of their favorite hidden surprises of the space, including a pressure gauge that points to 718, the Disney Treasure’s call number. With a sense of amazement, Giuliana added, “Everything here means something; that is a theme throughout the ship.”

Other new lounges on the ship include the Skipper Society, fashioned after the Jungle Cruise attraction in the Disney parks, and the Aristocats-themed Scat Cat Lounge, an adults-only hideaway. 

Accommodations on the Disney Treasure

We were absolutely blown away by the staterooms on the Disney Treasure, which combine luxury, comfort and thoughtful design in every detail. These rooms feel like a retreat at sea, offering plenty of storage space and a clever privacy curtain that separates the sitting area from the sleeping quarters. The interior staterooms are a delightful surprise featuring lighting design and Disney artwork that brings an added touch of magic. Every stateroom, no matter the category, includes premium features like plush Euro-top mattresses, sumptuous Frette linens and towels, and access to Disney’s film library on a vibrant 43" LCD flat-screen TV.

If you’re looking to upgrade your experience, the oceanview and verandah staterooms are among the best on any cruise ship. The queen-sized bed is framed by a colorful and whimsical mural that feels like a piece of art in itself, while the warm wood paneling creates a cozy, home-like atmosphere. The verandah staterooms also offer your own private balcony, perfect for enjoying ocean breezes and stunning views. One standout feature across all stateroom categories is the ingenious “split bathroom” design, perfect for families or groups to get ready simultaneously. From the thoughtful design to the premium amenities, the staterooms on theDisney Treasure set a new standard for comfort and style at sea, ensuring your journey is as magical as the destination.

Fun in the sun on the pool decks

The pool decks on the Disney Treasure was one of our favorite parts of the cruise, offering a mix of excitement and relaxation. One of the standout attractions is the AquaMouse Water Slide, a thrilling ride that combines a water adventure with a brand-new storyline exclusive to the Disney Treasure. Expect plenty of twists and turns and a few surprise splashes to keep you on your toes—taking a quick dip in the pool beforehand is highly recommended.

For families with younger kids or those looking for a more laid-back splash, the Slide-a-saurus Rex at the Toy Story Splash Zone is a must-try. This double-looping family waterslide is surrounded by larger-than-life toys inspired by the beloved animated films, making it as delightful to look at as it is to ride.

The ship features an impressive array of ten pools, ensuring there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy. Daisy’s Pool and Pluto’s Pool are popular choices, offering excellent views of the Funnel Vision movie screen, perfect for catching a Disney classic while you swim. For those seeking a more serene setting, the Quiet Cove is a quiet, adults-only retreat with some of the most breathtaking views on the ship—a definite hidden gem.

New dining experiences on the Disney Treasure 

Plaza de Coco Restaurant: Bringing the cherished Disney and Pixar film Coco to life, Plaza de Coco Restaurant is a live stage show and dinner experience you’ll see throughout two nights during your sailing. The first night features Miguel and his “familia” in a continuation of the animated film, with a rousing mariachi band setting the magical scene for a delicious and authentic Mexican dinner. The second night is an emotional reunion of Miguel and his great-great-grandparents, Hector and Mama Imelda. Tonight is the night to bring your tissues as a magic guitar summons a heartwarming and soul-stirring celebration of Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the restaurant as the Rivera family beautifully honored those we’ve lost. 

Worlds of Marvel: Interactive Dining Experience: This crowd favorite experience is also on the Disney Treasure with two new shows. The first night features Ant-Man and The Wasp as they demonstrate the most powerful superhero technologies. Rocket Racoon and Groot lead the second night with plenty of hijinks afoot. Giuliana was in awe of the interactive Pym Particles on each table at Worlds of Marvel. She adds, “It’s fun to play with the quiz on the screens; everything lights up, and it’s all so cool, especially with the big surprises at the end of the meal.” Pro Tip: If you choose to dine in any of Disney Cruise Line’s main dining restaurants, be sure to order the Mickey ice cream bar. Not only is it free, it’s the same as you’ll find in Disney parks.

A fond farewell

On our final sailing day, we all agreed we were eager to return to the incredible ship. Ayanna had already begun texting a few friends to arrange her next Disney Cruise Line trip. Giuliana, who had sailed previously with Disney Cruise Line as a teenager, gained an new appreciation for all the adult-only programming and spaces. Glowing from days immersed in the many joys of Disney Cruise Line, Giuliana remarked, “I definitely can’t wait to come back and experience more Disney cruises now.”