Disney Treasure Premium Drinks Package Review

Is the Disney Treasure Premium Drinks Package Worth It for Families?

One of the most common questions I had before our cruise was whether the Premium Drinks Package on Disney Treasure made sense for a family.

For anyone new to Disney Cruise Line, you need to know that Disney does not do an unlimited alcoholic beverages package the way some other cruise lines do.

Instead, you can buy packages for bottled water, soda, specialty coffee, or beer, but for cocktails and mid-range or premium spirits, you pay by the drink.

There is, however, a Premium Beverage Passport and various tastings and specialty experiences that you can purchase.

I paid special attention to all of this given my wife and I are both coffee and cocktail fans, and beverage quality is a big deal for us on vacation, especially with long days chasing around two little boys.

Specialty Coffee and Bars: The True Highlight for Parents

For us, the real star of the ship when it comes to drinks is the specialty coffee available on board in places like Hei Hei Cafe.

We visited Hei Hei Cafe at least twice a day, often ordering their excellent espresso martini and pistachio latte.

Shoutout to Kevin at the Hei Hei Cafe bar — he learned our favorites after day two and made us feel at home every time we stopped by, even coaching us on the best times to come before the morning rush.

If you love crafted cocktails and genuinely good coffee, this is a must-stop every day, at least if you want a little parent retreat on your trip.

If you are a coffee drinker, I recommend picking up a coffee card early in your sailing, which gets you a free specialty coffee after a certain number of purchases and can actually save a bit of money by the end of the week.

What Exactly Does the Premium Drinks Package Include?

On Disney Treasure, the term premium drinks package can be a little misleading compared to typical cruise expectations.

You can pre-purchase beer or wine bundles, which include a set number of bottles delivered to your stateroom or waiting for you at dinner.

Otherwise, Disney offers a selection of tasting events you can book — these range from whiskey and bourbon tastings to mixology classes or even a chocolate and liqueur pairing.

There is also the Premium Beverage Passport, which is essentially a curated cocktail crawl: you pay a set fee at the start of your cruise and get a punch card to sample special drinks at bars around the ship.

This is a fun way to try different things without worrying about your tab adding up, but it definitely favors those who want to try a variety of cocktails.

The ship has plenty of themed bars and lounges (Skipper Society, Periscope Pub, and all those tucked-away spots) where you can use these tastings and experiences.

Our Family Experience: How Much Did We Actually Use?

With two energetic boys, our main focus was on family time and spending afternoons in the splash pads, pools, and the Hero Zone.

My wife and I would occasionally grab a beer or cocktail while the kids played, but we found ourselves enjoying a couple of drinks a day rather than going overboard.

On Pirates Night, we tried the themed cocktails, and grabbing a glass of Champagne for the show in the theater felt special, but it was more about quality than quantity for us.

Most parents I chatted with had similar habits unless their kids were so obsessed with the kids clubs (like mine became) that they could sneak away for longer stretches to the adult spaces.

For younger families, the Premium Beverage Passport could be a fun splurge for one parent or if you plan a date night while the kids are at the Marvel Super Hero Academy or Oceaneer Lab.

Where We Found the Best Value With Beverages

Our absolute favorite family stops for drinks were more about coffee than cocktails — Hei Hei Cafe in the morning, with the pistachio latte, and back again in the afternoon for their espresso martini.

We also made sure to enjoy a drink at the themed bars on the first night, and I recommend grabbing a specialty drink from each at least once, just for the experience and photos.

We took advantage of the refillable soda cups at the stations on deck (soda is free on Disney ships, which is a huge win for families who do not want to keep buying separate beverage packages like on some other lines).

For bottled water, we purchased the case on embarkation day, and it was delivered straight to our room, which was perfect for port days, early mornings, and making sure the kids stayed hydrated while jumping between splash pads and the AquaMouse water coaster.

Comparing Different Drink Options Onboard

Disney does not have a true unlimited alcoholic drinks package, but buying the beer bucket (a set of 6 bottles or cans) worked well for casual poolside afternoons with my wife, especially since we were splitting them between us.

You can also order bottles of wine at dinner and finish them at another restaurant the following night (your servers will store it and bring it to your table), which is a nice bonus in the rotational dining setup.

Rotational dining itself became a highlight of the whole trip, and our servers were always eager to make sure our glasses were full, whether with sparkling water or a glass of Chardonnay.

