In this interview, we spoke to Hannah Anderson of the DIS Unlimited podcast, who sailed aboard the Disney Treasure during a preview cruise. Hannah was invited to participate in this sailing as a guest of Disney Cruise Line, but all the answers and opinions are her own.
• What was your overall impression of the Disney Treasure cruise ship?
The Disney Treasure is stunning and almost instantly became my favorite of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The beauty of the theming with immersive experiences like the Haunted Mansion Parlor, Plaza de Coco, and The Tale of Moana make the Treasure a Disney fan’s dream come true.
• How would you describe the overall theme and design of the ship compared to the Disney Wish?
The colors and details on the Disney Treasure are so rich. Every space is incredibly elegant while also feeling warm and inviting. There is also such a wide variety of Disney stories from the parks, Disney Animation, and Pixar, creating something for everyone to love and surprising details to find throughout the ship. I especially love the detailed art throughout, like tile mosaics from Aladdin, living moss art from Moana, and an interactive treasure map of the ship that ties theme park classics like The Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise together in a way that just feels right.
• Which area of the ship did you find most visually impressive or unique?
The Grand Hall made my jaw hit the floor. Since the layout is similar to the Disney Wish, I did not expect the Treasure to immediately feel so different. The colors and details in the Grand Hall are truly breathtaking. I also HAVE to mention The Haunted Mansion Parlor. Even before you step into the parlor, the hallway feels exactly like the Disney Parks attraction, complete with an identical door into the parlor and a familiar face telling you “to hurry back.” Once inside, the atmosphere is exactly like the attraction in a way that is almost too good to believe.
• Did you feel the “Adventure” theme was well integrated throughout the ship?
Before sailing on the Disney Treasure, I did wonder how stories like Aladdin, The Aristocats, the Jungle Cruise, Marvel, Coco, and Mulan would all go together, but they truly do in a way that is both genuine and cohesive. Much of this is due to the coordinating colors throughout the ship and artistic details like treasure maps and mosaics to blend the spaces together. The adventure theme is guided by the Disney storytellers, Coriander and Sage, who you first meet during the Sail Away Party and at different performances throughout the sailing. I appreciate the wide range of stories and am happy that it appeals to me as both a Disney Parks fan and a fan of classic Disney films. My toddler is also really going to love being surprised by some of his favorite characters in unexpected ways.
Disney Treasure Entertainment and Activities
• What was your favorite show or performance on the Disney Treasure?
The best performance on the Disney Treasure and any of the Disney ships HAS to be The Tale of Moana. The performers truly make it a Broadway performance, and the effects, puppets, and costumes bring the animated film to life in a way I didn’t know was possible. In particular, the Te Ka puppet had me in absolute awe. The way Te Ka moves and transforms is mind-blowing and had the entire audience letting out an audible gasp. The story of Moana is told in a very sentimental way that brings the characters to life in a new way. The Tale of Moana is not to be missed and is reason alone to experience the Disney Treasure.
• How did you like the Haunted Mansion Parlor experience?
I was in tears the moment I stepped into this space. It feels exactly like you are walking into The Haunted Mansion in a way I never thought was possible. Every detail in The Haunted Mansion Parlor feels so familiar but also new and exciting. Then being able to soak in the details and feel like you are living in The Haunted Mansion… there is no greater love letter to the Disney Parks fan than that.
Despite trying four different signature cocktails and two of the sodas, my favorite drink was the Hoppy Haunts beer. This was the only disappointing detail from The Haunted Mansion Parlor. This space is still very much worth enjoying, even if only for a glass of wine or beer or no drinks at all.
• How would you rate the quality of the character interactions and meet-and-greets on the ship?
Just like the other five Disney ships, the character interactions onboard are the absolute best. Characters can be found throughout the ship, the meet and greet lines are shorter than those in the parks, and the interactions feel more spontaneous. The “dinner show” at Plaza de Coco also feels less “frantic” than Arendelle on the Wish and allows more space to enjoy the dinner and the atmosphere – there is less pressure of characters stopping by your table.
Disney Treasure Dining and Food
• Which restaurant on the Disney Treasure did you enjoy the most and why?
