How is Palio -- some help too please!

[gopherit]

I got this bright idea the other day -- why not take kids to one of the Disney "clubs" and DH and I have a dinner for 2 on our vacation? It will be our 14th wedding anniversary -- although we aren't typically ones to make a big splash about that. Last year we both thought the other had hired a sitter -- wrong -- we ended up re-heating leftovers and installing a new dishwasher. Incurable romantics thwarted by bad communication and busy schedules (and dead appliances) -- yup, that's us.

This diner for 2 concept is not an idea entered into lightly -- for starters, we have 3 kids -- so that's $10 per head, per hour, or $30 per hour! THey have always wanted to stay in the club -- but either one of them was too young, or there was never time. Now's their chance. Iwas thinking about doing this as a surprise for all involved. My dh and kids gave me $200 for mom's day to spend on "myself" (like spa treatment, etc.) on this vacation, but my SIL and sis chickened out on the spa stuff, and I can't think of anything that would make this mom happier than to see her kids have a great time while I get to spend -- albeit only 2 hours or so -- some time with DH!

As for the matter of dining, an important note: DH is NOT adventurous in his dining. Words like "wasabe" and "red wine reduction" make him break out in a cold sweat. He likes steak -- I thought about Yachtsman? How is it? Trying to stick with restaurants that are (a) not too frilly with their cooking techniques (while I would love it -- gotta feed the DH too) and also (b) near a Kid's CLub (thinking specifically Poly, Beach Club, or WL -- any others I should consider?) ALso don't feel like dropping the whole $200 on just the meal... heck, dining out will be such a treat, we could be at B&C eating burgers on vouchers and think we were doing something elegantly sinful by enjoying it sans our trio! Alas, we are too practical for our own good.

We both love Italian --thought about Palio. How is the atmosphere of this place? I looked at the menu and it looks quite good. THis would be close enough to Beach Club / Sandcastle club to try. We actually ate at a very nice italian rest. the first night we were married. Kinda nostalgic! Any reviews on Palio I should know about? (I'd do a search but it's been disabled all day!) One other nice thing about Palios -- we are DVC members and could get 20% off food there. Might take the sting off that $10 per head thing for the kids! It might be nice after dinner to be in the Beach CLub area, looking out across at BW.

We will be at BWV for most of our stay, but for the timing of this specific meal, we will be at SSR. We will have a car. Would rather take kids to club -- not have someone come and sit with them or take them out anywhere.

Any other ideas or comments?

THANKS FOR ANY AND ALL HELP!!!

 

[Uncleromulus]

For Italian, I think Palio is probably the best spot at WDW.
For anniversary purposes it's nice also--the strolling musicians add a special touch.
And as you point out, it's close to your after dinner plans.

 

[jmcross]

I seem to remember reading about 2 hours of daycare being included free at a restaurant at the s/d. I think it's Shula's. That might cut down on your costs.

Can anyone confirm which of the restaurants include daycare?

Thanks,

Joanne

 

[CamColt]

I believe it is Shulas that has the free child care.

Gopherit, I know you know my opinion about YSH , but I had to laugh at your other consideration. After I scrutinized the menus for our night out, the 2 finalists were YSH and Palio. It was tough to eliminate one, but from all Ive heard, I think Palio would have been just as good a choice as YSH was.
Good luck deciding, I know its not easy. Be sure to let us know what you decide and how you like it. And of course, enjoy your night out!!!

 

[swandiverpatt]

Palio is an excellent choice for an anniversary dinner (in fact, I had mine there in April!) They even brought out an "anniversary" tiramisu at the end of the meal! Food is heavenly, too.

 

[CrazyChristie416]

If you are in the mood for a romantic Italian Dinner, I am not sure I would go to Palio. If you are looking for real authentic Italian food, Alfredo's at the Italian pavillian in EPCOT is the way to go. I have gone there several times for lunch and dinner and have always been pleased. They always use extremely fresh ingredients. Their food is delicious and extremely filling so make sure you leave room for desert.

As for Palio at the swan, I was extremly dissapointed. The service was slow as we were the only ones in the resteraunt. I ordered the signature veal dish with the gnocchi and was extremely dissapointed. The veal tasted like it was burnt and covered in salt. It didnt taste right at all. If you just want a pasta dish, pizza or an appatizer, I guess Palio would be OK.

I'd definately go for Alfredos. The food is real Italian and you won't be dissapointed!The servce is friendly and the food is great!

Another nice romantic resterant is the Maya grill at the Coronado Springs. The food was fantasic, the Cast members were extremly friendly, and the Margaritas are unbelivable.

Crystal

 

[Cinderella37]

We had a wonderful dinner at Palio a few weeks ago. The food and service were both great, as was the atmosphere. We've found Alfredo's to be very loud and crazy no matter what time we ate there. Palio seems like a great choice for an anniversary dinner.

 

[jwfla422]

We love Palio at the Swan. Great food and great service!! (honestly we were not much impressed with Alfredos-I thought their food was just fair and I felt very crowded when we were there). We've always had excellent service at Palio and the food has always been good, whether ordering the delicious lobster and tortellini dishe or just a pizza. And, we've had dd with us on all those occasions and the servers were very accomodating!

 

[chipscinderelly]

I loved Palio when we ate there in August 2003 and feel that it is very romantic! What a great way to spend your anniversary!