Our First Impressions of the Disney Treasure
As seasoned travelers and fervent cruise aficionados, we’ve had the privilege of sailing on countless ships, exploring diverse corners of the world. But even for us, stepping aboard the Disney Treasure for its inaugural season was an experience brimming with anticipation. This wasn’t just another cruise ship; it was a promise of innovation, enchantment, and that signature Disney magic. We approached this cruise vacation with our usual meticulous planning, but also with an open mind, ready to embrace the new. From the moment we first laid eyes on her majestic profile at the cruise port, we knew this would be a cruise unlike any other. Our mission, as always, was to fully immerse ourselves and then share our honest, comprehensive insights with you, our cherished readers, whether you’re embarking on your very first cruise booking or are a seasoned sailor with countless voyages under your belt.
The Grand Lobby: A Story Unfolds
The grand hall of the Disney Treasure truly is a sight to behold. We found ourselves immediately drawn to the intricate details, the glittering chandeliers, and the iconic statue at its heart. It’s more than just a lobby; it’s an immersive storytelling experience. We spent a good half-hour just taking it all in, noticing new elements with every glance. The subtle nods to beloved Disney stories, the rich textures, and the inviting atmosphere immediately set the tone for our adventure. For first-time cruisers, this is an excellent introduction to the attention to detail that Disney is renowned for. For those of us who have sailed before, it’s a refreshing take on a familiar concept, pushing the boundaries of what a ship’s atrium can be.
Early Dining Experiences: A Culinary Voyage
Dining on a Disney cruise is always an event, and the Treasure certainly doesn’t disappoint. We opted for an early seating to ensure we could experience the diverse range of restaurants available. Our first dinner was at Worlds of Marvel, and the interactive experience truly enhanced the meal. The food itself was delicious, but it was the immersive storytelling that truly elevated it. We also had the opportunity to sample some of the quick-service options, which we found to be consistently high quality and convenient for those busy days exploring the ship. For frequent cruisers, the rotational dining concept is familiar, but the theming here takes it to another level.
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My Five Key Mistakes on the Disney Treasure
Even with all our experience, we’re not immune to making a few missteps, especially on a brand-new ship. We believe in learning from our mistakes and, more importantly, sharing those lessons with you so your cruise vacation can be as smooth as possible. These weren’t deal-breakers by any means, but they certainly provided us with valuable insights for future sailings.
Underestimating the Popularity of Premium Experiences
Our biggest oversight was not prioritizing our bookings for premium experiences sooner. We’re usually quite adept at pre-booking, but the sheer demand for certain activities on the Treasure caught us off guard. We assumed our usual booking window would be sufficient.
Not Booking Palo Steakhouse Early Enough
Palo Steakhouse is a renowned Disney Cruise Line staple, and on the Treasure, it’s no exception. We waited a bit too long after our cruise booking was confirmed to try and secure a reservation. By then, many of the prime dining times were already taken. We eventually managed to snag a late-night slot, which was still fantastic, but we definitely learned our lesson: if a premium dining experience is high on your list, book it the moment your booking window opens. This goes for first-time cruisers and frequent cruisers alike; the demand for Palo is consistently high.
Missing Out on the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge Reservation
This was a particularly painful miss for us. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge is an incredibly immersive and popular experience, especially for fans of the franchise. We were so focused on other aspects of our planning that we completely forgot to pre-book a reservation. By the time we tried onboard, it was fully booked for the entire cruise. We did manage to walk by and peek in, but the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves was lost. This highlights the importance of researching all onboard activities and making a plan well in advance of your cruise vacation, especially for new and highly anticipated attractions on a brand-new cruise ship.
Not Fully Utilizing the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
While we generally use the app, we didn’t leverage its full potential on the Disney Treasure, which led to a few missed opportunities and unnecessary backtracking.
Missing Out on Character Meet-and-Greet Schedules
We love character interactions, but we weren’t as diligent as we should have been in checking the app for specific times and locations. As a result, we missed a few opportunities to meet some of our favorite characters, particularly those unique to the Treasure. The app provides real-time updates and schedules, and a quick glance throughout the day would have saved us from disappointment. For families with young children, this is especially crucial for maximizing those magical moments.
Forgetting to Check Daily Activity Schedules Regularly
The Disney Treasure offers an incredible array of activities throughout the day, from trivia and crafts to live music and dance parties. We sometimes found ourselves looking at the paper Navigator the night before and then forgetting to re-check the app for any last-minute changes or additions. The app is constantly updated, and a quick scroll would have kept us better informed and allowed us to optimize our schedule. This is a common pitfall, even for seasoned cruisers, when there’s so much to do on a new cruise ship.
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Overpacking “Just in Case” Items
Despite our best intentions to pack light, we still fell into the trap of overpacking. While the staterooms are well-designed with ample storage, unnecessary items just add to the clutter and make unpacking and repacking more of a chore.
Bringing Too Many Formal Attire Options
We’re big fans of dressing up for dinner, but on this particular cruise, we found ourselves with more formal outfits than necessary. While there are certainly opportunities for dressing up, the overall atmosphere on the Disney Treasure felt a bit more relaxed than some of our previous sailings. One or two nice outfits for adults, and perhaps a themed outfit for kids, would have been more than sufficient. This is a common mistake that can easily be avoided with a little forethought and checking the specific dress codes for the restaurants you plan to visit.
Unnecessary Toiletries and Medications
We tend to be overly prepared when it comes to toiletries and medications, packing full-sized versions of everything. We quickly realized that the cruise ship provides high-quality basic toiletries, and anything truly essential can be purchased onboard or at a cruise port if absolutely necessary. While it’s always wise to bring essential prescriptions, carrying an entire pharmacy of “just in case” items simply adds weight and takes up valuable luggage space.
