Disney Treasure Packing List for Toddlers

What do parents of toddlers need to know before stepping onto the Disney Treasure?

Packing for a cruise with little kids can feel overwhelming, but after spending a week on the Disney Treasure with our 3 and 5 year old boys I discovered what actually works and what we wish we had known ahead of time.

I am a web developer married to a physician assistant, and we are both longtime Disney fans but new to Disney Cruise Line.

Our kids enjoyed Disney movies but were not diehard fans before this trip, which made it even more fun to watch our 5 year old become completely obsessed with Peter Pan after seeing his statue on the ship.

To keep things simple, I am sharing what made our trip smooth, the things I would absolutely pack next time, and some things I wish I had not bothered bringing.

How should families pack for kids clubs like the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Oceaneer Club?

The Marvel Super Hero Academy and Oceaneer Club blew us away, especially since our 5 year old (who usually sticks by our sides) begged to go back again and again.

If your child is in the 3-12 age range, definitely pre-register them for the Oceaneer Club using the Navigator app before leaving home — this saved us so much time during check-in.

Kids get MagicBand+ style bands for checking in and out, which worked surprisingly well and made wandering off almost impossible.

For toddlers, pack easy slip-on shoes and socks (Crocs or Natives are a favorite for us — they can get wet and dry fast), plus a labeled reusable water bottle you can fill at the drink stations — the crew is happy to help out.

Each club has handwashing stations, but if your child has sensitive skin, toss some small travel-sized lotion in your bag as all that washing did dry my boys out by day four.

Extra changes of lightweight clothing or even a favorite character tee can help shy kids settle in, and they always encourage themed dress-up for superhero days and parties.

Do kids need special gear for Disney Treasure’s pools and splash pads?

The splash pads, pools, and AquaMouse water coaster were easily the highlights for my kids.

Packing at least two swimsuits for each kid is essential, especially with all the back-to-back water time.

Disney Treasure enforces swim diaper rules for non-potty-trained little ones, so be sure to bring a whole package of swim diapers (and disposable bags for used ones, since the pools and splash areas are spotless).

I recommend a rash guard or sun shirt as protection from both sun and water slides, as well as water shoes — the deck can get hot and slippery.

We personally brought Puddle Jumper life jackets for our kids, but the ship offers free loaner life vests in multiple sizes at every pool — you just pick up and return as needed.

Goggles were a big hit for my 5 year old who liked dunking in the family pool and felt braver trying out the waterslide with them.

What should you know about dining onboard with toddlers?

The rotational dining system is really unique and, honestly, there was not a single meal all week that disappointed us or the kids.

Each night we changed restaurants (all included in the price), and every menu had kid-friendly options like mac and cheese, fruit, grilled chicken, and a solid vegan burger.

My 3 year old was a big fan of the Mickey-shaped ice cream bars, which they happily brought even if he technically ordered fruit.

If your kids are picky eaters or have allergies, the staff does a great job accommodating requests (just tell them early in the meal, and they will do everything to help).

We brought my younger son’s favorite spill-proof cup, and servers refilled it with milk or water at every meal without blinking.

Room service is 24/7, free (tip in cash, they deserve it), and my wife loved ordering a fruit and cheese plate for the boys each afternoon as a quick snack after the splash pad.

Themed dining nights are a big event, which we realized as soon as we saw entire families dressed for Pirate Night and even matching their outfits to the restaurants’ backdrops — next time I am absolutely planning coordinated shirts for the boys.

How do the private islands feel with younger kids?

Since our Jamaica stop was cancelled, we spent a day on both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and both islands were paradise for families with little kids.

Our boys rotated between splash zones, sandy beaches, shaded playgrounds, and the Pelican Plunge waterslides nonstop, so having a good sun hat and extra sunscreen for each child is a must.

Disney provides towels as you leave the ship, so no need to bring bulky ones from home, but bring a simple mesh beach bag for sand toys or shells you pick up along the way.

If your child naps easily in a stroller or wagon, plan to bring a lightweight travel stroller for getting around — the paths are long, especially by midday.

