First Time Cruising - Is Palo worth it?

[veruka]

I've booked our family on our first cruise ever in May, 2004. It's a 3 day cruise and we have two kids, 6 & 7. I was wondering...is Palo worth doing? I've read great things about it, but I was wondering if I should save it for a longer trip. Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

 

[disney queen]

power walk to make your reservations after boarding!! yes yes yes yes oh did i say yes it is worth it?!

 

[randytenn]

If you routinely eat at very expensive restraunts with wonderfully romantic atmospheres, are served by the best waiter in town, who is there to make sure you enjoy every minute of your dining experience, and eat unbelieveably delicious gourmet meals, then it's probably not worth it.

If you and your husband consider fine dining any place that doesn't wrap the food in paper, or have a playground out front (with two young kids, I would bet that those types of places make up a lot of your "Eating out" meals ), then you will absolutely love Palo.

Send your kids to the kids club, and enjoy a romantic dinner with the person you love!

 

[Nancy@Toronto]

Just got back today from the Disney Magic, and were lucky enough to book both a brunch and dinner (tea was sold out). If I could only choose one, I'd choose the brunch ... it was wonderful.

 

[inkkognito]

This is a hard call to make when you are a first time cruiser because Palo is absolutely fabulous, but it's also great to experience all of the other restaurants/menus. On our first couple of Disney cruises, we skipped Palo because we didn't want to miss any of the other experiences, particularly on a 3-day cruise. Now, with 35 Disney cruises under our belt, we rarely miss Palo. The food and service are both excellent.
Don't worry if you decide to skip it because the regular dining is good, too, but you decide to do it, you won't regret that either.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Originally posted by randytenn
If you routinely eat at very expensive restraunts with wonderfully romantic atmospheres, are served by the best waiter in town, who is there to make sure you enjoy every minute of your dining experience, and eat unbelieveably delicious gourmet meals, then it's probably not worth it.

If you and your husband consider fine dining any place that doesn't wrap the food in paper, or have a playground out front (with two young kids, I would bet that those types of places make up a lot of your "Eating out" meals ), then you will absolutely love Palo.

Send your kids to the kids club, and enjoy a romantic dinner with the person you love!

Well gosh... we'd already thought about going to Palo on our trip but now that you put it this way... LOL.. I guess it's a MUST!

Ps. we fit the 2nd scenario you showed there... with a 9yr old, 6yr old and 3yr old. Actually we consider it fine dining if we can eat ANYWHERE without all 3 kids- which is like never. LOL

 

[MarkLem]

Compared to other restaurants on board, far far superior in food quality. Won't kill you if you don't get there, but it is a world above all else on board.

 

[Hygiene99]

On our first cruise we did not dine at Palo, there is so much going on and just go with regular rotation will be enough.....

 

[CheapMom]

Is a meal at Palo complimentary or are you charged?

 

[inkkognito]

It used to be $5 per person, but I've heard that this was recently raised to $10. Many people choose to leave an additional gratuity as well.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[bengals01]

only been to palo 3 times in 15 cruises, have only since gone because a previous server is there and enjoy is company so we go, yes they have raised it to $10 a person, it is good but i dont know if for $40 for 2 people we leave a $20 tip

 

[mouseclick1]

We have gone on the 3 & 4 day cruise so far, and have not yet gone to Palo. We will be going on our first 7 day cruise over Easter, and I am definitely looking forward to dining there one evening, and am hoping to be able to do the brunch as well!

 

[ChattyKathy]

Originally posted by BibbidyBobbidyBoo
we fit the 2nd scenario you showed there... with a 9yr old, 6yr old and 3yr old. Actually we consider it fine dining if we can eat ANYWHERE without all 3 kids- which is like never. LOL

WOW, BBB & randytenn ~ Youns sound like us! Ours are 12, 11, & 10! We can even eat light at the regular dining rotation w/ the kids and eat at Palo later on in the evening, or else send them off to the kids club and go eat at a normal time, lol. I'll play it by ear once we get there Kids win either way here!



Kathy

 

[jollytammy]

BRUNCH IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!

 

[clh2]

IMHO - Palos is a must do! DH and I don't have opportunities to get out much by ourselves - it's expensive by us just to get a sitter...not to mention whatever else we do.

Don't forget that room service is an option for the kids as well as eating with the clubs!

 

[d'Isigny]

PALO is WONDERFUL!!!! It's a don't miss for us. Eventhough it
apears you are planning a wonderful family vacation...you both should have some time together - as a couple. Palo is a great place to have a intimate diner.

Just a suggestion...make sure to have breakfast/brunch in the restaurant you'll miss. I know it's not the same...but, at least you'll get some experience in each dining room.

Double-dipping appears to be an option for some. Making a Palo reservation after your normal dining time would allow you to enjoy both. It's not for me....too much food - skipping something you might enjoy 'just to do both'. It kinda reminds me when DW and I went to both families for Thanksgiving or Christmas diner.

what ever you decide....good luck.

 

[rcdisneyfam]

Enjoyed Palos very much but wouldn't do on a 3-day cruise.

 

[LargoLori]

We took our first cruise in December and it was a 3 day. I made Palo ressie's as soon as possible. We went on Thursday night, our first night on board. I made the ressies for later so we wouldn't be as rushed. Was it worth it? You bet. I can't think of a better way to start a cruise. We had a most remarkable evening. Our server, Bhoola, was FANTASTIC! It will be a must do for us on future cruises. If you decide to you I'm sure you won't regret it!


Lori

 

[thomprod]

Thanks to everyone for your previous comments. I have seen Palo's dinner menu, but would appreciate some comments or opinions on tea and brunch. What items were especially good or any to avoid.

 

[ELIJAH'S GRANDPA]

I may be the biggest Palo fan. We have done it on both our cruises, but they were 7 days. On the first cruise, if it's 3 days, I'd hate to see anyone miss one of the dinning rooms, they're all so different. One option is brunch, it's completely different from diner, but wonderful, and tea if you can get in. If you make tea, don't miss the scones. I'm hungry just typing this.
John