Best way to make reservations at Palo?

[AVENNER571]

Can one make reservations before cruising or must it be done on board? Once on board, do you need to go straight to Palo or do you make reservation elsewhere on ship? Interested in hearing some overall experiences at Palo to evaluate how important it is to have dinner here. I have only heard good things; anyone with a dissenting viewpoint?? I'm all ears(Mickey ears, that is)..

 

[winnyis]

On our last cruise - we were first to board - went to topsiders got the kids food and then immediately went up to Palo - got everything I wanted as far as times go. In my opinion - Brunch and Dinner there were the best meals on the ship. I cant wait til 8/31 to go again.

Ginny

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by AVENNER571
Once on board, do you need to go straight to Palo or do you make reservation elsewhere on ship?

Disney Magic or Disney Wonder?

I agree with winnyis (if you'll be on the Magic.)

 

[aprilgail2]

I made a reservation at Palos but I didn't rush up there...I ate, made a spa reservation, flounders reef reservation then went up to make a Palo rservation and had no trouble getting one for the day I wanted....but you do not make them AT Palos... forget where you make them but I know it was NOT at Palos!

 

[winnyis]

When I was on the Magic on 9/1/02 - You did make your reservations right at Palo.

Ginny

 

[aprilgail2]

When I was on there this month you didn't.....I didn't read the navigator and did go to Palo and there was a sign telling you to go someplace else. Maybe someone else can remember where you go because I forget where it was....

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Palo ressies are typically made at Palo on the Magic, and the Cadillac Lounge on the Wonder.

 

[DARWIN91]

On the 5/11 Western you made reservations right at PALO. We got up there right around the time they opened for reservations and they were already fully booked 2-3 days of the week.

 

[albiats]

Originally posted by AVENNER571
Can one make reservations before cruising or must it be done on board? Once on board, do you need to go straight to Palo or do you make reservation elsewhere on ship? Interested in hearing some overall experiences at Palo to evaluate how important it is to have dinner here. I have only heard good things; anyone with a dissenting viewpoint?? I'm all ears(Mickey ears, that is)..

You can make advance reservations at Palo's only if you have a Category 1, 2, or 3 Suite with the Concierge service, or if you have purchased a special package, like the Honeymoon or Vow Renewal packages. At one time, I had heard about a Caribbean Package from American Express that also included advance Palo's reservations. You had to pay for the complete cruise with your Amex Card and also purchase the additional package from them.

Other than that, as Dave from Marietta stated, you make reservations for Palo's in the Cadillac Lounge on the Wonder and at Palo's itself on the Magic. It's still best to check the daily Navigator when you're at checkin and to go to the designated area about 15 minutes early.

Obviously, since there are many more opportunities for people to get a reservation on a 7 day cruise than on a 4 day or a 3 day cruise, it depends on your itinerary for your urgency to get there.

hope that helps

 

[Diamond_Girls]

I purchased the Amex package which includes advance ressies (but I believe only for one night) at Palo... only trouble is, I will not know my rotation until I board and I've chosen a Palo's night based on each rotation...

The amex package is great. For $59 (and paying for the cruise with Amex) I get a $250 on-board credit, beach bag, free 8 x 10 at Shutters and the advance reservation... not bad!

 

[vacationqueen]

Cool!!! I only knew about the $250 credit and the advanced seating at Palo's. Do I get a beach bag and 8x10 at shutters also? I paid around 54 dollars I think and did the same package.

 

[Diamond_Girls]

If it is the same package, yep! The beach bag supposedly hangs from a beach chair which sounds cool. There is supposed to be a photo opportunity with the characters as well as a voucher for a free 8 x 10 at Shutters!

If you have a platinum Amex you should get a $300 on-board credit!

To get your complete details you can call the cruise line and they can pull the information for you!

 

[psimon]

Originally posted by Diamond_Girls
I purchased the Amex package which includes advance ressies (but I believe only for one night) at Palo... only trouble is, I will not know my rotation until I board and I've chosen a Palo's night based on each rotation...