If you want to try lots of wine, the wine package gives a small discount versus by-the-glass prices, but only pays off if both you and your partner drink wine nightly.

We skipped most of the spirits tastings this time, mainly to avoid stretching our attention between quality family time and adult activities, but it is something I plan on booking on a future cruise when the kids want more time in the Oceaneer Lab.

Pros and Cons of the Disney Treasure Premium Drinks Options

Pros

• Quality over quantity with craft cocktails and specialty coffees all around the ship
• Soda and basic drinks are included, which saves a surprising amount with kids who order lemonade and Sprite at every meal
• The option to buy wine or beer packages is nice for date nights or adult dinners
• Specialty coffee cards are a great value for regular visitors
• Tasting events and the Premium Beverage Passport provide something extra for parents who want to enjoy the adult spaces

Cons

• No true unlimited cocktail or wine package for those who prefer all-inclusive drinking
• Specialty coffees and alcoholic drinks add up quickly if you buy a lot day-to-day
• You need to plan ahead and book popular tastings before boarding or risk them being sold out
• Packages are really only worthwhile if you commit to regular use — otherwise, pay as you go may be cheaper

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Beverage Budget

Book tastings and the drink passport as soon as booking opens, especially for busy sailings or themed weeks.

Pick up a coffee card on your first visit to Hei Hei Cafe — it adds up quickly if you love lattes or cappuccinos like we do.

Order the water package before you arrive, so it is waiting in your stateroom and you do not have to track down drinks before heading off the ship at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay.

Plan an adult date night at one of the lounges or even Palo if your kids are happy in the Marvel Super Hero Academy, and split a tasting flight for more variety.

If you are packing for your trip, grabbing a Yeti tumbler or another high quality insulated cup means your specialty coffee or water stays cold by the pool or during shore excursions — you can easily find these on Amazon and it made a difference for us.

Do not forget to tip your favorite servers or baristas extra if they make your trip special — we loved that the crew go above and beyond, and they always seemed surprised when we tipped beyond what was added automatically.

Making Time for Adult Beverages While Traveling With Kids

Our initial plan was to stick with family time, but by the second day our 5-year-old was actively begging to return to the Marvel Super Hero Academy so we could go enjoy a coffee or (his words) go have a drink and relax.

Having the freedom to check the kids into the clubs without reservations gave us pockets of real adult time, even just for a quick drink together after the kids wore themselves out on the Hero Zone obstacle course.

I appreciated that there was no judgment at all about parents unwinding wherever — whether you were having fun at a deck party or sipping coffee at a window in Hei Hei Cafe.

If you plan a sea day or afternoon at one of the private islands and want to relax, the Premium Beverage Passport is actually a fun way to try themed cocktails in each lounge without worrying about price tags.

Expert Advice: What I Would Do Differently Next Time

Next trip, I definitely plan to book a couple of tastings early — they sold out fast and by the time I tried to snag a bourbon tasting, it was already full.

I will also bring more insulated tumblers for the kids so they can keep water or juice nearby whether we are by the pool, at Castaway Cay, or running to the next fun activity in the kids clubs.

If you do decide to indulge, go for quality and themed specialty cocktails; the bartenders put in real effort and the drinks all come with an extra Disney twist which is half the fun.

If you enjoy themed family activities, check out family games to pack in your beach bag for quiet afternoons at Lookout Cay when you want to slow down after so much sun and water play.

Do not stress about missing an unlimited package — you will never feel nickel-and-dimed or surrounded by hard-selling servers like you find on some cruise lines, and the whole drink experience is designed to enhance your vacation, not distract you from it.

Are Kids Clubs a Good Time for Parents to Enjoy a Drink?

As a dad with two young kids, I learned quickly that the kids clubs on Disney Treasure are a total game changer for family downtime and adult moments.

The Marvel Super Hero Academy completely won over my 5-year-old, who is normally our most reserved, and he even asked my wife and me to drop him off so we could enjoy drinks or a spa break.

The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab also offer fantastic themed spaces and activities for different age groups, with reservations during peak hours but usually open for drop-in play at other times.

For parents wanting to sneak away for a cocktail, espresso martini, or wine tasting, these clubs are the perfect answer — the staff are amazing and the check-in and check-out process is very secure, so you can relax and enjoy kid-free drinks without worry.

If your crew enjoys quiet, creative activities too, you might find ideas for evenings back home from these calm games we love to play after kid bedtime.

