Disney Treasure Movie Theater Review

How do kids clubs work and are they worth it for young children?

Before this trip, I wondered if my boys would love the kids clubs or just want to stick with my wife and me the whole week.

My 5-year-old tends to be reserved, so I honestly expected him to hang back with us, while my 3-year-old is the type to jump into any group.

The Disney Treasure has an impressive lineup for ages 3-12 in the Disney Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, including the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, and a bunch of interactive spaces.

You check your child in using a magicband-like Oceaneer Band and can set permissions for who can pick them up—security is tight and staff are everywhere.

We signed our kids up on boarding day during an open house, letting them poke around the themed play areas together before actual care hours started (a huge help for nervous kids).

The Marvel Super Hero Academy was far and away my 5-year-old’s favorite spot—he dressed up as Spider-Man with provided costumes, did superhero missions, and even met Ant-Man, practicing “super skills.”

To our surprise, he started asking to go back for every session, even pushing us to book spa appointments so he could have more time there—totally opposite from what we expected.

My 3-year-old loved how friendly the staff were, always getting down on his level to talk, but he ended up spending more time just doing crafts and playing in the open areas with other kids.

Pro tip—kids clubs require shoes and socks, so don’t forget to pack extras.

Reservations are not needed for Oceaneer Club/Lab during open hours, but nursery care for kids under 3 does need to be pre-booked because it fills quickly.

If your child has allergies or any special needs, the staff are happy to accommodate and will clearly label snacks and treats in the club.

Honestly, having our son happily in the club meant some much-needed adult downtime.

If your kids are into superheroes, princesses, or even just arts and crafts, the programming is well worth it and makes the cruise a lot less overwhelming for everyone.

If you have little ones who like collaborative play at home, you might also enjoy playing engaging games that are both educational and fun.

What are rotational dining and food options like for families?

I read about rotational dining in advance, but seeing it in action was even better—all three restaurants have different themes, menus, and some night-specific surprises.

Our family had the same fantastic dining team follow us to 1923, Plaza de Coco, and Worlds of Marvel.

They were incredible with our boys—learning their favorite drinks and patiently answering questions (our 5-year-old becomes a mini food critic with new dishes).

The kids menus usually included classics like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and pizza, which worked well for our boys who can be picky.

They also brought out extra sides or fruit platters without us asking, which felt like such a thoughtful touch.

My wife and I tried something new every night, and never had a disappointing meal—her favorite was the filet from 1923, while I became obsessed with the bread service at Plaza de Coco.

Room service is free except for tips, so if the kids were wiped after a busy day, we’d grab fries and fruit at midnight just because we could.

We stopped by the Hei Hei Cafe for espresso martinis for us (try the pistachio latte if you love nuts), and made that our little ritual every single day.

Big shoutout to Kevin who worked behind the bar—he remembered our drinks by day two, made each visit fun, and never made us feel rushed even if there was a small crowd.

If anyone in your group has food allergies or dietary needs, the servers go out of their way to double check every meal—my wife has a nut allergy and never felt nervous.

Planning for Pirate Night or themed dinner? Nearly everyone dresses to match (even Mickey and Minnie!), so next cruise we are definitely going for matching pirate shirts as a family.

Are the pools, splash pads, and water slides worth the hype?

As a dad to active little boys, the pool deck was one of the first places we explored after boarding and it ended up being a daily destination.

The splash pads were perfect for the toddler set—a safe spot for my 3-year-old to run wild, and small water slides that didn’t intimidate him.

The AquaMouse water coaster is the main attraction above the pools, and my 5-year-old was finally tall enough to ride (he did it with my wife while I filmed from below).

The line can look long but it moved fast, and the interactive screens with Mickey and Minnie cartoons kept everyone entertained.

There are three family pools on the Treasure, and with all the activity areas, it never felt overcrowded—even on sea days with everyone on board.

Shaded loungers were easy to find, which meant our boys didn’t complain about the sun while having poolside snacks and frozen treats.

For some downtime, the adults-only Quiet Cove area is the spot where my wife could relax with a chai latte while I took one of the boys for pool time.

There are also toddler-specific wading areas, which have softer flooring so you worry less if your little one trips or slips.

