Discovering the Disney Treasure

It’s not every day that Disney travel agents are surprised, but our group came away from their pre-inaugural sailing with high marks for DCL’s newest ship.

Last month, four members of Magical Vacations Travel were invited to experience Disney Cruise Line’s newest member of the fleet, the Disney Treasure. This exclusive, pre-inaugural sailing invited Earmarked agencies, media and special guests to come aboard for brand-new offerings, alongside the signature service Disney has become known for.

The Treasure is the sister ship to the Wish, and sails 7-night itineraries out of Port Canaveral to destinations around the Eastern and Western Caribbean islands, including Disney’s famed private island, Castaway Cay.

MVT’s Michele, Holly, Samantha and Sharon each have unique experience aboard DCL ships, and have shared with us their takeaways from their time on the Treasure.

Just like the Wish, the Disney Treasure welcomes guests right into a spacious atrium, with a grand staircase and themed statues. However, instead of the delicate, princess-themed color palette of the Wish, the Treasure boasts vibrant, rich colors and textiles from floor to ceiling. These themes are woven throughout the ship, from staterooms to public spaces.

“Treasure had a very BOLD impression upon entering,” said Holly. “I personally enjoy the transition away from the nautical design of the classic ships. While the Wish has a love, feminine feeling, the Treasure speaks to everyone in its colorful designs.

“I loved the lobby,” said Michele, “ each new ship’s lobby is always grander than the last.” She added that the 7-night itineraries offered by the Treasure are much more flexible in getting acquainted with the ship and its intricacies. While it took a few sailings aboard the Wish to get her bearings, Michele, along with the rest of the group, noticed that Disney made updates from her sister ship to getting around the Treasure more clear and convenient.

For agent Sharon, the Treasure was an artful and “elegant” departure from the delicate details of other ships. “From the moment you step on board the atrium is tastefully done with muted turquoise and earth tone colors giving it a classy look,” she said, tipping her hat to Disney for “hitting this one out of the park.” She noted the intricate care put into every corner, including details along the staircases that celebrate Disney movies that often get overlooked, like Wall-E, A Bug’s Life, etc.

Samantha agreed with the rest of her cohort. Having explored the Wish herself, she says she preferred the adventurous vibe of the Treasure to the fairytale theming of the Wish.

This trip was interesting for our group, as it was among the first experiences with a handicap-accessible room.

Michele, recovering from a recent back injury, came aboard with an ECV to make getting around a bit easier. She and Samantha both noted how spacious the accessible room was, including a large bathroom instead of DCL’s famed split bathroom layout.

Agents compared the classic staterooms to those aboard the Wish. Spacious, well-designed, and punctuated with Disney charm like Mickey Mouse icons and hidden details.

Disney Cruise Line has become known for its rotational dining, and the Treasure follows suit with options like 1923, Worlds of Marvel, and Plaza de Coco.

Our agents particularly enjoyed their Marvel dinner, with familiar 80s music from Guardians of the Galaxy set the mood for the night. “You could tell the service team enjoyed the restaurant,” said Holly, “and it brought out their fun side.”

The Treasure also offers 1923, straight from the Wish, but replaced the Frozen-themed Arendelle dining room with Plaza de Coco.

Plaza de Coco is a new addition to the Treasure, bringing the music and energy of Coco right to your dinner table.

While the group enjoyed the energy and food options at Plaza de Coco, they do recommend requesting a table further from the main stage if you’re not in the mood for a louder musical experience.

Outside of dinner seating, many – if not most – of the dining options mirror those from the Wish, including quick bites deck-side and the Marceline Market buffet.

“My favorite food is always the deck food!” said Michele. “They have something for everyone.”

The whole group raved about the unique and immersive lounges aboard the Treasure, especially the Haunted Mansion Parlor.

Without a doubt, the Haunted Mansion Parlor was one of the top experiences of the trip for our agents.

“This is true Disney at its best,” said Michele. “I feel like you could go in there 100 times and still see things you didn’t see before!”

“The zero-proof and regular drink menus are exquisite,” said Holly. “Take the time to sample the fun menu. The bartenders made the experience not just about a single cocktail or mocktail, but a true Haunted Mansion experience!”

In fact, several commented how they noticed more zero-proof options throughout the ship, for those who want to experience the lounge atmosphere without having to order an alcoholic drink.

Sharon agreed about Haunted Mansion being the standout, adding that kids are allowed into the lounge until 8 p.m., so the magic isn’t just reserved for adults (though they get their kid-free time!) The Scat Cat Club and Skipper’s Society also have options that allow younger sailors to experience these fun spaces for themselves before the clock strikes bedtime.

Other entertainment our group fawned over? The Pirate Deck Party and Moana stage show.

“By far the Moana stage show is the best show on any of the ships,” said Sharon. “It’s like a true Disney show and you leave with tears in your eyes.”

“Moana is the reason to sail!” said Samantha, raving about Maui’s shape-shifting and how the performers were able to portray the scenes and characters.

As a preview sailing, our agents were able to tour the ship’s suites, an upgrade that all four agree would be a memorable perk if your budget allows.

“The Tower Suite is themed after EPCOT and has three bedrooms upstairs, which I think is great for a family with young children who want their kids on the same floor,” said Michele.

Even though the Wish and Treasure are sister ships with many similarities, the differences with the Treasure stood out to our agents, especially when thinking about cruisers who may want something beyond the “typical” Disney cruise.

According to Samantha, the Treasure feels more “gender neutral,” for those who may not want to be surrounded by princesses and soft colors. Plus, the Moana stage show and Haunted Mansion lounge made such an impression that she can’t wait to see them again.
“I think the Treasure is a great option for ALL cruisers,” said Holly. “There is so much to do on a Disney Cruise that seven nights will allow you time to experience most of it. You will have two visits to each of the main dining rooms, plus an additional night that adults could experience at least one of the adult-only venues.”

Sharon agreed that the weeklong itinerary pushes the Treasure to the top of the list.

“My first Disney cruise with my family was a 7-night sailing, and I’m so happy we did it,” she said. Seven nights gives you the chance to take your time and explore the ship, find your favorite spots, and gives the kids time to acclimate,” she said.

Overall, our agents were pleasantly surprised with what awaited them aboard the Disney Treasure. Truly fresh, new spaces to explore met with classic Disney quality to produce a unique sailing experience that will suit first-timers and veteran cruisers alike.