IMO, the best night to dine at Palo is to substitute for one of the rotation restaurants you are scheduled to dine in 3x....for instance, traditionally families with young children are assigned the APLAPLA rotation.....Thus, Palo on Tuesday vs the 2nd Animators night was ideal for us....Also, we like the food least at Animators,as well there being no light show on the 2nd night enhanced our decision.....We have never cruised since the addition of Pirate Night on Tues,but I hear it's great.... so you can reserve Palo early, maybe 6pm, see the 830 show, and still have time to change back into your pirate garb....