Jennifer Friesen-Rosborough Discovers the Magic of Surprise on Disney's Treasure Cruise

For Jennifer Friesen-Rosborough, December vacations have become a cherished tradition. As a Calgary-based travel advisor, she knows that the slower business season provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family while experiencing destinations firsthand. This past December, that tradition took an unexpected turn when she surprised her children with a seven-night sailing aboard Disney's newest ship, the Disney Treasure.

The journey began as it always does, with a week at Walt Disney World. Friesen-Rosborough and her family stayed at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, enjoying the parks with her parents, Shawn and Tammy, who travel from Ontario for these annual getaways. But this year held a secret that would transform their vacation into something extraordinary.

The Magic of Surprise

While the children knew about their Disney World adventure, the cruise portion remained carefully hidden. "The kids found out as we were driving over the bridge and saw all of the ships in the bay," Friesen-Rosborough recalls. "And then they saw that the Disney Treasure ship and they were super excited that we were going to go stay on that one."

The revelation marked the beginning of what would become the trip's most memorable moments. As seasoned Disney cruise veterans, the family thought they knew what to expect. Yet even with multiple sailings under their belt, the spontaneous character encounters continued to create magic. "We were walking down the hallways and there's Snow White. And my daughter had a super special moment, with just her and Snow White, where she held her hand and started walking to wherever Snow White was going," Friesen-Rosborough describes, her voice warming at the memory.

Professional Insights from Personal Experience

Years of Disney vacations have taught Friesen-Rosborough valuable lessons that she now shares with clients. The key, she's discovered, lies in managing expectations and avoiding the trap of over-scheduling. "When it comes to trying to fit in as much as you can because you're spending a good investment going on these amazing trips, just taking maybe three things per person to do in a day will really help center your day and your expectations," she advises.

This philosophy extends beyond the parks to the cruise experience itself. With Broadway shows, character meet-and-greets, kids' clubs, and countless activities competing for attention, the temptation to pack every moment can be overwhelming. Friesen-Rosborough has learned that prioritizing must-do experiences while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries creates the most satisfying vacations.

Insider Knowledge That Makes a Difference

Her repeated visits have also revealed timing strategies that can make or break certain experiences. For coveted dining reservations like Cinderella's Royal Table or special cruise activities like the Royal Gathering, success depends on booking the moment reservation windows open. "If you want to do those things, you need to do it right away," she emphasizes, noting that popular experiences like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and private island cabanas disappear within hours of becoming available.

Even seemingly small details can enhance the experience. At Disney World's park security checkpoints, she advises holding electronics, glasses cases, and umbrellas visibly in front while walking through scanners to avoid secondary screenings. On cruise ships, she steers clients away from the crowded buffets on embarkation day, instead recommending the quieter main dining rooms or poolside options.

A Destination for Everyone

Despite Disney's reputation as a family destination, Friesen-Rosborough has witnessed its appeal across all demographics. She's planned trips for solo travelers, couples, and multigenerational families, each finding their own version of magic. The only travelers she might redirect are those seeking child-free environments, as Disney destinations naturally attract families.

Her experience reinforces a broader travel philosophy that applies well beyond the Disney universe. Whether planning a cruise, a city break, or an adventure vacation, identifying three absolute priorities allows room for unexpected delights while preventing disappointment over missed opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Friesen-Rosborough's upcoming travel calendar reflects her commitment to firsthand destination knowledge. A professional conference aboard MSC's World America awaits, followed by a family sailing on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas in December 2026. Her personal wish list includes a European adventure with her husband, though timing such trips around young children and coordinating with grandparent caregivers requires careful planning.

Through each journey, she continues gathering the insights that transform her from someone who simply books trips into a trusted advisor who truly understands the destinations she recommends. As she puts it, the goal is always to "help walk them through what to expect" so clients can focus on creating their own magical moments rather than navigating logistics.