Remember to bring rash guards and reusable swim diapers for your youngest swimmers, since swim diapers are required in splash zones.

What can families expect at Disney’s private islands?

We lucked out with two stops at Disney’s private islands: Castaway Cay and the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Each island is a full beach vacation with included food, ice cream, splash pads, play structures, and big water slides.

Castaway Cay had the classic family beach vibe—calm water, sandy beaches, and rentals for bikes or floats right there, plus Kids Club staff running supervised activities on the sand.

The beach lunch barbecue was better than expected (ribs, chicken, burgers, and endless Mickey bars for dessert).

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point felt newer and had a Bahamian twist to its architecture and activities, with splash pads and water play areas for all ages.

Both stops had lifeguards everywhere, tons of shade, and king-sized umbrellas for rent.

Pack water shoes for the kids—the sand can get hot, and there are some rocky spots on the way to the water.

Don’t forget to bring sand toys and maybe inflatable floats since you can use them all over the beach.

Our boys loved the big waterslide and the fact that every single staff member was still as energetic as back on the ship, which made the transitions smooth.

Even after busy days in the sun, it was fun to unwind with family board games, just like we do at home—if you want ideas, check out these family board game picks for all ages.

What is the entertainment and evening fun like on the Disney Treasure?

Disney nailed the evening and daytime entertainment.

The Broadway-style shows were top-notch, with plenty of singing, dancing, plus enough magic for both adults and kids (my 3-year-old could barely stay in his seat during the pirate show and has talked about it every day since).

Character meet-and-greets were everywhere, with costumed staff and fixed times in the app so it was super easy to plan your kid’s favorites.

We stumbled onto Pirate Night with zero matching gear, which made us stand out (next time we’re buying pirate bandanas ahead of our next trip!), but we still loved the energy of the deck party—hundreds of families dancing and singing along.

Fireworks at sea were epic and even though we caught them through our stateroom’s port window on deck 2 because our 3-year-old passed out, it was still magical (fun fact—the fireworks are made from fish food, so no guilt about the ocean).

There are also first-run movies showing in the movie theater every afternoon and evening, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars releases.

This was the ship where our 5-year-old discovered Peter Pan for the first time, and he was so hooked he wanted to watch it again in the stateroom the next morning—mom win for a tired morning after a full day out.

Grab popcorn from the concession stand outside the theater and a drink before heading in, since the movie theater is true stadium style with big plush seats and great sound (perfect for kids that wiggle or drop snacks constantly).

For evening adults-only fun, we loved having the peace of mind that our boys were happy and safe at the kids club so we could check out a comedy show or themed bar together—date nights are rare in our world, but Disney made them easy.

If you’re planning game nights for those early evenings in the room, I recommend trying some new ideas from these party games that work for kids and grown-ups.

How do staterooms and room features help families relax on board?

We were in a standard stateroom with a port window on deck 2, and I was surprised at how spacious it felt, even with the four of us and all the gear that comes with small kids.

The split bath design meant one of us could be getting a kid showered while the other helped brush teeth, which saved us time during those wild post-pool evenings.

Each room has a curtain you can slide for privacy, so my wife and I could sit by the window and unwind after bedtime without disturbing the boys.

The beds and the pull-down bunk were comfortable, and blackout curtains really worked, so our kids actually slept in on sea days (a total cruise miracle).

Decorating our door with magnets ended up being one of our favorite easy traditions—my wife found cute Mickey heads and superhero logos before the trip, and every time we got back to our room, the boys sprinted down the hallway to see if there were any new surprise gifts left in our magnetic pouch.

Room gifting on Disney cruises happens a lot—strangers surprised our boys with little princess stickers, pirate coins, and even handmade bracelets.

I wish we had known about fish extenders before boarding (these are little hanging organizers where people swap small presents), but even without it, the sense of friendly community was real.

If you want to make your door stand out and maybe get in on the gift exchange, a pack of cruise-themed magnets and a pocket fish extender are both worth bringing.

If you need connecting rooms or a crib, ask right after booking—these fill fast, especially in peak travel months.

Tip: Disney provides a handheld Wave phone and their app for keeping in contact, so it was easy to message my wife or get updates from kids club right from the room.

