The Disney Cruise Line has its share of delicious food, but did you know that adults can book exclusive dining opportunities? Palo, a Northern Italian restaurant, is available on all five Disney Cruise Line ships and is one of the best meals you can get on a Disney Cruise ship.
Named for the poles used by gondola operators, this restaurant offering Northern Italian cuisine is more upscale than the regular restaurants (but not as upscale as Remy, which is offered on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy or Enchante on the Disney Wish). While the service is fantastic at all of the restaurants, the service at Palo seems extra special.
An extra fee does apply to passengers dining at Palo, although Disney Castaway Club platinum and pearl members (and guests staying in their staterooms) receive a complimentary dinner at Palo. While this is specifically listed as a dinner, we’ve also been able to get brunch at no cost. Even if you aren’t getting a complimentary meal, the additional charge is worth it.
The food is fantastic, so if you have the chance to dine there, definitely take the opportunity. The kids’ clubs on the ships are wonderful, so you can always send your kids there while you eat at this adult-only restaurant.
Palo on the Disney Cruise Line
The Palo on the new Disney Wish is called the Palo Steakhouse, rather than just Palo. The same information below applies.
There are two different meals offered at Palo – both a brunch and a dinner. You’ll pay one fee for brunch at Palo – you don’t purchase by the item. Dinner is either an a la carte menu or a (Prezzo Fisso) prix fixe menu option. As always, wine and other alcohol (other than the complimentary bellini at brunch) are offered at an extra cost.
Making Reservations for Palo on the Disney Cruise Line
Reservations are required for Palo, and you can make them before you cruise based on your Castaway Club level, like shore excursions. Reservations may also be available once you board the ship, but to get the best times and dates, it’s best to do it in advance. Brunch is especially popular.
To make reservations when your booking window opens, use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Choose the specific day of the sailing and select add activities, and then adult dining.
On a recent sailing on the Disney Magic, we weren’t able to get a brunch reservation at Palo before we left. Once we were onboard, we went right away to the spot where they were taking reservations, and we were easily able to get our Palo brunch reservation.
I wouldn’t count on that, however. To do this, you’ll want to find out where the dining staff is going to be located on the first day for special requests.
In the past, you could only book a Palo dinner once per sailing, but you can now book twice. To do that, you’ll need to make one of the reservations for the first night of your cruise. I generally prefer not to do that, however, because I always like meeting my serving team on embarkation day.
Cancellation fees do apply, so make sure that you understand the policy before booking. There is also a dress code so be sure to read that before you go. You’ll want to pack the appropriate clothes before your vacation. I usually wear a nice sundress and my husband wears dress pants with a collared shirt.
Brunch at Palo on the Disney Cruise Line
Brunch at Palo is delicious. You’ll start with a complimentary bellini or non-alcoholic bellini. While the original Palo brunch was a buffet, it’s now a sit-down meal with no buffet.
Guests can start with either an individual charcuterie selection or a seafood selection. Then, you can order your entree. Options include both traditional breakfast foods (like strawberry waffles – Mickey waffles, of course) or Italian lunch specialties (my favorite is the chicken parmesan). Dessert is also offered.
If you like iced tea, you’ll want to order one at Palo. It is included with brunch. It arrives as a cup filled with iced tea cubes and your server will pour iced tea over the cubes. You can also order coffee including cappuccinos and espressos.
Dinner at Palo on the Disney Cruise Line
Dinner at Palo is fantastic as well. The menu includes several delicious Italian specialties, including an antipasto cart that your server will bring to your table. My favorite of the entrees is the Osso Bucco, and chocolate lovers can’t miss the chocolate souffle.
If you’ve purchased a wine package, you can get one of those wines, or choose to update to something on the Palo wine list for an additional fee (that’s what we usually do). Wine pairings are also available.
On the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, a beautiful bar is located between Palo and Remy. Called the Meridian Bar, this little tucked-away spot is a great place to have a pre or post-dinner drink. It also has some fabulous views. Unfortunately, there’s no Meridian Bar on the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder.
On the Disney Wish, the adult-only dining area is Beauty and the Beast themed. There’s a bar called the Rose right in front of Palo and Enchante that offers beautiful views with large windows.
Have you been to Palo on the Disney Cruise Line? What did you think?
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Susan Easterday
Wednesday 8th of November 2017
Palo is amazing! For our October cruise, we visited Palo for brunch on our first day and then later in the cruise for dinner. Besides the great food, our server may have been the best we've ever had. He walked us to the brunch buffet and explained in detail foods--pointing out his favorite foods and combinations. The brunch is so enjoyable--from the Prosecco to the seafood and dessert table--everything was delicious. We also enjoyed the chicken parmesan and a unique eggs benedict with salmon.
Try dinner at the earliest seating (6:00 p.m.) to get a glimpse of the sunset. I, too, love the antipasto platter and am always getting slightly full after that. I could eat a pound of the parmesan reggiano. :-) We have enjoyed the steak and fish dishes and think the food is fantastic. It is more than worth the small charge of $30 per person. I would note too, that we tend to tip on closer to what the meal would cost elsewhere vs. the $60 charge. The service is well worth it!