Hei Hei Cafe Espresso Martini Review

What Makes Hei Hei Cafe a Daily Essential for Parents on Disney Treasure

Hei Hei Cafe honestly became our favorite hidden gem for adults on the Disney Treasure, and I am not even exaggerating when I say my wife and I stopped in every single day—sometimes twice, just for the espresso martinis and pistachio lattes.

You would think with so many kids and commotion it would be hard to find a spot that felt calm, but Hei Hei Cafe struck the perfect balance for taking a breather while still being close by if the boys needed us.

The staff here were top notch—especially Kevin, who always remembered our order and made us feel seen every time we pulled up a chair at the bar.

If you like your cocktails on the smooth side, I highly recommend the espresso martini: it honestly rivaled the best I have had in brick-and-mortar cafes back home, and had the exact pick-me-up punch my wife and I needed to keep up with our two boys.

The pistachio latte was so good we started having it as our post-breakfast tradition (tip: if you want to sneak a quiet moment before the kids clubs open, grab one here and sip it outside while watching the ocean go by).

Snacks and pastries here were also a nice bonus, and even my picky 5-year-old wanted to try the little mini-muffins and croissants after seeing us treat ourselves.

If you are considering a Disney cruise, I cannot recommend enough setting aside some grown-up time—even if it is just ten minutes—to grab your own special drink and decompress.

This ended up being one of those little routines that made our vacation feel more relaxing and less like just running from one scheduled event to the next.

Pros

• Expert bartenders like Kevin who truly care and remember your preferences
• Espresso martinis are consistently outstanding
• Pistachio lattes are unique and special (great for non-coffee drinkers too)
• Always quiet and peaceful, perfect for resetting during the day
• Pastries and light snacks available so you are not just limited to drinks

Cons

• Limited seating during peak hours, so go early or mid-afternoon
• No full kids menu here, but you can bring in pastries for them to try
• Can be a bit too tempting if you are trying to avoid extra calories (worth it in my opinion)

How Kids Clubs Saved Our Sanity (and Gave Our Boys the Best Week Ever)

One thing I failed to fully understand before our trip: Disney takes kids clubs to a totally different level.

My wife and I are pretty anxious parents, so I assumed the boys would be glued to our side the whole time—spoiler alert, the opposite happened, especially with our reserved 5-year-old.

The Marvel Super Hero Academy inside the Oceaneer Club completely won him over; after that first session (reserved in advance using the Disney Navigator app, which I highly recommend downloading), he begged us for more drop-off time than we planned.

He ran from room to room, tried hands-on science activities, and came back talking about Black Panther and Captain Marvel like he had actually met them in person (to be honest, with the costumed cast and interactive screens, it did feel real even to me).

Our 3-year-old bounced between the Oceaneer Club and Lab with zero hesitation—they even have friendly cast members who helped ease his first-time nerves.

The age groups are really thoughtful—Oceaneer Club and Lab run for kids aged 3-12, then there is Edge and Vibe for tweens/teens, so little ones are not steamrolled by older kids.

Since activities change all day, you can easily check the Navigator app to see when your child’s favorite session or character will pop up, or simply let them wander from Avenger training to princess art rooms to Star Wars areas (there is a literal Millennium Falcon cockpit—my boys were awestruck).

Quick tip: Make reservations for the first open house, so if your kids are nervous, you can all tour the clubs together—ours settled right in once they saw the craft areas, video games, and superhero training lessons.

If you get separation anxiety (like we did at first), staff hand you a phone for emergencies and your kids will be back in your arms in minutes if needed.

In the meantime, we took the chance to have coffee dates at Hei Hei Cafe or sneak away for 30-minute spa appointments—an actual win-win for the whole family.

For more ideas on activities that can keep kids entertained and learning, check out these educational and engaging games for kids.

Family Dining: Tips for Making the Most of Rotational Restaurants and Snack Spots

The dining on Disney Treasure blew away our expectations, especially with the rotational dining model.

Instead of picking one main restaurant, you cycle through a different themed spot every night—on our trip it was Plaza de Coco, Worlds of Marvel, and 1923 (each with a dedicated waitstaff team that followed us, which made dinner feel super personal).

Dinners were a highlight for all four of us: the staff memorized our boys’ food allergies, had specific kids menus every night, and would even bring surprise parent drinks if we looked tired (we were, and it was so appreciated).