What tips do I wish I had known before our first Disney cruise?

Biggest lesson: everyone tips extra in cash every trip—if you love your server, housekeeping, or favorite bartender, budget for more than auto-gratuities because these crew members truly make the experience spectacular.

Pack at least two pairs of shoes per person—one always gets wet or sandy, and even in July, those hallways can be chilly from the air conditioning.

Bring a power strip with USB ports (but not surge-protected ones, as they are not allowed)—every device takes charging, especially if the kids use tablets for wind-down time.

Don’t wait to book popular excursions or kids club spa times on embarkation day—they fill up in minutes, especially on shorter sailings.

I would have packed more matching or fun shirts for Pirate Night and themed restaurants, since a big part of the fun is seeing everyone dress up together.

If you are a family that likes to play quiet games in the evenings, bringing a deck of cards or a small board game means you can easily fill that gap between dinner and bedtime—check your cruise line policy, but small travel games are welcome on board.

For anyone trying to stick to a budget, nearly all food and drinks (excluding alcohol and specialty coffees) are included, so snacks are everywhere—if your child is picky, you can always find something familiar.

Also, the Disney Navigator app is your best friend from the minute you board—set a notification for character times, show reminders, daily menus, and deck party details all in one place.

If you need ideas for quiet, relaxing activities after all the excitement, browse these calm games to bring on your trip for mellow wind-down options.

How do adult experiences and date nights work with young kids?

I was skeptical about getting grown-up time on a Disney cruise but the kids clubs made all the difference.

On more than one night, my wife and I had a quiet dinner and took our time with cocktails at a themed bar, knowing that both boys were having the time of their lives with crafts, superhero dress-up, and interactive storytelling.

The Senses Spa is adults-only and worth at least one visit (even if you just do the Rainforest Room or a quick massage), and you can book daytime or evening appointments to match your schedule.

For coffee fans, the Hei Hei Cafe was our happy place—espresso martinis were the highlight, but their non-alcoholic drinks and pastries also make it a great stop with or without kids.

The themed lounges and comedy acts each night are great options for a low-key date, and we were always able to get a seat, even at peak times.

Tip: the cast at the bar will remember you fast—a small thank you or extra tip to your favorite bartender goes a long way and often comes with a fun new drink recommendation.

Most of the adult nightlife happens after 9 pm, so you can take full advantage of kids club open times or plan an earlier dinner for some couple time.

How did embarkation, debarkation, and excursions stack up for a family with young kids?

Check-in and boarding were efficient, especially with kids—the staff kept everything moving, and we had our room key in hand and a navigator app QR code on our phone within minutes.

We opted for early embarkation so we could explore the ship and get the boys into splash pads before the official sail-away party.

Debarkation was easier than I expected, since families with early morning flights are prioritized, and luggage service made it easy to keep hands free for wrangling kids.

We learned to keep swimsuits handy in our carry-on bags; that first day, the pools and slides are almost empty, letting the kids play while others are settling in.

For port excursions, Disney-run options are easy for families and include everything from beach days to glass-bottom boat rides and simple walking tours.

Excursions can be pricey—plan ahead, since some activities fill up fast and discount options are limited.

Once we stopped in Cozumel, our boys spent half an hour sitting with their eyes closed saying they still felt like the ship was moving—totally adorable, and we got plenty of pictures to tease them with on future trips.

Tip: port shops and markets sometimes only take cash, especially for trinkets or snacks, so bring small bills or a prepaid travel card.

Packing essentials for a family-friendly cruise

Pack magnets and a fish extender if you want to take part in the stateroom door traditions—a quick search for Disney cruise magnets will show a ton of personalized options.

Bring reusable water bottles, since refill stations are all over the ship and on the private islands, and a small soft cooler if your kids like their own drinks or milk cold by the pool.

Swim goggles, rash guards, sun hats, and lots of sunscreen are must-haves for both the pool deck and beaches—it saved us from sunburn and tears.

If your kids are picky sleepers, bring a favorite bedtime toy or blanket (we brought our boys’ plushies from home and bedtime went smoothly every night).

Portable phone chargers are also a lifesaver, since you’ll use your device for the Navigator app, show tickets, and snapping photos all day.

