Palo: Upscale Dining on Disney Cruise Line

About Palo

Palo is an upscale, adult-only dining experience aboard all four Disney Cruise Line ships. Serving Northern Italian delicacies, Palo offers incredible ocean views and elegant décor. Palo is open every night for elegant dinners, or you can opt for a sea day brunch. While not included in your cruise fare, Palo offers a fair value, currently priced at $40 per diner. Of course, remember that this fee can change at any time.

While all existing Disney Cruise Ships offer the Palo restaurant, the atmosphere is very different depending on which class you’re sailing. On the Classic Ships (Magic and Wonder), Palo is decorated with elegant glass and Venetian masks. The Dream Class ships (Dream and Fantasy) offer a more subdued environment with dark wood paneling and Italian-inspired artwork. All locations feature an entire wall of floor to ceiling glass windows for maximum ocean viewing, but only the Dream Class restaurants offer outdoor seating.

Palo Dinner

Palo opens each night of every cruise for your dining pleasure (though reservations are highly recommended). During the dinnertime hours, guests are served a four-course meal, beginning with a delicious assortment of antipasti. The $40 cost includes an additional appetizer, entree and dessert.  Some of my favorites include Heirloom Tomato Buffalo Mozzarella Caprese, Grilled Prime Beef Tenderloin, and the Chocolate Soufflé served with vanilla bean gelato.

(Pro Tip: You can sometimes sample an additional entree as a “side” to your primary one. This is completely based on your server’s discretion, and it’s not possible with all entrees. But I often order a “side” pasta dish with my steak.)

For a wine pairing experience, consider the “Esperienza del Vino” – a chef’s selection of 5 Palo dishes with recommended wines. There is an additional upcharge for this option.

Sea Day Brunch

Palo’s sea day brunch offers a menu with included beverage of champagne, mimosa, or sparkling cider. The real star of these seatings, however, is the expansive and sumptuous buffet. Upon arrival, your waiter will give you a tour through the many beautiful displays featuring culinary masterpieces to suit every palate. The centerpiece is a large seafood display featuring smoked salmon, trout mousse, and plenty of shellfish. You can also enjoy freshly sliced prosciutto, an assortment of salads, and a variety of artisan cheeses. Of course, there’s also an impressive dessert table for those with a sweet tooth.

My Preference

Personally, I think the sea day brunch is a superior experience for a better value:

• Your $40 upcharge includes one alcoholic drink.
• You have a menu in addition to an incredible buffet with unique delicacies.
• Disney’s included dinners are delicious! It’s often difficult to choose a night to miss the dining room menu in favor of a Palo dinner. Sea day brunch allows you to experience Palo while not sacrificing a standard meal.
• Depending on the time of year and your reservation, there’s a high probability you won’t even get to enjoy the incredible water views that Palo has to offer. It may simply be too dark. Sea day brunch allows you to enjoy a gourmet meal while gazing at the open sea.

Whether you decide to indulge in a swanky brunch or elegant dinner, Palo is certainly worth the expense on a Disney Cruise. Make sure to book your reservation as early as possible as this popular restaurant fills up fast! Don’t forget, if you are planning your next Disney vacation to be sure to reach out to Welcome Home Travel Co, the official travel agents of The Disney Nerds Podcast!