The World’s of Marvel dinner was our favorite—the kids got to join an Avengers mission right from the table via interactive screens, and the food was delicious (even my 3-year-old ate his chicken tenders without complaints).

If your child has specific allergies or dietary needs, do not stress—they really do take safety seriously, sometimes even prepping separate plates in the back to be safe.

You can also order dinner classics from any menu, so picky eaters (like my 5-year-old) always have a backup if they do not want to try new foods.

Breakfasts at Marceline Market buffet and quick lunches at Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods offered enough variety that nobody fought over meals the entire week—even snacks by the pool or grab-and-go ice cream on deck were easy wins.

Room service is included (except for a couple of specialty treats), and running late at night was a fun tradition for us—their Mickey-shaped ice cream bars became a regular request after swimming.

Huge practical tip: dress to match your restaurant theme if you can—we felt underdressed next to some of the other families in coordinated Coco or Marvel clothes, so next trip, we are jumping in with the spirit.

Also, for Pirate Night, almost everyone dresses up; we totally missed that memo but will absolutely bring costumes next time.

If you want to bring your own family-themed shirts or pirate hats, you can grab pirate costumes before you sail.

Making the Most of Pools, Splash Pads, and AquaMouse Water Coaster

Even though we love Disney, I secretly worried the pools would be too crowded or intense—especially with so many families on board.

I was totally wrong: there were always open spaces, lifeguards everywhere, and enough different splash pads and slides for all ages that both my 3- and 5-year-old never fought over where to swim.

The little ones adored the Toy Story Splash Zone—tons of sprayers, small slides, and characters all around so they could splash safely while we sat close by with our drinks from Hei Hei.

The main pools were deep enough for real swimming but not so big that they felt overwhelming; our boys wore floaties just in case (we brought our own, but Disney provides life vests if you need them—super helpful for peace of mind).

My wife tried the adult-only pool one afternoon while I watched the kids and she said it was spa-level relaxing—definitely worth alternating so both parents can get a brief break.

The highlight for all of us was the AquaMouse water coaster: it is like a combination of a water slide and a Disney ride, with animated segments, twists, and drops (our 5-year-old was brave enough to go with us, our 3-year-old was happy splashing below).

If your kids are short (like ours), make sure to check the height restrictions before you get in line—pro tip: try the water coaster early in the morning or just after lunch since lines drop a lot during showtimes or late afternoons.

Remember to bring extra swimsuits and rash guards—our family was sometimes in and out of the water three different times a day, and nothing dries as quickly in the balcony staterooms as you might expect.

For more relaxation ideas and alternatives to water play, you might also want to see some great relaxing activities for families in the evenings.

Private Island Days: Why Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Were Our Favorite Ports

I was genuinely bummed when Jamaica was canceled, but I had no idea both Castaway Cay and the new Lookout Cay would be such hits with our boys (and us, if we are being honest).

Both islands are owned and run by Disney, so everything from the beach loungers to the all-you-can-eat barbecue just felt easy and stress-free.

Our 5-year-old loved the huge splash zones and climbing playgrounds, while our 3-year-old was more about the sandcastles and wading in the calm shore lines (no huge waves, so perfect for little ones).

We tried out the waterslides at Pelican Plunge—if your kids are short like ours, adults can go down with them, and the cast members at the slides were seriously so patient and enthusiastic.

At Lookout Cay, the big draw was the cultural experiences—I highly recommend checking out the Bahamian market and live music if you want your kids to soak up a little more than just sun and sand.

Beach towels, snacks, and beach games are all included (do not make my mistake of packing way too much in your beach bag), but I do recommend bringing sand toys or collapsible beach buckets for the kids (easy on Amazon and totally worth it).

Lunch on the islands is even included in your fare (seriously delicious barbecue and plenty of kid-friendly options), and you can charge your drinks or souvenirs to your room key so there is no need to worry about cash.

Big tip for anyone with light sleepers: there are plenty of shaded hammocks and quiet cabanas to rent in advance if you want a guaranteed nap spot for the little ones.

Some families brought walkie-talkies for older kids who wanted a little freedom—it is a smart move if you do not want to worry about cell service.

Unforgettable Entertainment and Magical Disney Experiences for All Ages

Our evenings on Disney Treasure were filled with shows, character meet and greets, and themed nights that made every night special for our family.

