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Make way, make way! Today, we're sailing into the Disney Treasure’s all-new "Disney The Tale of Moana" stage show! Our favorite wayfinding heroine is charting a course on the high seas and you get to come along for the adventure. We’ve experienced plenty of frogtastic Disney Cruise Line shows, from "Beauty and the Beast" to "The Little Mermaid," and we thought we knew what to expect. But this show? It makes waves ... literally! And in our humble froggy opinion, this is Disney Cruise Line’s best stage show yet. In this post, we're sharing an overview of the show and helpful information such as location, what to expect and a few planning tips. There's more beyond the reef, let's go!
"Disney The Tale of Moana" Overview
Disney Cruise Line has always wowed us with its Broadway-style entertainment, and "Disney The Tale of Moana" is no exception! Just like Moana, this production is bold, breathtaking and brimming with adventure. Debuting exclusively on the Disney Treasure, this performance brings the beloved tale of "Moana" to life in a way that is beyond imagination.
From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is immersed in the spirit of Polynesia, with actors in the aisles getting into character and interacting with guests. This is one of the few Disney Cruise Line shows to offer such an immersive experience. And as froggies who’ve seen many Disney Cruise Line shows, we can say without a doubt that this production sets a new standard for immersive storytelling at sea.
From puppetry to projections, Disney Cruise Line created a truly unfrogettable performance for the entire family that pulls you right into Moana’s world.
Where Can You See "Disney The Tale of Moana"?
Aboard the Disney Treasure, you can catch "Disney The Tale of Moana" in the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 3.
Disney Cruise Line lists a daily activity schedule in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. In the app, you can view which performances will be shown in the theatre each evening. There are typically two showings of the same production each night to give both the early and late rotational dinner guests a chance to see the show.
Disney Cruise Line rotates the nighttime shows, so "Disney The Tale of Moana" will not play every evening. Since the Disney Treasure itineraries are currently 7-night sailings, "Disney The Tale of Moana" will typically be shown on multiple nights.
We also recommend hopping to the theatre a little early, as seats fill up quickly. We recommend somewhere between 30 to 45 minutes before showtime. This will give your tadpoles a chance to use the restroom or get popcorn and snacks from Preludes before the show starts without struggling to find a seat.
"Disney The Tale of Moana" — What to Expect
First Impressions
From the moment the curtain rose, we knew this show would be something special. The performance opened with a beautiful chant. As the voices of Moana’s ancestors filled the theater, you could feel history and tradition in the air, setting a completely different tone from what we expected. The dancers moved like waves, fluid and mesmerizing, making it feel like the ocean was alive on stage.
Disney Cruise Line really nailed the puppetry during this performance. Baby Moana was portrayed as a beautiful wood-carved puppet, adding art and dimension to the opening act. The opening really drew us in with emotion.
We don’t want to leap ahead of ourselves and give away too much, but expect the unexpected during this show, even if you know how the story ends!
A Soundtrack That Makes Waves
We can’t talk about Moana without talking about the award-winning music! Disney Cruise Line employs very talented performers, some even directly from Broadway. Moana’s first solo, "How Far I’ll Go," toadally gave us goosebumps. The actress has a voice that is so powerful and filled with yearning that we felt every word.
Maui’s grand entrance was hilariously entertaining. Arriving on stage with huge energy and his classic mischief, he really seemed like the animation come to life. His performance of "You’re Welcome" was full of comical moments and fun choreography.
If there was ever a scene-stealer, Tamatoa was it. Her "Shiny" number stole the show! The entire stage is transformed into an underwater, bioluminescent scene that's honestly hard to describe. The set, the lighting and Tamatoa’s massive, glittering presence made this scene one of the most visually stunning moments in the show and one you have to see for yourself!
And of course, there was the heart of the story — "We Know the Way." The music, chanting, singing and dancing during this number took us on a journey and tugged on our heartstrings. And we weren’t the only ones. Looking around the theater, everyone was wiping their eyes, moved by the moment.
An Immersive Experience
Disney Cruise Line has a reputation for hopping beyond expectations, and "Disney The Tale of Moana" does just that. The innovative set designs, combined with puppetry and digital projections, take guests straight to Motunui.
The ocean effects were breathtaking. Through a mix of projection mapping, lighting effects and choreography, the ocean became its own character. At times, it parted for Moana. At others, it crashed in dramatic waves, and it lifted her during her most pivotal moments.
Even the canoe sequences are beautifully choreographed, making it feel like Moana is actually sailing across the ocean. Every movement felt seamless, and we found ourselves completely lost in the illusion.
We’ve seen some impressive stagecraft in Disney Cruise Line shows, but Te Kā’s transformation into Te Fiti is truly next level. Her fiery, towering presence shifts into the beauty of Te Fiti right before your eyes — it’s absolutely mesmerizing. We won’t spoil the moment, but prepare to be wowed!
And Gramma Tala? She’s the heart of the entire show. Her presence is warm, wise and just the right amount of funny. When she returns as a glowing spirit to guide Moana, cue the tissues — it’s a beautiful moment.
The costumes are stunning too, blending Polynesian-inspired details with Disney’s signature craftsmanship. We were especially impressed with how thoughtfully Moana’s story is retold in this stage version.
Cultural Representation
To make sure the show respects the traditions of the Pacific Islands, Disney Cruise Line worked with Polynesian cultural experts from the Oceanic Cultural Trust.
From the wayfinding in “We Know the Way” to the choreography inspired by hula and other native dances, every part of the show was created with care. The costumes are just as thoughtful — the bright colors and patterns are based on traditional Polynesian clothing, helping the story feel real and rooted in Moana’s culture.
"Disney The Tale of Moana" Final Thoughts
This is not just another Disney Cruise Line show. As of today, we think this is the BEST show Disney Cruise Line has ever had!
This show is visually stunning, emotionally powerful and completely immersive. Whether you’re a longtime "Moana" fan or just looking for onboard entertainment, this show will blow you away.
When the final bows came and Moana's journey was complete, we weren't just clapping — we were cheering with our whole hearts, as was the rest of the theater. So if you’re sailing on the Disney Treasure, DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW. It is an absolute masterpiece, and we'd hop back on board just to see it again.
Do you plan to hop aboard the Disney Treasure to see "Disney The Tale of Moana?" Let us know which part of the show you’re most excited to watch in the comments below!
Related: Top 10 Can't-Miss Experiences on the Disney Treasure
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Hoppy planning!