Not Pre-Booking Shore Excursions in Advance
While we enjoy a mix of organized and independent exploration, we made the mistake of not pre-booking our preferred shore excursion at one particular cruise port.
Missing Out on a Popular Local Tour
We had our sights set on a specific, highly-rated local tour in one of our destinations. We thought we could simply book it once we arrived at the cruise port. However, due to the popularity of the Disney Treasure and the specific itinerary, the tour was completely sold out by the time we inquired. This was a valuable reminder that for popular destinations or highly sought-after experiences, especially during peak season, it’s always best to book your shore excursion well in advance, either through Disney Cruise Line or a reputable third-party provider. This is particularly true for first-time cruisers who might not be as familiar with the booking process.
Not Taking Advantage of Onboard Shopping Deals
We’re usually pretty savvy when it comes to onboard shopping, but on the Disney Treasure, we were so caught up in the magic and activities that we completely overlooked some fantastic deals.
Forgetting to Check for End-of-Cruise Sales
As the cruise vacation draws to a close, many shops offer discounts and special promotions. We were so busy enjoying our last few moments on the cruise ship that we completely forgot to browse the shops for these potential savings. We later heard from other guests about some incredible deals they snagged on merchandise and souvenirs. This is a simple mistake that can easily be avoided by setting a reminder to check the shops on the last sea day or evening.
Four Things We Absolutely Nailed on the Disney Treasure
Despite our minor mishaps, we also had some truly stellar moments and made some excellent decisions that significantly enhanced our cruise vacation. We hope these insights will help you maximize your enjoyment on the Disney Treasure or any future cruise booking.
Embracing the Themed Deck Parties and Shows
Disney is renowned for its entertainment, and the Disney Treasure certainly delivers. We made it a point to attend all the major deck parties and evening shows, and we’re so glad we did.
The Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party: An Unforgettable Experience
The Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party was an absolute blast! We dressed up in our pirate gear, joined in the singing and dancing, and fully embraced the festive atmosphere. The fireworks at sea are always a magical highlight, and this party was no exception. For both kids and adults, this is a must-do experience that truly captures the spirit of a Disney cruise vacation. We loved seeing families enjoying it together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Broadway-Caliber Live Productions
The evening shows in the Walt Disney Theatre were simply spectacular. We were consistently impressed by the talent of the performers, the intricate costumes, and the stunning stagecraft. We made sure to arrive early for good seats, which we highly recommend for optimal viewing. These shows are on par with Broadway productions and offer a fantastic way to unwind after a day of exploring the cruise port or enjoying the ship’s amenities. This level of entertainment is a major differentiator for Disney Cruise Line.
Prioritizing Relaxation and Self-Care
While there’s an abundance of activities on the Disney Treasure, we made a conscious effort to carve out time for relaxation, which we believe is crucial for a truly rejuvenating cruise vacation.
Indulging in the Quiet Cove Pool Area
The adult-exclusive Quiet Cove Pool area became our sanctuary. We spent several blissful hours lounging by the pool, enjoying the tranquility, and sipping on refreshing beverages. It’s the perfect escape from the bustling family areas and provides a much-needed opportunity to recharge. We highly recommend seeking out these adult-only spaces on any cruise ship for a moment of peace and quiet. This is especially valuable for frequent cruisers who appreciate the balance between activity and relaxation.
Experiencing the Senses Spa & Salon
We treated ourselves to a couples’ massage at the Senses Spa & Salon, and it was pure bliss. The tranquil ambiance, skilled therapists, and luxurious surroundings made it a truly memorable experience. While it’s an additional cost, we view it as a worthwhile investment in our well-being during a cruise vacation. Booking these types of services early in your cruise booking process is also advisable, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Exploring the Unique Themed Bars and Lounges
The Disney Treasure introduces several new and exciting themed bars and lounges, and we made it a mission to explore as many as possible.
Discovering the Skipper Society Lounge
The Skipper Society Lounge, inspired by the Jungle Cruise, quickly became one of our favorite spots. The witty decor, the clever drink menu, and the attentive service created a wonderfully immersive experience. We loved the subtle nods to the attraction, and the atmosphere was always lively without being overly crowded. It’s these unique, themed spaces that truly set the Disney Treasure apart. Finding these hidden gems is part of the fun of a new cruise ship.
Enjoying the Adventure Parlor
The Adventure Parlor offered a different kind of charm, with its sophisticated yet adventurous ambiance. We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks here, taking in the intricate details and enjoying the conversation. Each lounge on the Disney Treasure tells its own story, and we found great pleasure in discovering their individual personalities. We encourage both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers to explore beyond the main venues and discover these delightful hidden gems.
Maximizing Our Time at the Aquadunk and AquaMouse
We’re big kids at heart, and we couldn’t resist experiencing the thrilling water attractions on the Disney Treasure.
Conquering the AquaMouse Multiple Times
The AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, was an absolute blast! We rode it multiple times, often laughing hysterically as we navigated the twists and turns. The storytelling elements incorporated into the ride were a brilliant touch. We recommend trying it early in the cruise to avoid longer lines, though even with a bit of a wait, it’s well worth it. This is a standout feature for families and thrill-seekers on this cruise ship.
Braving the Aquadunk for a Thrilling Plunge
The Aquadunk offers a more intense thrill, with its near-vertical drop. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re an adrenaline junkie, it’s an absolute must-do. The views from the top are incredible, and the exhilarating plunge is an unforgettable experience. We made sure to hit these attractions multiple times throughout our cruise vacation, especially on sea days when we had more time to dedicate to onboard fun. For those considering a Disney cruise booking, these attractions are definitely a highlight.