The amex package is great. For $59 (and paying for the cruise with Amex) I get a $250 on-board credit, beach bag, free 8 x 10 at Shutters and the advance reservation... not bad!

We made our reservations through DCL and paid for it with AMEX. Any idea whether that qualifies? Also, was that $59 per person or for the entire reservation? Does you acquire the beach bag on the ship, or prior to leaving home? Any info is appreciated....

thanks... Paul

 

[Diamond_Girls]

It is a total of $59 (not per person). I have not cruised yet, but assume the items will be in the stateroom. I've heard that the credit sometimes shows up the first day and sometimes not until the last day.

 

[psimon]

Thanks.... guess I have to call DCL and persue this.

Paul

 

[tlt]

We just got back from the 7 night Eastern on 5/25...we were on the ship as soon as they let us and at Palo by 12:50 and there was already a line...we made reservations for brunch, high tea, and dinner and they are all great...definitely do all 3. Other people at our dinner seating weren't able to get reservations because they waited and didn't do the Palo ressies as soon as they boarded...they were put on a waiting list, but never got to go. Palo really fills up fast...so do it as soon as you board. Lunch is served til 3pm...plus there is always a place to get food...so do your ressies 1st to guarantee you a spot. The line moveed really fast...we had all 3 ressies made withing 2 minutes and that was with a line...just know the days and times you want before you go.

 

[piglet33]

How is everyone getting the $59 rate for the AmEx Caribbean Cruise Package? I just called AmEx Travel and was told the rate is $120 and she knew nothing of the other rate. It still is a good deal, but if I could get the rate cheaper, that would be great. BTW, I have a Platinum card. She also said the rates are not out yet for 2003 so I'd have to wait to see if my cruise would be part of it. Thanks for any help.

 

[MrsG]

DH and I are booked our first cruise for our 25th Anniversary through DCL for the Western Carib 7/6. I am new to your message boards and want to thank all of you for the great tips and hints.

Now here's one for you:

I just called DCL re: AMEX goodies. I waited for about 3 mins on the phone while they checked. Even the woman on the phone was impressed with what AMEX offered. They charged $57 to our AMEX over the phone and we got: (This will all come in a letter separate from our docs) (We hope)
$250 shipboard credit
beach bag
collector's pin
8X10 at Shutters
Advance resv. at Palos (they will send a letter so we can request a date)
PLUS the White Glove treatment of:
Lanyard for our pins
10% off non-motor rentals at Castaway Cay
10% off selected merchandise

Thank you my new friends!!!!!!!!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

I booked our Western 7 night cruise on the Magic for Jan. 2003 through DCL direct. I payed the deposit and have been making monthly payments (cruise is now half payed for) using my Disney Credit Card. If I would pay for the rest of the cruise with AmEx card would I be able to purchase the $59.00 cruise package or do you have to pay for the whole cruise with your AmEx card? Is it $59.00/cruiser or $59.00/cabin?

Cheryl

 

[albiats]

Originally posted by Cheryl N. WI
I booked our Western 7 night cruise on the Magic for Jan. 2003 through DCL direct. I payed the deposit and have been making monthly payments (cruise is now half payed for) using my Disney Credit Card. If I would pay for the rest of the cruise with AmEx card would I be able to purchase the $59.00 cruise package or do you have to pay for the whole cruise with your AmEx card? Is it $59.00/cruiser or $59.00/cabin?

Cheryl

You have to pay for the cruise 100% with your Amex card. You have to pay the deposit and the balance and everything in the middle with it.

It's $59 per cabin.


MrsG - Welcome to the Dis Boards!

Stick around and read more, maybe we can improve on your savings someday!

Did you check on the Disney Club credit? That would be another $50. We have a thread at the top of this board with the info on it. Basically, it costs $39 for the card and you can get a $50 credit, in some cases.

And Happy Anniversary! If you inform DCL it's your anniversary, you can get a nice cake at dinner one evening and the servers will sing to you.

hope that helps