Gifts

Culture

Reviews

Local Spots

Disney Treasure Frozen Show Review

A wintery landscape filled with large, sparkling icicles hanging from the bare branches of trees. A grand castle built entirely from ice glistens beneath the pale glow of the moon. Nearby, there's a detailed ice sculpture of a regal queen, her robe flowing elegantly, intricately carved. No people are present. On a frozen lake, light reflects off the patterned surface and snowflakes are falling gently. In the foreground, a snow-covered amphitheater suggests a performance. All is serene and magical, inviting spectators to drink in the detail and beauty of the scene. There's notably an absence of text or brand logos.

How were the kids clubs for our boys?

Both our boys spent a lot of time in the kids clubs on the Disney Treasure and honestly, I still can not believe how much our 5 year old loved the Marvel Super Hero Academy.

I was expecting him to be shy and attached to us, but he took to the club immediately and ended up asking to go back every day, which gave my wife and me some rare time to relax together.

He came home talking about building a S.H.I.E.L.D. badge and helping Black Panther with a mission, and the counselors really took their time getting to know him so he was comfortable from the start.

The Marvel Super Hero Academy is just one area in the Oceaneer Club — they also had Fairytale Hall, a Star Wars section, and a Walt Disney Imagineering lab where kids could experiment with design and crafts.

Our 3 year old was still a little young to be fully involved in every station, but the Disney staff did not mind if we walked him in to get comfortable and helped with transitions.

The clubs are for kids ages 3-12, but they are split up in creative ways so younger and older kids get activities designed for their age.

It is a good idea to pre-register your kids on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before you get onboard because it can get busy on embarkation day.

They will give you a special MagicBand-style wristband for your child so you can check them in or out easily, and you can always text with the app if you are nervous about leaving them.

My big tip here: let your child hang back a bit if they seem hesitant at first — the staff is totally used to both outgoing and shy kids.

One thing I did not realize before this trip was that kids can have meals in the club if they are there at dinnertime, which gives parents a lot of freedom for date nights or special dinners.

If you are looking for other fun things to do with young kids, check out these game ideas to play together for some inspiration both during travel and at home.

What makes dining special on Disney Treasure?

The rotational dining was a highlight for us every single night — the food was excellent, and even our pickier eater found something he liked everywhere we went.

Each restaurant had its own theme that was so well done we want to plan matching outfits next time now that we know how many families go all out for photos and dinner fun.

Sitting down at Plaza de Coco one night and 1923 the next really kept mealtime interesting, and the staff remembered our preferences quickly (like coffee orders and allergies), which made it so easy to relax as a parent.

The kids menu was always available, and one night our youngest had spaghetti two ways just because he could not decide which sauce he wanted, and the servers were happy to bring both.

I have to give a shoutout to Hei Hei Cafe too — my wife and I made it a daily tradition to visit twice a day for espresso martinis and pistachio lattes (Kevin at the bar made each drink perfectly and always remembered our names, which made us feel special every single time).

If you are a coffee fan, do not skip out on the specialty drinks here as they are much better than the standard drip around the ship.

Disney also made dietary accommodations super easy — let your dining team know your needs on day one, and you will not have to remind them again.

Do not miss out on room service, especially after a long pool day or late-night show; just order from the app and a full pizza or chocolate chip cookies appear fast.

If board games are your thing, try packing a travel-friendly board game to play during meals or room downtime.

Find This and More on Amazon

Shop Now

Were the pools and water attractions worth it for kids?

The pools and splash zones quickly became our favorite hangouts during sea days.

The AquaMouse water coaster had a bit of a wait but moved fast and was totally worth it — our boys wanted to ride over and over (if your kids are on the shorter side, check Disney’s height requirements before your cruise to avoid heartbreak).

The little-kid splash areas were perfect for tiring out the preschooler crowd, and as parents, we liked that these zones were shallow and surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs so we could relax and still keep a close eye on them.

The family pools surprisingly never felt crowded, and with the movie screens playing classics up on the pool deck, the whole vibe was laid-back and fun — a perfect balance for parents who do not want to overplan every minute.

My wife also spent a bit of time in the adults-only pool for a quick break once the kids were in the club (they do a nice job separating noise levels across pool areas, so adults really do get a peaceful atmosphere if you want a breather).

How were the private island days at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay?

We were originally supposed to stop in Jamaica, but Disney substituted a second private island day at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and honestly, it was fantastic.

Castaway Cay feels like you are on a next-level all-inclusive Caribbean resort with soft sandy beaches, free lunch barbecue, and clear water where our kids tried snorkeling for the first time.

Both islands have kid-friendly splash pads and waterslides — my boys spent a full hour just racing down the slides and running between the ocean and the playgrounds.

The bikes for rent and the family cabanas go quickly, so if you want a shaded spot or want to rent equipment, reserve it the moment your cruise activity bookings open in the Disney app.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is newer and felt a little quieter, with plenty of room for our family to spread out, plus unique Bahamian-inspired food and crafts for the kids (the staff led sand castle contests and scavenger hunts which was unexpected and really made the day memorable).