The main theater productions were seriously Broadway-level—our boys sat completely still through the entire The Tale of Moana musical, and my wife and I loved seeing highly produced shows that felt totally family-appropriate (zero worry about adult themes, just pure Disney fun and impressive stage effects).

We got to snap photos with characters from classic Disney films, Star Wars, and even the more modern movies, often in themed settings that were way more immersive than the local theme parks.

Pirate Night deserves its own mention: we were clueless first-timers and did not wear costumes, but nearly everyone else did—there were full pirate families, glittery wigs, and even themed accessories on strollers.

Next time, I will definitely order matching shirts or eye patches (pirate family shirts are easy to find) so we can join the fun and not feel underdressed at the themed dinner or fireworks.

The late-night fireworks were a huge hit for our family, even though our 3-year-old was wiped out and we ended up watching from our stateroom port window—still absolutely magical and less overwhelming for tired little ones.

Fun fact we did not know: Disney’s fireworks are made from fish food ingredients so the debris actually feeds the ocean animals. Disney really thinks about every detail, and little things like this made the whole experience special for our boys.

Deck parties also happen nearly every night, with dancing, live music, and appearances by characters in special costumes—our kids loved being allowed to stay up past bedtime just because Mickey was in a pirate outfit on stage.

Keep your Navigator app open each night for movie times: our 5-year-old watched Peter Pan for the first time at sea after seeing Peter on the back of the ship, and he talked about nothing else for days afterward (I have never seen a new character obsession happen so fast).

If you are trying to keep all ages entertained, the variety of entertainment on board really makes it hard to ever hear “I am bored”—we never did.

Decorating Your Stateroom Door and Disney Treasures We Wish We Knew Before

One of the cutest surprises was how much families decorate their stateroom doors with magnets, art, and custom signs—our boys loved adding little Disney and Marvel magnets to our door.

This seems like a small thing, but it is incredibly practical for young kids: with almost every hallway looking the same, a bold decorated door makes it super easy for little ones to find “home” after a long, exciting day.

What we did not know going in was the tradition of fish extenders (hanging organizers outside the cabin where families secretly drop off little gifts for each other)—we only learned about it onboard because our kids started finding surprise trinkets in our door pocket from generous neighbors.

It was pure Disney magic and totally made our boys’ day (we will 100 percent order a fish extender and bring inexpensive small toys next time so we can join in the fun—if you want to do this right, Etsy has plenty of cute, personalized options or you can DIY with a simple hanging organizer).

There are several stateroom categories from inside cabins to oceanview and verandah rooms; ours was a port window room on deck 2 and we were very happy with the space (plus, it offered the perfect view of the fireworks for tired kids who could not stay up on deck).

If you are going with extended family or friends, look into the connecting room options—those seemed super popular for families traveling in big groups, and we will probably choose that for our next trip with grandparents.

I recommend bringing a pack of strong magnets and even family photo magnets as a way to personalize your space and get your kids excited when you arrive—saves a lot of door confusion and adds to the festive vibe.

If you want some more inspiration for fun things to do together in tight spaces (for rainy days or downtime), board games that work for families might just come in handy for your stateroom nights.

Packing Tips and Family Tricks We Learned While Sailing Disney Treasure

I packed what I thought was “plenty” for seven days, but learned some hilarious and helpful lessons along the way.

Bring at least two swimsuits per person—even if you think one will dry overnight, you will probably be back in the pool again before it does.

Family-themed shirts or costumes for Pirate Night and the themed restaurants take the dining room fun to another level—next time we are going all out with matching Coco and Marvel shirts, and you will not stand out for dressing up (in fact, you will probably fit right in).

Packing some cheap door magnets and a hanging shoe organizer (for fish extenders if you want to give or receive gifts) is totally worth it—makes the cabin feel homey and lets your kids get involved in the cabin spirit.

Collapsible beach buckets and sand toys hardly take up any luggage space and made the beach days easier for our kids—buying them on board is a much pricier backup.

Consider bringing your own travel mug or water bottle for quick fill-ups, especially if you are doing coffee runs to Hei Hei Cafe every morning or trying to keep kids hydrated between meals.

If you or your kids need certain snacks between meals, pack a small supply of favorites (Disney is great with food, but nothing like having a familiar granola bar after a few days of new flavors).

