Palo brunch or dinner alone?

[CaliforniaMama]

My kids and I are taking our first Disney cruise in a couple of months. I am the only adult traveling. Is it worth it to do Palo alone? If yes, which should I do, dinner or brunch? Also, if you have done either alone, can you please tell me about your experience? Thanks!

 

[Dug720]

I did dinner alone on the Dream this past February and LOVED it!!! I was so doted on and pampered by pretty much everyone in the restaurant - I felt like a total princess, and I don't usually like that, but they made it so special. Brunch I had with my sis and a couple of her friends who'd gotten permission to dine there with me. (There was a woman brunching solo, and she appeared to be getting the same type of treatment I did at dinner...the royal treatment!

I'm planning on dinner AND brunch on my Fantasy cruise which will be solo as sis will be on her vacation.

 

[IrishCowboy]

I would do brunch alone. That way you can have dinner with your children

 

[professorandmom]

So, I am a single mom and tried two different approaches to Palo. First cruise, I found another single mom on the boards and joined her for dinner. We had a nice time. Humorously, the ship's photographer thought we were a couple...

Second time around I found no one one the DIS boards as a Palo dinner companion. I made online Palo reservations anyway hoping to figure something out. At the singles lunch, I mentioned to the CMs (who attend the event) that I planned to cancel the reservations so I didn't have to eat alone. They wouldn't hear of it and planned to fix me up....well, I went to dinner with a nice guy from FL. Palo staff treated us so well (great table, etc)...BUT the guy really was a bit slimy when he slipped away after dinner leaving me with the very expensive bill (drinks, wine, fee and tip). When I saw him the next day at CC he ignored me.

That said, I did watch the sunset from one of the best seats in the place while enjoying a fabulous meal...

However, I'd rather have eaten alone.

Just my experiences.

 

[Dug720]

FWIW, do NOT be afraid to eat alone!!! The crew is fantastic, and as I said, dotes all over you - and also gives you space as you need, just let them know!!

I know I can be introverted, but I don't understand this fear of being alone people have. If I waited to do anything with someone or cancelled things just because I didn't have anyone to do them with, I would be leading a very lonely and sad life. As it is, I'm out enjoying life and the world on my terms - and having a blast!

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

So, I am a single mom and tried two different approaches to Palo. First cruise, I found another single mom on the boards and joined her for dinner. We had a nice time. Humorously, the ship's photographer thought we were a couple...

Second time around I found no one one the DIS boards as a Palo dinner companion. I made online Palo reservations anyway hoping to figure something out. At the singles lunch, I mentioned to the CMs (who attend the event) that I planned to cancel the reservations so I didn't have to eat alone. They wouldn't hear of it and planned to fix me up....well, I went to dinner with a nice guy from FL. Palo staff treated us so well (great table, etc)...BUT the guy really was a bit slimy when he slipped away after dinner leaving me with the very expensive bill (drinks, wine, fee and tip). When I saw him the next day at CC he ignored me.

That said, I did watch the sunset from one of the best seats in the place while enjoying a fabulous meal...

However, I'd rather have eaten alone.

Just my experiences.

What a scumball. Even if you're not having a good time, one should never skip out and leave their companion to pay the bill.

To the OP, I would eat at Palo alone, brunch and dinner, if I had to. Both experiences are awesome and not to be missed. Just go, relax, and enjoy the food, service and atmosphere. You'll be glad you did.

 

[jedijill]

I've eaten at both Palo brunch and dinner solo a number of times. No issues. The staff takes fabulous care of you.

As for the slimball bill dodger, I would ask for a bill with only my charges...No way would I pay for a stranger's meal and drinks.

Jill in CO

 

[TXTransplant]

Another single mom who did Palo brunch alone. I didn't do dinner because I wanted to eat with my son every night.

I was on the Wonder and was also treated like a queen while I was there. I will likely reserve brunch again when we cruise again next year.

The only downside is there is no one to share things with if all you want to do is "try a bite" of something.

 

[savage1117]

I'm a single mom too and a little nervous about eating alone for my Palo brunch....but I'm still gonna go because the food looks too good to miss!!

 

[taswira]

I agree with jedijill - I would certainly not pay for a stranger's charges!

When with anyone other than my hubby (who only sailed once with me so far), I always specify the moment we sit down that we need separate checks. Even though as a Platinum CC member I get a Palo dinner at no charge, I only want responsibility for my personal bill - gratuities, specialty beverages, etc.

I have dined alone at Palo several times. While I often travel solo and am usually comfortable being alone, I have to admit that it does bother me a little at Palo. I think it's because of being seated near two types of Guests on occasion: (1) Those who stared at me sympathetically like, "Poor dear, couldn't you find anyone who wanted to dine with you?" OR (2) Those who seemed to be stealing glances at me throughout the meal, then whispering to their dinner companions. That made me wonder if they saw me as a celebrity diva or some sort of freak - lol.

Happily, most people mind their own business and think nothing of those dining alone for whatever reason. And yes, the servers are GREAT! I just need to try to make myself temporarily less aware of my surroundings at times!

 

[jahber]

I would LOVE to dine alone. But I think my husband would be offended . Go and enjoy!

 

[dhelin]

I'll be having solo brunch on the Dream NYE...very excited !

 

[CaliforniaMama]

Thanks everyone! I just booked my brunch.