My 3 year old knocked out under a palm tree wrapped in a damp towel for an hour while the 5 year old made friends building castles with other kids (and their parents let us borrow a shovel — Disney cruise families are truly the nicest people).

The kids menus at the island barbeques were perfect for picky eaters: chicken, hot dogs, fresh fruit, and cookies on repeat.

What entertainment should parents not miss for toddlers?

The nightly shows, deck parties, and all the character meet and greets had my boys laughing, shouting, and dancing like nowhere else.

The real surprise was how much my 5 year old adored meeting Peter Pan for the first time after watching the movie in the stateroom (streamed free on the TV), then realizing Peter was the character on the back of our ship.

The fireworks show was a favorite moment for us as a family — we actually watched from our port window on deck 2 because our youngest had crashed by 9 pm and the 5 year old was too tired to go up on deck, but the magic was still there even from our room.

Fun fact: Disney makes those fireworks out of fish food so they actually feed the sea life when they hit the water — one of many tiny details Disney has perfected.

Themed dance parties like Pirate Night are a must-see, even if you just dress in red and black — costumes are not required but you and your kids will feel like you are part of a big group celebration if you do join in.

If you want some inspiration for more ways to connect as a family after your Disney adventure, you might also find some fun board games to play at home that keep the magic going.

Is there a trick to stateroom organizing and decorating?

We had basic connecting staterooms on deck 2 with a port window, which was actually perfect for our family since the boys loved watching the waves and I could still keep track of everyone easily.

Packing magnetic hooks or light magnetic bins to stick on the walls and doors helped with hanging wet swimsuits, bags, and hats since storage is a hot commodity.

Everyone decorates their stateroom doors with magnets — we made our own with printable magnetic sheets before leaving and the boys were thrilled every time someone left a little surprise gift for them in our magnetic pouch.

We learned about fish extenders (basically informal gift exchanges between staterooms) only after we boarded, but next time we are definitely joining in since running into neighbors leaving presents for the kids made their whole week.

What are the top first-timer lessons and tips for families with young kids?

My biggest lesson was that you do not have to do everything to have an amazing trip.

Schedule breaks into your day: our boys did best when we alternated busy activities like kids club and pools with chill time in the room or at the coffee shop (the espresso martinis at Hei Hei Cafe are unreal, especially if you meet Kevin at the bar — he was a highlight of our cruise experience).

Bring extra cash for crew tips beyond the included gratuities.

Visit guest services early in your cruise to add a little more to your room steward or kids club counselors.

And a really important note about the surveys you get post-cruise: always give Excellent or top marks for staff and service, because anything less counts as a poor score in Disney’s system and can hurt their chances for promotions.

If you are thinking ahead to airport time, hotels, or longer family downtime, there are great games that travel well and keep toddlers happy for those in-between travel moments too.

What adult experiences can you enjoy while the kids are at the clubs?

One of the biggest surprises for us was how comfortable our 5 year old felt at the Marvel Super Hero Academy and how much he asked to go — which meant my wife and I actually got to enjoy grown-up time for the first time in ages.

We decided to sample both the spa and the adults-only lounges, and both were even more relaxing knowing the kids were having a blast and safely cared for.

The Senses Spa offers massages and facials that book up quickly, but we did not have issues walking up if we aimed for late afternoon slots.

Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay is reserved for guests 18 and up, and it was nice to dip away for a bit while the boys splashed with new friends at Scuttle’s Cove under counselor supervision.

Every adult lounge was unique, but we kept coming back to the Hei Hei Cafe thanks to Kevin, who was a master at espresso martinis and let us sample custom pistachio lattes (we made it our daily ritual, at least twice a day).

You can also book adult-only dining at Palo Steakhouse or Enchanté if you want a special meal, and they are worth it for a true date night — just book these through the Navigator app before your cruise, since prime times go fast.

Even 30 to 60 minutes makes a difference — my wife and I would just sit and watch the ocean or chat, which is something we rarely get to do at home with two energetic boys.

