Disney's 'wish' vs. The 'treasure': Which Cruise Ship is Perfect for Your Magical Getaway?
- Travel
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- UPDATED DECEMBER 19, 2024
by Tasha Mayberry
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Disney Cruise Line is embarking on a magical journey with its newest ship, the Disney Treasure — but does it live up to the magic of the Disney Wish?
I had the privilege of being one of the first passengers to experience a media preview of the Treasure — a three-night voyage to the cruise line’s private island, Castaway Cay, and back — just ahead of its official guest launch on December 21. Coincidentally, only six weeks earlier, I had taken a four-night trip aboard the Wish, the Treasure’s sister ship and predecessor, which debuted in June 2022.
Now, two and a half years later, the Treasure — the sixth ship in the DCL fleet and the second in the Wish class — shares many of the same features, yet the atmosphere is entirely different. While the Wish feels like stepping into Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Treasure is more like a journey Through the Looking-Glass.
But which ship suits your travel style? Whether you’re a parent, a child-free couple, a Disney Parks fan, a Disney movie lover, or a solo traveler, read on to discover which of these two incredible ships will make your dreams come true.
For Parents and Children
When you first enter the Grand Hall on any Disney Cruise Line (DCL) ship, you’re welcomed by beloved characters and a stunning central statue. On the Wish, it’s Cinderella, while on the Treasure, Aladdin and Jasmine take center stage, soaring on their magic carpet.
Choosing which ship is better for families is tough, as both children and parents have different Disney favorites that make them smile. Both ships feature the kids-only Disney’s Oceaneer Club and It’s a Small World Nursery, and little ones adore Scuttle’s Cove on Castaway Cay.
The stage shows on each ship offer a wide range of Disney magic. On the Wish, you can enjoy The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, while Beauty and the Beast and the breathtaking new show The Tale of Moana are featured on the Treasure. That said, the Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure restaurant on the Wish gives it a slight advantage, thanks to the widespread love for the Frozen films.
There’s something about the atmosphere of the Wish that captures the essence of innocence, dreams, and the beauty of new beginnings.
For Couples Without Children
Both the Wish and the Treasure offer adults-only pool areas of similar size, along with kid-free zones on their private islands, Castaway Cay and the newly introduced Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Additionally, both ships feature two exclusive adults-only dining options: Enchanté and Palo Steakhouse, available for an extra charge.
However, the overall vibes aboard the ships felt more distinct than I expected, a difference that became clear as soon as I saw the Grand Hall statues. Despite Aladdin being a stage show on the Wish and not the Treasure, the Treasure felt more in tune with the spirit of adventure and the “Disney Adult” lifestyle, while the Wish exuded a sense of wonder and the beauty of what might be.
One of the highlights of our Treasure experience was the brand-new, hilarious Choose Wisely! An Indiana Jones Comedy Adventure—a perfect date night choice that’s a bit edgier than the usual Disney fare for kids.
For Solo Travelers
For me, the allure of a solo adventure lies in the mix of fellow travelers around me — and fortunately, Disney (and cruising) attracts fans of all ages.
Each ship offers a variety of activities like game shows, trivia competitions, and crafting sessions, providing opportunities to meet other guests, or you can find quieter spots on the ship or private islands to enjoy some alone time.
A tip for solo travelers: plan your activities wisely to avoid the crowds. Head to the private island early to snag a hammock or go snorkeling while others are still on the ship. Or hit the AquaMouse water coaster when others are having lunch or just before it closes for the day. There’s something special about sliding under the stars.
For Disney Movie Buffs
One of the most impressive features of both the Wish and the Treasure is the 1923 restaurant, named after the year the Walt Disney Company was founded. The restaurant showcases original artwork from some of Disney’s most iconic animated films, from Robin Hood to Raya and the Last Dragon.
Both ships also feature piano lounges that honor their respective films — Nightingale’s on the Wish, inspired by Cinderella, and Scat Cat Lounge on the Treasure, inspired by The Aristocats. These lounges capture the essence of the films in their décor, drinks, and ambiance, while both ships continuously show Disney films in their onboard movie theaters and on the massive Funnel Vision screen by the pool.
The themed sweets shops and coffee stands also bring the magic of Disney films to life, from Inside Out to Zootopia, Mulan, Moana, Pinocchio, and The Sword in the Stone. Plus, both ships feature the Worlds of Marvel restaurant with unique interactive adventures.
While the Wish may celebrate some of Disney’s classic films, the Treasure balances it out with the stunning new Plaza de Coco restaurant, which immerses guests in the world of Coco. It offers what is, in my opinion, the best menu of any of the included dining experiences on either ship.
For Disney Parks Enthusiasts
For me, the appeal of this category comes down to the lounge and bar theming. While the Wish offers some fun nods to the parks, its focus is more on telling the story of Disney’s intellectual properties and embracing the fairytale element — like with the Princess and the Frog-themed The Bayou and the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge.
The Treasure, however, dives deeper into the Disney parks for its bar and lounge themes. The Periscope Pub is a perfect example, paying tribute to the iconic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage attraction at Magic Kingdom, which closed in 1994 but still lives on in this nostalgic space. Skipper Society is a must-see for Jungle Cruise fans, featuring elements of the classic Adventureland ride, as well as vibes from the nearby Enchanted Tiki Room.
But the real star is the Haunted Mansion Parlor, which fully immerses guests in the eerie atmosphere of the Haunted Mansion ride. Here, visitors can sip on craft cocktails and spooky beverages while enjoying light-and-sound shows straight from the attraction.
Of course, some travelers prefer to stay on dry land or might want to extend their Disney experience by celebrating the holidays at the Disney Parks before or after their cruise. For those guests, there are plenty of seasonal offerings to enjoy, such as Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, running through December 21, or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, available through December 20.