Dining and Drink Options With Kids in Tow

Our boys loved that they had their own drink options at dinner, like kids mocktails or fun lemonades that were included, which made meals feel extra special for them.

The rotational dining system was honestly a treat, and our servers always had recommendations — both for great dinner wine pairings and for fun kids drinks that made the boys excited to try new things.

All the restaurants had specialty non-alcoholic drinks like Disney floats and frozen concoctions that my boys quickly became obsessed with ordering alongside their meals.

If you have anyone in your family with dietary restrictions, the servers do a great job of finding safe options — and yes, that includes drink requests for different milk alternatives or allergen-friendly sodas.

Room service is free (except for alcohol and a few premium snacks), so if you want a quiet night in or just a drink after the kids go to sleep, it is easy to have a bottle of wine or a nightcap sent to your stateroom.

Do not forget Pirate Night and formal dining nights — themed beverages are available in the main dining rooms, and even if you did not pack costumes to match, having a fun drink in hand while everyone is dressed up really completes the experience.

Pools, Water Features, and Poolside Drink Enjoyment

Our daily schedule with kids was usually built around water fun — the AquaMouse water coaster, deck splash pads, and all the family pools make getting thirsty inevitable.

The drink stations for soda, water, and juice by the pools are free and open all day, which is honestly a massive perk with kids and makes it easy to refill everyone’s cup as needed.

When my wife and I were able to claim a poolside lounger during nap time or supervised club time, it was nice to have the option to grab a specialty cocktail from the nearby bar instead of just the usual beer or canned drinks.

For those who like to try a variety, walk the perimeter of the pool deck during the afternoon — you will find different themed bars offering creative cocktails and mocktails for both adults and kids, often with a Disney twist you cannot get anywhere else.

If you are doing an active pool or beach day, keeping a small soft cooler with extra bottled water, especially at the private islands, saved us from meltdowns thanks to the hot Caribbean sun — do not forget to order that case of water before you sail.

Private Island Drink Experiences at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay

One of the highlights of any family cruise is the chance to relax at one of Disney’s private islands, and for us, the drinks were part of what made the whole experience feel adult-friendly and kid-approved.

At Castaway Cay, the Sand Bar and Heads Up Bar serve everything from frozen mocktails for the kids to spicy margaritas, local Bahamian beer, and tropical drinks in Disney-fied souvenir cups.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point also has a fun outdoor bar scene, and seating for parents to sip frozen drinks while watching kids run wild in the splash zones or build sand castles nearby.

The bartenders on the islands are just as friendly as they are on the ship, and you can charge everything back to your onboard account — no need for cash or cards.

If you want to save money, grab an insulated tumbler before your cruise for water, juice, or cold brew by the beach — again, a small thing that made our trip easier.

For budget-conscious families, the best part is that kids drinks (except bottled options) and soda are still free at island BBQ lunches, while specialty drinks are pay-as-you-go.

Packing some sturdy reusable water bottles for the kids made hydration simple all week.

Ways to Pair Drinks With Disney Entertainment and Nightlife

Disney Treasure knows how to make entertainment a family event, and themed drinks played a role in a lot of our evenings.

We brought special non-alcoholic drinks back to our room so our tired kids could wind down after late shows (my 3-year-old fell asleep early most nights), while my wife and I enjoyed a quiet cocktail and the glow of fireworks over the water from our port window.

Pirate Night was truly the only time the main decks felt a little crowded — and that burst of themed drinks everywhere added extra fun, even if you watched from somewhere quieter like we did when the kids were sleepy.

If your family likes seeing live shows or movies in the Walt Disney Theatre, grab a specialty drink beforehand to enjoy during the performance; the lines move quickly and it feels like a proper night out.

The shows themselves are family friendly, but you can always step out for a quiet drink in one of the ship’s lounges after you get the kids to bed — something I appreciated when I needed a recharge after a high energy day in port.

If you need a family-friendly game night on quieter nights, something we love both onboard and at home, this list of board games might be helpful for packing ideas.

Stateroom Hacks: Room Service, Door Decorations, and More

Our stateroom became the perfect spot to unwind in the evening; we loved having room service drinks delivered after the kids were asleep, without worrying about heading through the busy hallways.

Decorating our door with magnets ended up being one of my favorite surprises of the trip — my kids were thrilled to find little gifts from other families, and the sense of community was something I never expected.

We only learned about fish extenders once we boarded, which is this fun secret gift exchange between families that adds even more magic to your trip; if you are crafty or like the idea, search for Disney cruise fish extender groups on Facebook before you go so you can join in.