Do not forget sunscreen and rash guards for everyone — the sun is nonstop, and you will get more out of the day if kids are protected and comfortable (we found some great sun-protective sets like this kids rash guard to bring on board).

Find This and More on Amazon

Shop Now

What was the entertainment and Frozen show really like?

One of our biggest surprises as first-time Disney cruisers was the quality of the live entertainment — and the Frozen show really stood out.

The whole production is Broadway-level, and even if you are not a huge Frozen fan, the music, costumes, and effects are enough to impress anyone, adults and kids included.

Our 5 year old who can be hesitant in loud settings sat through the entire performance with a huge smile and then pretended to be Olaf for hours afterward.

The show schedule is right in the Navigator app, so you can pick the perfect showtime depending on your kids’ energy, and there are multiple performances in case you need to juggle dinner or bedtime.

The theater staff does a good job spacing families so you are not crammed in, and there are plenty of booster seats for little kids (get there about 20 minutes early for the best seats but no need to camp out forever since the ship never feels crowded).

Character meet-and-greets are happening all around the ship (with short lines), and our boys loved running into Peter Pan, Mickey, and even some Marvel heroes in costume — just keep your camera ready for spontaneous moments!

On deck, Pirate Night was a big hit, and even though we did not dress up this time, seeing other families in costumes gave us so many ideas for future cruises — our kids loved the themed activities leading up to it so much we will definitely come prepared next time.

As a tip, if you have a little one who is tired in the evenings, you can still see the fireworks from your stateroom window if you are on the port side — our 3 year old fell asleep early one night and we watched from our cozy cabin together, which was still magical.

If your kids love games that bring the whole family together, you might also like looking into these family board game suggestions for your next trip or at-home night.

Is there anything special about the staterooms for families?

Our stateroom was honestly perfect for a young family — the split bathroom was a lifesaver when getting two boys bathed and ready, and the extra storage under the bed helped keep all our stuff organized.

The pull-down bunk was a nightly adventure for our 5 year old, while our 3 year old preferred the sleeper sofa, and the blackout curtains helped everyone actually sleep in (the rocking of the ship made naps effortless for our youngest).

We brought a set of magnets for our door and the boys decorated it each morning, which turned into a mini-treasure hunt when we discovered people leave little gifts or notes for kids.

Definitely get creative with your door decor and consider packing personalized magnet kits, since our kids were thrilled every time they found a new sticker or gift from a fellow passenger.

If you do decide to get into the fish extender tradition, pack a small hanging pouch and some inexpensive Disney trinkets or stickers to exchange — I had no idea about it until I saw families swapping presents and it would have been fun to join in.

We met another family with connecting staterooms, and now we know for next time how great that can be for traveling with grandparents or cousins — ask about connecting rooms when you book because they sell out quickly on peak dates.

Pay attention to which side your stateroom is on; if you want to see fireworks from your cabin, port side is your best bet, especially if you expect kids to get tired before deck parties.

Do not forget to pack a nightlight and a white noise machine, as these made sleeping much easier for our boys — cabins can get very dark and a gentle hum helps drown out hallway activity during late hours.

Find This and More on Amazon

Shop Now

What should you pack or know before going?

Pack an extra stash of magnets, themed t-shirts or costumes, a nightlight, portable chargers, and a reusable water bottle for each family member — the more you bring from home, the less you pay on board for convenience items.

Bring cash for extra crew tips — while gratuities are added automatically, the service is so good you will probably want to hand out more by the end of your trip.

Themed nights like Pirate Night and formal dinner are big deals, so even if you are not all-in on costumes, a few matching accessories or a set of sailor hats will help your family feel part of the fun (and it is perfect for photos).

Do not be afraid to pack fun little pool toys or sand buckets for the private islands — our boys loved them, and it kept them busy so we could relax on the loungers without having to entertain constantly.

The Navigator app is key for checking show schedules, dinner rotations, and last-minute activity sign-ups, so make sure you download it and get familiar with how to message the kids club or view deck maps.

If you are into group activities or meeting new friends, try swapping family games or toys with other parents — it is a friendly crowd on board, plus you can always get inspiration for party games and group fun on your next vacation.

How do adults get in on the fun while kids are at the clubs?

Having both of our boys totally occupied in the kids club opened up time for my wife and me to have experiences we thought we would skip until they were older.

We made the most of the relaxing Senses Spa (the massages really are as good as advertised) and tried new cocktails at both the Hei Hei Cafe and other adult-only bars across the ship.

There are adult dining options onboard, including a fancy Palo dinner, but we honestly enjoyed having date night in any restaurant while the boys were entertained — the pace was slower, we could have real conversation, and dinner always felt special.

The staff is amazing at alerting parents if kids need anything, so we felt comfortable enjoying the adults-only areas without feeling stressed about being too far away.

Another big benefit: plenty of trivia nights, wine tastings, and live music for grownups while the kids are off on their superhero missions in the clubs.

What is essential to know about boarding, excursions, and leaving the ship?

Check-in and boarding were not stressful at all — Disney is well organized and there are staff everywhere guiding families, so even with little kids and luggage it went smoothly.