For the adults, I highly recommend a packing cube or little day bag for all the ship swag and random toys/gifts your kids collect—you will be surprised at how much magical “loot” comes home and how quickly it multiplies in your cabin.

Ways to Save Money and Make the Most of Your Vacation Budget

Cruising with Disney is definitely a splurge, but there were several easy ways we found to stretch our vacation funds and keep surprises happy instead of stressful.

All main food, soft drinks at meals, and room service are included in your cruise fare, so we saved by skipping the soda package and just grabbing what we needed during mealtimes.

If you plan to buy photos, book them online before the cruise if possible—there is usually a discount for advance purchase and you get unlimited digital access to your family portraits and character snaps.

The included kids clubs meant we did not have to pay for babysitting or extra babysitting nights (huge value, especially since our boys genuinely wanted to go back every day).

Adult drinks, smoothie specials, and specialty coffee are extra, but having one Hei Hei Cafe stop per day (instead of several) can keep the treat special without running up a tab—our favorite was to use our Castaway Club rewards for a few free drinks as a fun bonus.

Port excursions can add up quickly; we found that the complimentary activities on Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay were more than enough for our kids (water slides, beach playgrounds, splash pads)—we did not need to book the extra snorkeling or bike rentals for our age group.

Remember to add extra gratuity for crew members who go above and beyond—Disney’s team works so hard and making sure you leave “excellent” marks on your surveys helps them out more than you might realize.

Some families like to collect the free Disney trading cards and ship-specific art (ask at guest services or in the shops)—they make for the perfect free souvenir without adding extra bulk or cost to your suitcases.

For more fun ideas on how to keep everyone laughing without spending money, you might want a few party games for big groups to try out during downtime or sea days.

Setting Expectations: What Surprised Us Most and Lessons Learned as First-Timers

We were genuinely shocked by how relaxed the ship felt even with thousands of families on board; it almost never felt crowded, and there was always space at the pool or in a lounge to recharge.

The Navigator app was our best friend, keeping up with showtimes, dinner locations, and last-minute schedule changes—do not skip it or you risk missing special moments like meet and greets or Hero Zone obstacle course times.

Our biggest first-timer “miss” was not realizing how advanced and themed the clubs and dining would be—pack costume gear, sign up for fish extenders, and do not be afraid to ask staff if you are confused about anything (everyone was so helpful and patient, even when our 3-year-old asked the same question four times in line for the AquaMouse).

If you are a parent who is hesitant about giving your kids a little independence in a new environment, Disney’s staff really do make safety a top priority: sign-in and sign-out at clubs is secure, there are lifeguards everywhere, and we never felt uneasy letting the boys participate in activities without one of us shadowing every move.

Pirate Night, formal dinners, and deck parties are more fun when your whole group joins in—even if it is just silly hats or matching shirts, those little shared routines become the memories your kids keep talking about after you get home.

If you have a child who is usually more reserved (like our 5-year-old), you might be stunned at how joining a themed club activity or watching a new movie with new friends opens them up—sharing those breakthroughs with your spouse over a pistachio latte or espresso martini at Hei Hei Cafe was one of our favorite parenting wins of the entire week.

Port Logistics, Embarkation, and Debarkation: What to Expect and How to Make It Easier

Arriving at the port is exciting and a little chaotic, but Disney does a great job smoothing out the process for families with kids.

I definitely recommend doing the online check-in as soon as it opens so you can snag an early port arrival time; this kept our wait minimal and gave us more time exploring the ship before the cabin was ready.

Disney staff guides you through each step, and crew members hand out stickers and lanyards for the kids to keep them occupied while you deal with paperwork and the occasional security bottleneck.

If you are bringing a stroller, just know you will need to fold it before boarding, so practice your one-handed collapse at home if your hands are usually full like ours.

Once on board, lunch is ready in the buffet or quick-serve areas, and pools open early, so make sure to have swimsuits packed in a carry-on bag (that way the kids can start swimming immediately and you can relax with a pistachio latte from Hei Hei Cafe right away).

Debarkation day comes fast, but packing up is smoother if you lay out one final set of clothes in a day bag and stash any valuables or medication so you do not end up frantically digging through packed bags at the breakfast table.

If you have flexibility on flights, avoid booking super early departures on debarkation day—my boys were cranky enough that morning and we were glad to not be rushed.