How do families handle Pirate Night, formal nights, and themed dress-up?

Our rookie mistake was underestimating how seriously other families take themed nights — from Pirate Night to dress codes matching each restaurant’s vibe, there is so much fun in joining in the costume tradition.

Some families wore full pirate regalia, face paint, or even custom family T-shirts for Pirate Night — we showed up in regular shorts and regretted not preparing.

On formal night, plenty of families dress up for photos and dinner, but you definitely are not required to — dress codes are suggested but not strictly enforced (my kids happily wore their Marvel T-shirts to dinner without any side-eye from staff).

My biggest tip: pack at least one themed outfit (pirate hats, red and black anything, or Minnie/Mickey clothes) plus a slightly dressier outfit for “formal” night — it makes the experience feel more special and your kids will love feeling like they are part of the fun.

If you forget, the onboard shops carry a decent selection of costumes and accessories, so you can still jump in on the fun last-minute.

What practical items should you absolutely pack for toddlers?

Sticking to the essentials is key to a comfortable cruise with little ones, but a few carefully chosen extras make a huge difference.

• Labeled water bottles for each child (trust me, they get misplaced constantly, and you will want backups)
• Cheap lightweight strollers or foldable wagons (great for port days and quick naps around the ship)
• Magnetic door decorations — not only are the doors metal, but our magnets became conversation starters and the source of sweet surprises from neighbors
• Sun hats and plenty of sunscreen — spray and stick varieties for quick application on squirmy kids
• Travel-size laundry detergent packs — we ended up using the self-serve laundry on deck 8 more than expected thanks to sandy swimwear and ice cream stains
• Favorite spill-proof cups and portable snacks (granola bars, applesauce pouches, goldfish crackers for between meals)
• Swim diapers, regular diapers, and wipes (bring more than you think you need — they are WAY overpriced in the ship’s shops)
• A few small sand toys for private island visits, or a collapsible bucket for easy carrying
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for everyone, including parents — you walk a lot more than you think, especially back and forth to kids zones

How do the Disney Treasure staterooms work for families?

We stayed in a standard connecting stateroom with a port window, and it ended up being perfect for our crew — we did not miss the veranda (and it felt safer with toddlers).

The split bathroom setup (one room with a toilet/sink, one with the tub/shower/sink) helped a lot at bedtime and during the post-beach cleanup rush.

Each room had a curtain to separate the main bed and bunk beds, which meant the kids settled down easier while we got bags unpacked for the next day.

There is more storage than it seems at first, especially under the bed — we rolled up swimsuits and extra clothes in packing cubes and stashed them underneath, then used the closet just for dress clothes and hanging jackets.

Pro parents use over-the-door organizers to keep shoes, snacks, sunscreen, and travel odds and ends easy to find (next time, I am adding this to my must-pack list).

Are there tech tips or app tricks to make the cruise smoother?

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is a lifesaver for checking in your kids, booking activities, and viewing daily schedules of shows, character appearances, and dining times — we checked it constantly.

You can even text each other through the app using the ship’s WiFi, which came in handy when my wife and I split up or wanted to coordinate coffee runs at Hei Hei Cafe.

Make sure you download the app and log in before you leave home as the port and ship WiFi can be slow for setup, but works great once you are on board.

Another small hack — pack a portable charger to keep your phone charged during long days when you are taking photos or watching for activity changes in the app.

Staterooms only have a couple of USB ports, so we always bring a power strip (no surge protection allowed) for charging sound machines, tablets, phones, and both kids’ white noise machines at night.

What are some common mistakes for first-time Disney cruisers with toddlers?

Looking back, the biggest things I wish I knew earlier were about fish extenders, themed dressing, and a few practical points.

We had no idea fish extenders existed until we saw the creative magnetic pockets outside cabins and gifts our boys got — I totally recommend joining a group online before you go if your kids like surprises (and love leaving little things for new friends).

Themed nights are much more fun when you lean in, so just pack something simple rather than scrambling to find costumes in the limited onboard shops.

