Episode Description
Some Disney vacations are carefully planned.
Some are spontaneous.
And then there are the ones where you stack them back-to-back and just ride the wave of magic for two full weeks.
In Episode 655 of the Geekin’ on Walt Disney World Podcast, Auntie Judy joins me to recap not one — but two Disney adventures:
First, an 8-night sailing aboard the brand-new Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Treasure.
Then? Straight off the ship and into Walt Disney World to meet up with Margita and me for Beach Club stays, fireworks dining, and some unforgettable Geek moments.
This episode is cruise review, trip report, accessibility insight, dining talk, Broadway-style entertainment… and classic Judy storytelling all wrapped into one.
Part 1: Sailing on the Disney Treasure
Judy sailed with friends for 8 nights aboard the Disney Treasure — and from the moment her name was announced while boarding, she knew this one was special.
Highlights from the Cruise:
The emotional “Welcome Aboard” moment
Broadway-caliber productions of Moana and Beauty and the Beast
The Haunted Mansion Parlor lounge (glowing menus, Hatbox Ghost sipper, interactive effects!)
Palo brunch — still one of the best dining upgrades at sea
Pirate Night fun and Marvel-themed dining
An Imagineering-style ship tour revealing hidden design details
The hilarious Jack-Jack Diaper Dash
Judy also shared thoughtful accessibility observations — from muster procedures to theater seating to gangway navigation — and emphasized how supported she felt by the cast members throughout the sailing .
Ports included Cozumel, Falmouth (Jamaica), and Castaway Cay — with a little hurricane impact story from Jamaica and a Starbucks sighting in Cozumel that genuinely surprised her.
But for Judy?
The standout memory was simply stepping onto the ship and hearing:
“Disney Cruise Line welcomes the Ludwig family!”
That feeling never gets old.
Part 2: From Ship to Shore — Walt Disney World
After disembarking, Judy drove straight to Walt Disney World to join us for a split stay:
2 nights at Caribbean Beach
5 nights at Beach Club Villas (2-bedroom villa)
Judy’s Top Disney World Moments
(In no particular order…)
Seeing Geek friends and surprise meetups
Birthday dinner at Le Cellier (prime filet mignon!)
Drinks at GEO-82
Rose & Crown fireworks dining package in EPCOT Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows
A solo Magic Kingdom morning with Starbucks and the parade
One particularly memorable moment?
Judy had a fall at EPCOT security — and her Apple Watch automatically called 911. Thankfully she was completely fine (and laughing), but it made for one of those “only at Disney” stories that will stick with us for a while.
Her final Magic Kingdom day was classic Judy — doing exactly what she wanted, at her own pace: castle stage show, parade viewing, Casey’s Corner piano music, and just soaking it all in.
Dining Standouts
From the cruise to the parks, food played a major role:
On the Disney Treasure:
- Prime rib at Coco’s
- Marvel dining experience
- Endless soft serve
- Palo brunch elegance
At Walt Disney World:
- Le Cellier birthday dinner
- Rose & Crown fireworks package
- Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Polynesian
Let’s just say… no one went hungry.
Cruise Tips from a Travelin’ Tiara
As part of the Travelin’ Tiaras team, Judy shared a few great reminders:
Don’t try to do everything Use the Navigator app to “favorite” activities ahead of time Pick stateroom location based on your comfort with ship movement Take advantage of cast member support — especially with accessibility needs
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Disney sailor, there was plenty of practical advice in this conversation.
Final Thoughts
This episode is such a great reminder that Disney vacations don’t have to be rushed.
They can be:
- High-energy and theatrical
- Relaxed and personal
- Social and community-focused
- Or beautifully solo
Judy’s trip had all of it.
From Broadway shows at sea to quiet parade moments in Magic Kingdom — the magic is often found in the mix.
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?
Whether you’re thinking about sailing the Disney Treasure or planning your next Walt Disney World stay, the Travelin’ Tiaras would love to help.
You can also reach out via Facebook Messenger.
Support the Show
If you enjoy these trip reports and conversations, consider supporting us on Patreon:
Patreon.com/GeekinOnWDW
Your support keeps this community growing and these episodes coming each week.
Listen Now
Episode 655 is available wherever you get your podcasts.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to combine a Disney cruise with a Walt Disney World vacation — this one’s for you.
Thanks for listening, Geeks.
We love this community — and we love YOU.