Pack all your essentials for day one in a carry-on bag, since it takes a couple hours for larger bags to be delivered to your stateroom (we kept swimsuits, water bottles, and snacks easily accessible).

We did not feel crowded at any point, which made it so much easier with small kids who can get overwhelmed, especially with all the excitement upon first stepping on board.

If you do book a port excursion, the earlier you check your options in the app the better; many popular adventures like dolphin swims or stingray encounters do fill up in advance.

Leaving the ship at the end was organized by color tags, and since we had young kids, we asked for an early disembarkation slot — mention if you have napping toddlers and the crew does their best to accommodate.

Do not forget to tip your dining team and stateroom host extra at the end if you can; they truly go above and beyond and little gestures mean a lot.

It helped to leave feedback on the surveys at the end of the trip, but make sure to check the top box (usually Excellent) since anything less, even Very Good, is treated as a negative in the Disney system and can impact the amazing crew.

Small mistakes first-timers make that I wish I knew

We had no clue about Pirate Night or the scale of themed dining outfits, so my tip is to scope out Disney forums or social media first so you come prepared for more fun photo-ops.

Fish extenders are a whole world unto themselves — pack a hanging pocket pouch and some surprises for kids on your next trip so you do not miss out like we did this time.

Book extra activities, spa sessions, and rentals through the app early and keep checking back for cancellations, as popular options (cabana rentals, princess makeovers) can get snapped up quick.

Do not skip Hero Zone if your kids have energy to burn — going later in the day made the lines almost disappear and I am so glad we did not miss it since even our littlest loved the course despite a few tumbles.

Even though we worried about travel motion, neither of our boys had trouble with seasickness, but the first time we stopped at a port they kept pretending they still felt the ship move which was so cute and a reminder that the ship is so stable you might barely notice you are at sea.

If your family plays board or strategy games, check out these strategy game favorites for packing inspiration — card games and compact options are perfect for travel days.

How does Disney Treasure make families feel at home?

The sense of community on the Disney Treasure was so apparent from the very first day, and it really made our family feel like we were part of something bigger.

Everyone we met, from other parents to the crew, understood what it is like to travel with little kids — this meant there was zero judgment if our boys got overexcited or had a sugar rush meltdown at the end of the night.

Decorating our door became a daily highlight and started fun conversations in the hallway, plus the little gifts swapped between passengers brought constant smiles to the kids.

The way families bond on board reminded me of how game nights at home bring people together — if that is your style, you will fit right in here.

What are the best unexpected moments for kids?

Seeing our kids come out of their shells and make new friends, whether it was in the pool, at the Hero Zone obstacle course, or while racing around the islands, was probably my favorite part of our trip.

Our 5 year old watching Peter Pan for the first time after spotting him on the ship is something we still talk about — now he wants to host his own Peter Pan themed party when we get home.

The little surprises — like stumbling onto a sand sculpture contest at Lookout Cay, or bumping into their favorite Marvel hero outside the elevator — are what make the trip extra magical for kids (and honestly for parents, too).

Playing simple travel games between activities gave us some of our best laughs, similar to the fun we find with relaxing, kid-friendly games on quiet nights at home.

What stands out for parents looking for peace of mind?

The crew onboard genuinely cared about every guest, especially the kids, and they took the time to remember names, food allergies, and even favorite drinks or snacks.

Leaving our boys in the kids club felt safe and positive, and the staff kept us in the loop through the Navigator app so there was no anxious waiting or guessing about how they were doing.

We liked that it never felt crowded, even though we were sailing at full capacity; this made every activity less stressful and let us enjoy the moment instead of worrying about lines or lost kids.

Between the thoughtfully designed stateroom layouts, the extra storage, and the friendly neighbors up and down the hall, it really does feel like a home away from home for families.

Are themed nights and events a must-do?

Now that we have done it once, I can honestly say themed nights like Pirate Night make the cruise so much more memorable — the kids light up seeing everyone in costume, and it makes for the best photos and stories afterward.

If you are thinking of skipping the costume part, I would still say bring some fun accessories, matching t-shirts, or even pirate hats for the whole family — you will end up wanting to join in when you see others on board.

The deck parties are high-energy but welcoming for all ages, so even if your little ones are shy, they will want to join in the dancing at some point (our 3 year old tried the limbo and crashed but everyone cheered him on).

Fireworks over the sea are as magical as they sound, and learning they use fish-food based fireworks was such a cool fact for the kids.

Would we recommend Disney Treasure to other families?

After a week packed with family time, adventure, and more memories than I thought possible, I am already looking at future Disney cruises.

The kids club experiences, caring staff, fantastic food, and calm atmosphere made our trip an absolute dream for both kids and adults.

If you are looking for a vacation where parents get a real break and kids leave with new friends, new favorites (Peter Pan obsession alert), and nonstop excitement, Disney Treasure really is worth it.

Do not forget to plan for door decorations, pack for themed nights, say yes to alone time as a couple, and treat the crew extra well — it all comes back tenfold.

And if you need more ideas for fun activities that get everyone involved, especially on sea days or rainy afternoons, you might want to check out some educational games that double as family fun to bring that Disney-inspired magic back home.