Do not bring too many toys or books — our kids were so engaged with activities, clubs, splash zones, and shows that the extra entertainment took up valuable suitcase space.

On Pirate Night, bring glow sticks, cheap pirate hats, or face stickers to make your kids feel included — and if you run out, you can join families making last-minute craft hats with napkins at dinner.

Remember to bring travel insurance, children’s medications, and favorite comfort items, because while the medical staff is great, there are only basic cold and fever remedies in the ship store.

If you are looking for screen-free play ideas while traveling or in your stateroom, there are some easy games for larger families that can include everyone or easily adapt to just you and your toddlers.

Is there anything you do not need to pack for toddlers?

We definitely overpacked a few things and saw families with giant suitcases struggling in the narrow hallways, so here is what you can leave behind.

• No need for towels — Disney provides plenty both on the ship and on the private islands.
• Leave most dress shoes at home — nice sneakers work for kids even on formal night.
• Regular cribs and toddler beds are available free of charge, just request ahead — no need to haul your pack n play.
• With so much to do, our iPads and half the toys we brought never left the suitcase, so you can pare those down too.
• Do not worry about toiletries beyond sunscreen and meds — rooms come with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap from H2O+ (our boys liked the bubbles in the tub most).

What should families plan for embarkation, debarkation, and port days?

Embarkation day with toddlers can be a mix of excitement and waiting, so pack a lightweight carry-on with swimsuits, water bottles, and maybe a few snacks since your checked bags sometimes arrive late afternoon.

We were able to hit the splash pad and pools right after boarding, which helped the boys burn off some energy and kept everyone happy until our room was ready.

You will want an easily-accessible folder with passports, boarding documents, and proof of any necessary vaccinations for check-in at the port — Disney staff was quick and organized, but having it all handy sped things up.

For debarkation, breakfast is available in the main dining rooms or via room service, and we chose a slow morning so the kids could finish cartoons while we packed up last-minute clothes and door magnets.

On port days, a backpack stocked with sunscreen, hats, snacks, and one dry change of clothes for each kid made getting on and off the ship way easier.

The strollers really saved us anytime there was a long walk at port, especially in the heat — plus, sleepy toddlers could nap while older kids played longer in the sand or water.

Are there any good money-saving or stress-reducing tips for Disney Treasure first-timers?

One thing we learned is that you do not need to buy bottled water or packaged snacks onboard — there are filling stations with filtered water and plenty of food available, so reusable bottles and a soft-sided insulated lunch bag are all you need for excursions or poolside breaks.

If you want to save on souvenirs, bring small Disney gifts or t-shirts from home; our kids could not tell the difference between shop-bought and Walmart when it came to Mickey shirts or plush toys, which cut down on impulse spending in the onboard stores.

You can preorder themed magnets or matching pirate night shirts on Etsy or Amazon before your cruise, which is usually half the cost of the same items onboard, and lets you personalize your door and family look.

Plan out photos early in the week; the ship photographers are everywhere and take great family shots, but prices add up quickly, so have your phone charged and ask crew members to snap a few pictures for you with your phone (they are always happy to help).

Another tip — WiFi comes at a premium, so if you need connectivity, consider purchasing a package on day one or wait to use your cell service at U.S. ports.

We used the Navigator app for daily schedules and to message each other instead of buying an internet plan, which was perfectly enough for our needs.

What are some items or hacks families discover only after their first Disney cruise?

We only heard about fish extenders and the hidden gift exchanges after we were onboard, and it instantly became clear our kids would have loved being part of it.

Many families join Facebook groups before the cruise sailing date and get matched with other parents to exchange small gifts and treats for the kids — if your little ones like surprises or making new friends, it is a game-changer.

Packing a roll of painter’s tape is a random pro tip I picked up from other parents — it does not damage walls or furniture, and is perfect for kid-proofing outlets or attaching art to the stateroom walls for decorating.

Another nice-to-have is a mesh laundry bag — we hung ours in the bathroom, which kept wet swimsuits away from the rest of our stuff and meant I did not have to dig through luggage to find what needed to go straight into the laundry room.