If you want to save on souvenirs, grab Disney pajamas, water bottles, or pins from Amazon before you go—ship prices are high and you can surprise your kids with themed gear for less.

Pros and cons of sailing Disney Treasure with young kids

Pros

• Top-notch kids clubs with creative, supervised activities that appeal to all kinds of kids
• Rotational dining keeps meals exciting and staff make every effort to accommodate picky eaters and allergies
• Pools, splash pads, and waterslides keep kids entertained for hours with minimal wait times
• Private islands are safe, organized, and easy for families to enjoy together
• Evening entertainment, movies, and character meet-and-greets are included and easily accessible
• Stateroom features (like split baths and blackout curtains) are practical for families
• Welcoming atmosphere—no judgment no matter how tired, loud, or energetic your kids are
• Adults can truly get downtime thanks to the quality and security of kids clubs

Cons

• Pirate Night and themed dress-up caught us off guard—plan outfits ahead for full experience
• Excursions and some specialty activities cost extra and can add up quickly
• Fish extenders and gifting culture are popular, but not well advertised ahead of time
• Limited availability for spa, nursery, and connecting rooms if not booked early
• Staterooms are well-designed but still small—organize with packing cubes for easy access

Family memories and tips for future Disney Treasure cruisers

This trip honestly changed our perspective on cruising with young kids—our family had more fun, felt more welcome, and got to relax more than we ever managed on theme park vacations or even beach resorts.

Every crew member we met was a highlight, from our room host to Kevin at the Hei Hei Cafe (order the pistachio latte, trust me!), and we left genuinely excited to book again—half for the fun, half because it was so easy as parents.

Now that we know about the door decorations and the matching family outfits for themed nights, our packing list is already growing for next time, and our boys have asked if their new favorite superhero club will be there again.

Is the Disney Treasure worth it for families with kids under 10?

Looking back, I can say the Disney Treasure made cruising with little ones enjoyable, stress-free, and way more social than I expected.

If your family loves a bit of magic and wants a mix of together time and grown-up breaks, I do not think you can beat the experience.

Even though our boys were not hardcore Disney fans when we boarded, they both came home talking about their favorite characters, new friends they met, and all the cool things they tried on their own.

The themed clubs, attention to detail, and entertainment felt specifically designed with families like ours in mind—it never felt like an afterthought or just an add-on.

What stood out most was how easy it became to say yes to new things, from sliding down the big water coaster to trying Bahamian food on Lookout Cay or just letting our 5-year-old have his “independent big-kid” moments in the Marvel club.

How can you make the most of your Disney cruise experience?

Every family has their own pace and priorities so my biggest advice is to pick a few must-do experiences before you go and be flexible once you are on the ship.

Some days our boys wanted endless pool time, other days they could not get enough of the clubs or musical shows, and that was ok—the app helps you find whatever you need with minimal stress.

If your kids love games and fun activities at home, try sprinkling a few family game night classics into your trip packing, since downtime in the room after a long day can be the perfect way to reconnect over something familiar.

Order a few themed outfits or door magnets ahead of time for that extra bit of excitement—it really does help your kids feel like part of the fun community, and the memories (and photos) last way beyond the cruise.

Use the Navigator app to keep track of schedules, but do not be afraid to skip something if the kids need rest—there’s always something happening if you need a last-minute plan.

Final takeaways for families considering Disney Treasure

I used to think cruising would mean a lot of waiting, crowded spaces, or constant worrying about what the kids could touch—this Disney Treasure trip was the opposite.

We had time to relax, enjoyed great food and coffee (shout out again to Kevin at Hei Hei Cafe), and felt like the ship was built for families who want quality time and real breathing room.

I wish we had known earlier about things like fish extenders and how many people go all-in on themed outfits, so now I always tell friends to pack a little extra and lean into the Disney spirit.

Every crew member felt dedicated to making our trip special—we left not just as Disney cruise fans but with a new standard for what a family vacation can be.

If you are still on the fence, my advice is to give it a go at least once—because if our reserved 5-year-old could become a Marvel club superfan, and we could have relaxed date nights with two little kids in tow, I am pretty sure any family can make their own magic happen on board.