July 16, 2016 Disney Fantasy, Eastern Caribbean

[IndyMouseFan]

Looking for some more advise on Palo.......our window will not open on May 2, so we may not even get in......but just in case we get lucky, I was hoping to get some feedback from those who have more experience. We are considering a late Palo dinner on formal night, thinking we could still get in the early Aladdin show with the kids, but since this is our first cruise, my 2 daughters said they may not want to give up one of the regular rotation dining experiences and menus. They are thinking it would be better to go to Palo on the 1st night since that night's rotation gets repeated 3 times. After talking to some other prior Disney cruisers, they said that we definitely do not want to skip regular dining on the 1st night because we would miss all the fun and excitement of our first dinner on board and that's when we get to meet our dining servers - I agree. We all agree that we don't want to miss out on any of the special dining experiences later in the week (Pirate, Princess, Captains Gala or Sea Ya), and that we really want to stick with either Saturday or Sunday night for Palo. Any advise or thoughts?


Also, taking votes..........what is your favorite Palo time? Brunch or Dinner?

We chose to do brunch at Palo so that we could do dinners and shows together as a family. Our son was very happy to be in the tween club (at the time) during the day, but we all agreed to do the "big events" together in the evening. He's even happier now that he's a teen for us to go off and have brunch so he can hang around with his friends. Brunch was absolutely wonderful -- such a beautiful day, gorgeous view looking out the windows in the restaurant -- loved it so much, we're scheduled again. Keeping my fingers crossed that you are able to get the reservation you want.

 

[DisneyKitties]

We chose to do brunch at Palo so that we could do dinners and shows together as a family. Our son was very happy to be in the tween club (at the time) during the day, but we all agreed to do the "big events" together in the evening. He's even happier now that he's a teen for us to go off and have brunch so he can hang around with his friends. Brunch was absolutely wonderful -- such a beautiful day, gorgeous view looking out the windows in the restaurant -- loved it so much, we're scheduled again. Keeping my fingers crossed that you are able to get the reservation you want.

How's palo brunch looking?

 

[JerseyBernie]

How was the dolphin swim? Did you enjoy it I want to do it

It was amazing! So fun and a lot of interaction with the Dolphins.

 

[DisneyKitties]

It was amazing! So fun and a lot of interaction with the Dolphins.

Did you actually get to swim with them and ride them?

 

[DisneyKitties]

It was amazing! So fun and a lot of interaction with the Dolphins.

I guess not ride them but get pulled by them

 

[JerseyBernie]

I guess not ride them but get pulled by them

Yes, first you get in the water with them so you can pet them, kiss them and watch them do tricks for you. Then each guest takes turns going into the middlle of the swim pool with two dolphins so you can "catch" a ride by holfing onto their fins.

 

[IndyMouseFan]

How's palo brunch looking?

I only checked for Monday. They had seatings available every 30 minutes from 10 - 12:30

 

[DisneyKitties]

Yes, first you get in the water with them so you can pet them, kiss them and watch them do tricks for you. Then each guest takes turns going into the middlle of the swim pool with two dolphins so you can "catch" a ride by holfing onto their fins.

OH MY GODH!! I just got so excited!! I hope there are still
Openings when we book

 

[Madzac]

 

[Madzac]

A couple pics from our dolphin encounter in Cozumel last year! So much fun!!!

 

[JerseyBernie]

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Great pics!

 

[DisneyKitties]

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Adorable!!

 

[cheframatici]

Looking for some more advise on Palo.......our window will not open on May 2, so we may not even get in......but just in case we get lucky, I was hoping to get some feedback from those who have more experience. We are considering a late Palo dinner on formal night, thinking we could still get in the early Aladdin show with the kids, but since this is our first cruise, my 2 daughters said they may not want to give up one of the regular rotation dining experiences and menus. They are thinking it would be better to go to Palo on the 1st night since that night's rotation gets repeated 3 times. After talking to some other prior Disney cruisers, they said that we definitely do not want to skip regular dining on the 1st night because we would miss all the fun and excitement of our first dinner on board and that's when we get to meet our dining servers - I agree. We all agree that we don't want to miss out on any of the special dining experiences later in the week (Pirate, Princess, Captains Gala or Sea Ya), and that we really want to stick with either Saturday or Sunday night for Palo. Any advise or thoughts?


Also, taking votes..........what is your favorite Palo time? Brunch or Dinner?

