From Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles to Screaming Soda, Disney Treasure is a party bag of treats.
If you've ever been to a Disney theme park, you'll know that the creative geniuses behind the company don't simply lend their talents to the rides and fantastical architecture; they also create fun snacks themed around loveable characters. Some of those treats have made it onboard Disney's newest ship, Disney Treasure, and here are eight worth trying:
It would be a crime to be on a Disney cruise and not order the Mickey waffles at least once. They're a regular feature of the free buffet at Treasure's Marceline Market, and a popular choice with children. You'll be surprised to discover they are not loaded with sugar. Instead, they are plain vessels for the maple syrup, cream and berries you can add yourself.
Simple yet satisfying is the complimentary Mickey shaped paddle-pop ice cream you will often see on the kids' dessert menu in restaurants. It's vanilla ice cream with a thin, crunchy layer of chocolate, similar to the Peters Hava Heart you'll find in corner stores around Australia. Don't be surprised if your waiter adds a sprinkle of edible Mickey confetti to your serve.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor is an absolute delight, and you can tell Disney's Imagineering team had a blast creating this new space. Pull up a bar stool in the darkened lounge and order an eerie beverage as ghosts fade in and out in the bar's mirror. For a drink the kids will love, order the "spirit-free" Ghostly Retreat (US$8), with Creepy Crawly Cola, an eyeball gummy and a glowing ice cube you can keep as a souvenir. An extra bonus is that you can eat the straw.
There are two coffee bars (HeiHei Cafe and Jade Cricket Cafe) where you can order specialty coffees and tea lattes. These hot bevvies don't come with your standard latte art; instead, you can expect Ariel or Minnie to greet you for your afternoon pick-me-up. A beetroot latte costs US$5.75.
Sweet enough to share, this Zootopia-inspired paw will have you bouncing down the ship's hallways. It's among the baked goods in Jumbeaux's Sweets, and is a large, thin shortbread biscuit filled with dollops of frosting. The red icing is for show, and very messy, so you've been warned; it costs US$4.50 and is a good poolside treat for two.
Skip the free soft serve your fellow American passengers will devour and instead order a scoop of gelato or ice cream in a waffle cone at Jumbeaux's Sweets. You won't find any gimmicks here but you will discover a delicious range of flavours such as macaron, cherry and New York cheesecake that wouldn't be out of place in one of Sydney's top gelateria. You’ll hand over US$4 for one scoop of gelato, and US$1.25 for a waffle cone.
Strictly for passengers with a sweet tooth, this rice crispy is next level. Not only is it too large for one person, but it's also a massive sugar hit, which could have something to do with the use of pink marshmallows for the centre and the layer of chocolate on top. Check them out in Jumbeaux's Sweets for US$3.50; if you're tempted, it’s best to share it with friends.
The culinary creativity continues in the Marvel: Celebration of Heroes restaurant, with the Quantum Core Sipper made on vanilla ice cream, mango, pineapple and Pop Rocks (popping candy) and the Mango Milky Fizz, which comes with Fruit Loops (both cost US$21).
The writer travelled as a guest of Disney Cruise Line.
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