Rooms are well designed for families, with options for connecting staterooms or adjoining balconies if you want to spread out, and lots of hidden storage for snacks and reusable bottles — we brought extra snacks and drink packets for the kids, which worked out great.

If you plan on celebrating a special occasion or just want to surprise your spouse, request turndown service with a bottle of Champagne or sparkling cider — the crew goes above and beyond for families, always with a Disney flourish.

Money-Saving and Packing Tips for Drinks on Disney Treasure

Something I wish I had known before our cruise is just how helpful certain small purchases can be when it comes to drinks and keeping everyone refreshed without overspending.

Packing reusable water bottles for both adults and kids is key since the free drink stations on board and on the private islands become an all-day lifeline, especially after running through the splash pads and AquaMouse.

For families who want to bring a little bit of home comfort, packing single-serve electrolyte packs, juice powders, or powdered lemonade makes it easy to add variety for the kids — just add a scoop to your reusable bottle and you are set for a day by the pool or at Castaway Cay.

The ship lets you bring a limited amount of your own wine or beer as well, so if you have a favorite celebratory beverage, toss a bottle or two in your carry-on to enjoy in your stateroom or on your verandah during sail-away.

I recommend bringing a small magnetic dry erase board for your stateroom door too; besides keeping track of who is going where, it is an easy way to thank other families for fish extender gifts or connect with new friends, making the community experience even better for everyone.

Do not forget to set aside a little extra cash to tip crew members in person — they appreciate the recognition, and many of them go above and beyond with drink service, creative cocktails, and those magical little extras that made our trip feel special.

How Does the Disney Drink Experience Compare to Other Cruise Lines?

Having sailed with other cruise lines in the past, I know that unlimited drink packages with cocktails and beer can be an easy sell, but on Disney Treasure, the system feels a lot more relaxed and family-centered.

The focus stays on quality over quantity — you are never pressured into buying more than you want, and the bar servers are always friendly without being pushy, which I found refreshing.

I talked to several other parents who shared that they preferred Disneys approach; they liked not feeling like they had to get their moneys worth from a steeply-priced unlimited package, and instead splurged on a few standout cocktails.

Getting complimentary soda, lemonade, and basic beverages everywhere is something that really is a game changer for families like mine who do not want a surprise bill at the end just for the kids drinks.

Disney also gives you the freedom to BYOB for wine and beer within their limits, which is something I always check before cruises, and it is a nice way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or first cruise night.

Lessons Learned: Our Best Family Drink Traditions and Future Plans

After a full week aboard Disney Treasure, our family ended up creating a few traditions we will absolutely repeat on every future cruise.

Morning lattes from Hei Hei Cafe became our little parent ritual, and it felt so special to start each day with a carefully made coffee.

Pirate Night drinks ended up being a highlight even though we did not have full costumes, and my boys loved picking out a fun colored lemonade or a frozen treat drink while watching everyone dance.

Our stateroom movie nights with special room service drinks and mocktails felt just as magical as the big deck parties, especially for our 5-year-old who became completely obsessed with Peter Pan after finding him on the back of the ship.

On our next cruise, we will definitely plan better for themed nights with matching outfits and maybe even pre-order a bottle of bubbly to celebrate in our room during sail-away.

If your family likes to connect over activities at home, bringing a few travel-friendly educational games can make those family drink and snack breaks even more fun in your stateroom or by the pool when you want quieter moments together.

Is the Premium Drinks Experience the Right Choice for Your Family?

Having now done it myself, I truly think the value of Disneys drink offerings comes from flexibility and the fun of trying new drinks in so many themed settings rather than chasing after unlimited options.

If you love high-end cocktails or coffee, the bars and specialty cafes will absolutely keep you happy all week — just plan your budget accordingly and grab those coffee cards or premium passes early for small savings.

For families with young kids, the included drink stations, kids’ specialty mocktails, and water packages offer everything you need without any pressure to buy more than you want.

Tastings, the Premium Beverage Passport, and wine or beer packages are a fun splurge if you have reliable access to the kids club or want a special date night on your cruise, but I would not worry if you decide to skip them — there is no hard sell or mandatory package, which as a parent gave me so much peace of mind.

At the end of the day, the drink experience on Disney Treasure is designed to fit around families, not take away from your vacation time together — and that is honestly the Disney difference that sets these cruises apart.