We tipped our favorite crew members directly, which meant a lot to them, and it felt like a great way to end the trip on a positive note.

Adult-Only Time on Disney Treasure: Why Parents Deserve Their Own Vacation Moments

One thing I honestly would repeat over and over is how much the kids clubs allowed my wife and I to have real adult downtime while still feeling only steps away from our boys.

The Senses Spa was our splurge (even if just for a short massage) and the adult pool was a haven for reading or just working on not being in “parent mode” for a half hour.

The adult-exclusive restaurants and lounges are worth checking out, especially if you book dinner for two after drop-off at the Oceaneer Club—next time we might try the mixology class or a wine tasting night.

Hei Hei Cafe became our couples routine, but if you like a more classic lounge vibe, try Skipper Society or Periscope Pub for specialty cocktails and quieter conversation.

Our best tip is to carve out at least a couple adult moments—whether you are plotting your next cruise, catching up, or just relaxing together, it ends up making the family time better too.

Another bonus: since everyone else on board has kids, the staff makes you feel completely comfortable leaving the kids for a bit to recharge as parents.

Themed Nights and Dressing Up: How Extra Effort Makes Memories Last

If there is one thing I am packing for next time, it is matching outfits for Pirate Night and at least one themed dinner night.

The energy on the ship is infectious when everyone gets into the spirit, and the photos are way more fun when even the adults are wearing pirate hats or Marvel shirts at dinner.

Our kids especially loved seeing so many families getting creative with costumes—one family even had custom shirts with their names and favorite characters, which became a great conversation starter in the elevator.

Formal Night is also a big opportunity—you can go full glam or just add a tie or dress, and Disney photographers set up cute backdrops for family holiday-card-worthy photos.

Even if you just bring some accessories or temporary tattoos, you will feel part of the fun, and it is a simple way to make the special nights feel even more memorable for the kids.

How We Handled Downtime and Kept the Kids Happy in the Room

I know the ship is packed with entertainment, but even then you get stretches where tired kids just need a break in the room before dinner or after a big morning at the pool.

We brought along a few of our favorite card games, some coloring books, and let the boys unwind watching Disney Junior on the stateroom TV.

Snack time in the cabin with fruit and cookies from Marceline Market was a clutch move and minimized meltdowns after a busy afternoon.

One thing that helped a lot: bringing along a suction-cup nightlight and a battery-powered white noise machine from home since our 3-year-old struggles with new sleep settings—this made nap times (and early evenings after fireworks) happier for everyone.

If you need more easy ideas for those rainy moments or quiet nights in, browsing through some indoor games for kids before you board ensures you are prepared for anything.

Disney Treasure for Families: Why We Are Already Booking Our Next Cruise

After a full week on Disney Treasure, our family honestly came home with more inside jokes, new favorite heroes (my 5-year-old is still wearing his self-made Captain Marvel badge), and more vacation stories than we have ever had from any trip.

My wife and I were a little nervous that the ship would be too much, the kids would be overwhelmed, or we would leave feeling like we needed a quiet vacation afterward—instead, we left relaxed, full of laughs, and planning how to book the next one.

If you are on the fence, it is worth every bit of effort and planning—whether your kids are Disney-obsessed or just casual fans, there is so much for every type of family.

Make a few packing tweaks, lean into the costumes and themed nights, book the kids clubs even if you are nervous, and do not forget to find your family routine (for us, that became our Hei Hei Cafe stops and watching fireworks from our stateroom).

Bring extra tip money, set aside a little for treats and souvenirs, and above all give yourself permission to relax (your kids will thank you for it, and you will make vacation memories that actually feel relaxing for everyone).

Bouncing Back From the Disney Cruise: Tips for Recreating the Magic at Home

Coming back to reality was bittersweet, but we kept the spirits high by mixing our own espresso martinis and making pistachio lattes on the weekends, along with reruns of Peter Pan to keep our son happy.

The cruise definitely inspired us to have more family game nights, themed dinners, and even set up our own version of Pirate Night for the boys after bath time, costumes included.

For families looking to create some of that same sense of togetherness and joy, you might find inspiration with a few board games that keep everyone at home laughing together.

If your kids catch the Disney bug like ours did, keep an eye out for cruise deals or Castaway Club offers in your inbox—the Disney experience was truly worth it, and we will absolutely be back for round two.