Plaza de Coco was my absolute favorite on the Disney Treasure for the atmosphere, memorable show, and the menu. You are immediately immersed in the story of Coco as soon as you enter the hallway to the restaurant with little details like letters from Hector to Coco when she was a little girl and, of course, the ofrenda straight from the movie. The restaurant itself is warm and inviting and feels just like you are an outdoor plaza for a celebration. This atmosphere combined with the beautiful performances of songs like Remember Me, a Mariachi band, and a surprise appearance from Dante; complete the experience in a way that is both entertaining and not distracting from the meal itself. I was also blown away by the menu and thought it offered unique dishes I had not had on any other cruise.
• Describe a standout dish you had at one of the dining venues that isn’t on Disney’s other cruise ships.
It’s hard to name just one… so here are three! The “Dias de los Muertos” menu from Plaza de Coco featured three standout items – the Beef Birria Empanada, Red Chicken Enchiladas, and the Chipotle Black Bean Soup. These are all considered starters on the menu, but I would order all three as a meal and possibly get two orders of enchiladas and empanadas. The flavor from each of these items was phenomenal. Especially the black bean soup with its side of Mama Coco’s pork tamale – the sweetness from the tamale with the chipotle in the soup was the perfect combination.
• How did the dining experience on the Disney Treasure compare to other Disney cruise ships?
The dining experience on the Disney Treasure was very similar to the Disney Wish in that Mickey’s Festival of Foods, Marceline Market, and 1923 are virtually identical. Worlds of Marvel is the same in terms of layout and décor but offers a different “show” featuring Groot and Rocket from The Guardians of the Galaxy. Since the Treasure is a 7-night sailing, familiar restaurants like 1923 and Worlds of Marvel offer a different menu for night two in the restaurant. As a toddler parent, I really appreciate there being interactive elements at both Worlds of Marvel and Plaza de Coco to keep the entire family engaged during dinnertime.
Disney Treasure-Specific Features
• What was your experience with Sarabi?
Sarabi was especially enjoyable for the adult comedy skit “Choose Wisely,” based on the Indiana Jones films. I like the idea of this space being used as more of an entertainment venue. Late at night, Sarabi offers more of a dance club environment, giving adults one more option for a “nightcap” after the other themed lounges close around midnight.
• How did you like the “Quiet Cove” adult-only area?
The Quiet Cove adult area is identical to the Disney Wish – both of which are my least favorite adult areas on the Disney cruise ships. I love the view from the infinity pool at the very aft of the ship, but the pool is too small and gets very crowded. The same is true for the one hot tub in this area. The one positive is the Cove Café stays relatively quiet since it’s also tucked away in this area.
• How did the ship’s layout and flow contribute to your overall experience?
I actually like the openness of the lounges on Deck 3, similar to the Disney Wish. It makes it easier to pop in during the day to enjoy these spaces. In addition, there seem to be more seating areas throughout the ship to soak in and enjoy the truly beautiful atmosphere. Just like the Wish, the Treasure only has two elevator shafts at the forward and aft, and I actually like this layout. The elevators are closer to being mid-ship and make it easier to remember what end of the ship you’re on.
Comparison and Personal Opinion
• What would you say is the biggest highlight of sailing on the Disney Treasure?
The biggest highlight of sailing on the Treasure is the immersive details everywhere you look. The ship is a unique experience from the moment you enter the Grand Hall. The rich color palate, the characters hidden in the chandeliers, the stunning carpets, and the highly themed spaces are unlike anything I’ve ever seen Disney accomplish. You are completely transported in every space on the Treasure, which is exactly what you want on your Disney vacation.
• Do you have any suggestions for improvements or things Disney could add to the Disney Treasure experience?
I only wish the adults-only Quiet Cove area had been modified to accommodate more people. Otherwise, the Treasure is perfection, and I hope Disney makes it the new standard for the other Disney ships in the fleet.
• Would you recommend the Disney Treasure to friends and family looking for a Disney cruise?
I can’t stop talking about the Disney Treasure to everyone I know! It is the best Disney experience I have had in a very long time and reminded me of why I originally fell in love with vacationing at Disney. The 7-night itinerary is perfect for this ship; you need that much time to enjoy experiences like the Haunted Mansion parlor, multiple meals at Plaza de Coco, and The Tale of Moana. If you are debating a Disney Cruise, you must sail on the Treasure.
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