Magnetic clips or small magnetic baskets help keep daily schedules, keycards, and sunglasses in one easy-to-reach spot since nearly every wall is metal, and it keeps your counters clear for kid devices or snacks.

If your toddlers use white noise machines or sound apps for sleep, bring a small portable model and remember that staterooms can get noisy during early morning debarkations or hallway traffic at night.

How can parents help kids get the most out of character meet and greets, shows, and special events?

Character meet and greets are scheduled in the Navigator app and on the paper navigator delivered to your room; get there 10-15 minutes early for popular characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Spider-Man as lines tend to build quickly.

Bring a notebook or autograph book and a fat Sharpie for characters to sign — if you forget, the shops carry these but they do sell out fast on themed nights or special events.

Kids sometimes get overwhelmed at big deck parties and loud events, so I always packed noise-reducing headphones for our three-year-old, which helped him join the celebration without sensory overload.

If your child is scared or shy around characters, give them space and let them watch from the side first — the cast members are so good at coaxing even the most hesitant kids into a smile or high-five, without pressure.

We found the scheduled family dance parties to be lower pressure than some of the bigger stage shows, plus the little ones could run and jump without having to sit quietly, which made them a favorite for both our boys.

On movie nights, grabbing popcorn and snuggling up together in the theater or your stateroom made for a perfect wind-down after busy days — the in-room TV streams most Disney and Pixar favorites all cruise long.

What is the packing list that truly worked for our toddler-aged kids?

Here is the actual toddler packing list that saved our sanity and kept the whole family comfortable the entire week aboard Disney Treasure:

• 2-3 swimsuits per child plus rash guards and water shoes
• Reusable water bottles (labeled!); our boys both ended up using theirs at every meal and at the kids clubs
• A lightweight umbrella stroller or small wagon for excursions and late nights
• Magnetic hooks and magnetic door decorations for the stateroom (and to join in on the fun with other families!)
• Snacks, granola bars, pouches, and favorite snacks for between meals or port visits
• Favorite spill-proof cups
• Multiple sun hats and both spray and stick sunscreens
• Travel packs of laundry detergent (for beachwear and spills)
• Noise-canceling headphones for sensitive kids
• A mini first aid kit (band-aids, basic meds, motion sickness tabs, and fever reducer)
• Comfort items — one blanket or lovey per kid for bedtime comfort
• Goggles and Puddle Jumper or swim vest if your child prefers their own flotation
• Beach bag or mesh tote for towels, toys, and snacks
• Change of clothes for each day plus a few extra shirts and shorts for messes
• White noise machine and portable charger for winding down and keeping devices ready

The Disney Treasure shops are well-stocked in a pinch, but choices and sizes can be limited, so having these basics gave us freedom to relax and just focus on making memories.

How do families with toddlers make the most of every day on board?

Some of the best memories of our trip did not come from expensive excursions or perfectly planned activities — it was our boys belly-laughing on the Hero Zone obstacle course or the moment we watched fireworks together from the port window in our pajamas that made the cruise truly magical.

Every family we met understood the ups and downs of traveling with kids, from late-night sugar crashes to mid-day meltdowns, and the overwhelming feeling was community, not judgment.

Between the freedom kids have at the themed clubs, the food variety at every meal, and the sheer number of splash pads, slides, and meet-and-greets, there was never a dull moment or a missed opportunity for fun.

Our biggest takeaway was how many activities and adventures were easily adapted for both introverted and outgoing kids — our five-year-old found his confidence at the Marvel Super Hero Academy while our three-year-old made new friends every hour on the pool deck.

If your family loves playful challenges together, you might find even more ideas for relaxed gaming experiences for family downtime or easy-to-pack activities for quiet moments anywhere you travel next.

At the end of the week, we were already planning our next Disney cruise, knowing that the happiest memories came from the simplest things: pirate hats, pool races, surprise gifts from neighbors, and the look on our boys faces when they realized Peter Pan was waving just for them from the ship’s stern.