Failing to make a reservation at Palo

[Little Twin Stars]

I have just read a message telling that the family was unable to make a resevration at Palo even they went to make the reservation as soon as they boarded at 1:30 pm.

Is it possible? Could anyone who have ever failed to make a reservation at Palo share why it would happen?

 

[AnnMorin]

As long as they are flexable. Say if you really want to eat Tuesday at 6pm. You may have to take 5:30 or 6:30 or pick Weds. at 6pm. We had no problem getting a table. I would not stress too much about it. Just try to make your ressie early.

 

[Regina]

The problem is that the Welcome Letter says that they start taking Palo bookings at 1:30, when in reality they take them when boarding begins which is usually around noon.

I'm not surprised that they were gone.

 

[TootyJane]

We got our Palo reservation when we boarded about 12:30pm. My brother and I were about 6th in line and the line was long by the time we finished. I think the key is to be flexible and have alternative dates and/or times. HTH

 

[my3kids]

Were they maybe looking to book High Tea? That does go quickly. There shouldn't be that much of a problem for dinner though. I agree with the others. If you can't get the day you want, take another. If that fails, get on the waiting list and go when they call.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Can you take an alternate night AND be put on the waiting list for your preferred night?

 

[my3kids]

IGTD: I asked our server about how many reservations, how many they could serve, etc. He said some people eat there night after night. They get their origional reservation and sign up for waiting lists. If spaces open during the day, or if slots are left after the first days reservation period, then they go to the lists.

 

[Scratch42]

And I wasn't even on the waiting list!LOL

On our January trip when DD got affected by the "Tube Steak", I had been put on a waiting list, unfortunately, the first available time was during that time. I got a call the following night even though I had asked them to take me off the list. Maybe I can finally get to go this coming January!

If you don't get when you want, just waitlist, and go when they call!

Scratch

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I don't understand why they advertise reservations beginning at one specific time but then totally disregard that and do it earlier. That really isn't fair for those who don't visit boards like this.

If I didn't know any better, I'd have a leisurly lunch upon boarding and head to wait in line around 1:15pm/1:20pm.

 

[Doctor P]

It is very clear on the information that they hand you when you check in, as I recall. Ours said that Palo reservations would be available beginning at 12:30 pm (which was basically as soon as boarding commenced, given the lines and the picture taking, etc.). It wasn't misleading at all--in fact, the boards probably would have confused me more than helped in this regard. We had a warning that this was probably the way things would be, but the details were confirmed in the actual information.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by Doctor P
It is very clear on the information that they hand you when you check in, as I recall. Ours said that Palo reservations would be available beginning at 12:30 pm (which was basically as soon as boarding commenced, given the lines and the picture taking, etc.). It wasn't misleading at all--in fact, the boards probably would have confused me more than helped in this regard. We had a warning that this was probably the way things would be, but the details were confirmed in the actual information.

Do you suppose this time is different on the Magic vs. Wonder? You are saying it is printed as 12:30, yet others have stated it is printed in the Navigator as 1:30. And when looking back my old navigator's, this past January's Wonder says 1:30.

 

[ReadyForDisney2003]

I must say the process of getting a Palo reservation is a mess. I just got off the Magic 10/11 cruise and I did get a brunch and dinner reservation. We were there VERY early and I knew I had to go and get the reservation, but ...

When we got in there was a line. They gave me a number and told me to have a seat. I did. They called my number and I got the time / day I wanted for dinner. Then, they told me to stand in this LONG line for brunch. I don't think so! Anyhow, the manager of Palo put me on the brunch list and we got the time we wanted.

The brunch and dinner times I was there were BOTH not full. We were on a Western and had Palo dinner on the Cozumel night. Our server (Jeevah!) said they had a TON of cancels that day and anyone would have been able to walk in. It is always worth a try to get a walkin reservation.

But, really, I thought the whole paper folder reservation thing was prehistoric. Why can't they have a decent software application to enter the table / day / number of people and do an on-line reservation??

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by ReadyForDisney2003
Our server (Jeevah!) said they had a TON of cancels that day and anyone would have been able to walk in. It is always worth a try to get a walkin reservation.

That is a good thing to know. I guess it really does pay to be put on a waitlist.

 

[Regina]

Before I stated that the Welcome Aboard letter has 1:30 as the booking time, I looked at the ones that I received as recently as 9/25 and 9/28. It's right there in black and white.

If you had the correct time in your's DoctorP, that's terrific. Most of us are still getting letters that show 1:30.

 

[Regina]

Just to be fair, I dug out the "stuff" from the 8/2 cruise on the Magic.

I can't find the Welcome letter, but I have the Welcome Aboard Navigator. There's a little box on the second page that has "Palo Reservations 12 noon - 3:30pm.."

Taking another look at the September Wonder info, there's no mention of it in the Welcome Aboard Navigator. You'd have to rely on the Welcome Aboard Letter that I previously mentioned.

It looks like we're all right.

 

[confal1]

We went on the 4 day last year and did not make Palo ressies when we boarded because we were not sure how our 4 year old DD would do at the kids club. She loved it so I called the 2nd day of our cruise and was put in for that evening I think around 5:30. I think if you are flexible you should be able to do it. Good Luck and have fun.

 

[Dreamer04]

We're requesting the Animators Palate/ Parrot Cay/Lumieres rotation for our Feb cruise. The only nights we absolutely want to all eat together is Animators on the first night, Lumieres on the third night (formal) and Parrot Cay on the fifth night (tropical/Mexical night). So, there is alot of flexibilty for Palo. DH and I are really looking forward to a nice dinner for the two of us.
Bring on the romance!!

Maybe a "souvenir"?