We have not done the brunch, but have done dinners in Palo and Remy. The experience/atmosphere at Remy was very nice, the food tasted very good. My expectations for the menu were much higher than what was offered. The value, well, that is debatable......depending on your other restaurant experiences. Having been to other 1 star Michelin restaurants, DH has opted for Palo on this cruise. Palo has a lovely atmosphere and makes for a romantic "date night". But I must warn you, come really hungry because the portions are generous if you choose something for each course. As for the best day, well, we didn't want to miss formal or semi-formal nights b/c my girls love to dress up and we have photos taken. Pirate night is a must just b/c the whole ship is a buzz with all kinds of fun. Until this cruise, I wasn't aware that we could request a dinner rotation. I thought we could only request the seating times. I put in my request and hope for the best. Like previously mentioned, the restaurants rotate through at least twice, so we booked booked Palo for Day 3 @ sea day.....casual dinner day and plenty of time to get ready without having to rush back from a port.

 

[cheframatici]

So here's a question for the group....I would like to go on the Jost Beach Day, but my daughters and son-in-law are going to take the kiddos swimming with the dolphins.....do you think it's okay to go solo to Jost, or should I go with the fam to do the dolphin swim? I already went on a dolphin swim on an excursion a few years back, so I don't want to repeat it. Thoughts?

I think that if the rest of the family is fine with you not joining them and you've already done the dolphin thing, go have a new experience at the beach. There are plenty of other "family time" opportunities on this cruise. Plus, you'll be able to tell them if it is worth it/or not for the whole family to do the Jost beach excursion on a future cruise.

 

[disneycrazy43]

Hello Shipmates and happy Thursday! I am just starting my FE gifts so i'm making sure I got this right...There are 3 groups of 10. I am making FE's for all of that group but can I make for the others also?In the past I have made for "our" group something special and on another night delivered something little to everyone-I am hoping that is still ok with everyone! Can you believe it's 85 days away.....

 

[Madzac]

Hello Shipmates and happy Thursday! I am just starting my FE gifts so i'm making sure I got this right...There are 3 groups of 10. I am making FE's for all of that group but can I make for the others also?In the past I have made for "our" group something special and on another night delivered something little to everyone-I am hoping that is still ok with everyone! Can you believe it's 85 days away.....

You do a gift for your group of 10 cabins. If you wanted to join another group or really want to give to the other groups you certainly can but its not at all expected or necessary!

 

[ErinMei]

Are there any rules/guidelines for what to give for these specific Fish Extender groups? Examples online range from small dollar store type presents to elaborate homemade gifts. I don't want to skimp or go overboard. Thanks.

 

[BeccaHall8]

Are there any rules/guidelines for what to give for these specific Fish Extender groups? Examples online range from small dollar store type presents to elaborate homemade gifts. I don't want to skimp or go overboard. Thanks.

I'd say go with what you're comfortable with. This is my first Disney cruise and I'm trying to be somewhere in the middle. I'm picking stuff I myself would love to receive. I'm just excited to participate and give out my gifts. I think it it will be exciting to find stuff In our fish extender no matter what it is.

 

[IndyMouseFan]

I'd say go with what you're comfortable with. This is my first Disney cruise and I'm trying to be somewhere in the middle. I'm picking stuff I myself would love to receive. I'm just excited to participate and give out my gifts. I think it it will be exciting to find stuff In our fish extender no matter what it is.

I agree with going with what you're comfortable with. It doesn't need to be big, or fancy, or expensive. I appreciated both store-bought and hand-made gifts. It is so much fun to come back and find something in your FE -- like Christmas gifts the entire cruise. Don't stress about it and don't spend lots of money (I've seen notes where people spent CRAZY amounts on their gifts) -- just think of it as spreading magic.

 

[Madzac]

Yep I agree! Whatever you are comfortable doing! We've liked everything from candy to homemade stuff. Some people are very crafty and can more easily make stuff. I'm not so i bought and put together my goodies. Like Beccahall8 I think about what I would enjoy getting and go from there.

It's funny my favorite gift ever was a set of disposable wine glasses decorated with Mickey decals. Over a year later I still have and use these!!

Periodically you see posts on here very picky or negative about FE gifts received but I think most people enter with a spirit of joy and fun. My kids LOVE coming back each day! Last cruise everyone seemed to hand stuff out the first couple days and the kids were bummed when they stopped coming lol!