Pali-oh-no!

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

Is it true that Palio is closing it's doors???

That stinks! Not that I've eaten there before, but after reading thru my Disney Dining Guide, I put that restaurant on my list of restaurants I wanted to try next time I'm in the world! It sounded so cute with the strolling musicians and checkered table clothes, and classic italian favorites. B/c where else on WDW property do they have such an authentic italian experience. And not including Alfredo's, b/c their menu is FAR from authentic, or classic I shoud say- in other words, no spaghetti and marinara or chicken parm at that place!

Anyway, just wondering if anyone has ever eaten there and if so, what was your opinion or how was your experience?
Does anyone know what's taking it's place?

This is all coming from a born and raised 100% italian girl, so i'm a little disappointed and would just like some more info.

Thanks all!

 

[jwfla422]

We are very disappointed that PALIO is closing as this was one of our favs. We've gotten really "hooked" on it in the past year or so and it has become a "must do" every trip but unfortunately that won't be the case anymore...however a very reputable source says that it will reopen as another Italian type of restaurant. It will be along the lines of a "name brand" restaurant if that's what you want to call it. (ie, Shula's, Blue Zoo, etc). Don't know when it's slated to be complete though, but I will still miss Palio, boo hoo.

Just will have to pass on the Italian for our next few WDW trips as we don't care for Alfredo's and have been quite disappointed with Mama Melrose the last few times we were there.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

We are very disappointed that PALIO is closing as this was one of our favs. We've gotten really "hooked" on it in the past year or so and it has become a "must do" every trip but unfortunately that won't be the case anymore...however a very reputable source says that it will reopen as another Italian type of restaurant. It will be along the lines of a "name brand" restaurant if that's what you want to call it. (ie, Shula's, Blue Zoo, etc). Don't know when it's slated to be complete though, but I will still miss Palio, boo hoo.

Just will have to pass on the Italian for our next few WDW trips as we don't care for Alfredo's and have been quite disappointed with Mama Melrose the last few times we were there.

I was told the same thing when I was at the Swan last week by 2 different S/D CM's. The one who checked us in said it would be completely redone, would reopen next Jan/Feb and she used the words "upscale chain restaurant". I don't have more info, but that's the word from the front desk at least. I had reservations but Palio's manager called me in June to cancel. When I got there it turned out they'd be open another week, but since I had made Le Cellier reservations, I didn't want to switch. Oh, well. Maybe if you call the S/D they might have more info.

 

[bicker]

Palio was the best Italian restaurant at WDW, overall. It is a shame to see it go. It does seem, though, that the Swolphin has been working to replace all its long-standing independent restaurants. I suspect that despite being so great, it might not have been as profitable as it should have been, due to its independent status, and that's why it is being replaced.

 

[Emmaline Lola]

Palio will reopen as Il Mulino, and it will be more of a trattoria with more reasonable prices.

For those of you from NY, I know there is an Il Mulino in Manhasset. And others throughout the country.

I am looking forward to trying it when it opens!

el

 

[bicker]

Ah, that makes sense. A common complaint about many of Disney's better restaurants was the prices. Swapping out at least some of the more expensive restaurants for more reasonably-priced restaurants will better serve guests overall.

 

[Leota]

I just did a google on Il Mulino & it does have Orlando as a coming soon location. The menu & website looks good. I hope it is as good or, dare I hope, even better than Palio?

We also just discovered & fell in love with Palio. I will miss it for sure. Crossing my fingers for Il Mulino to be a tasty replacement.

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

Ooh I'm gonna go on the website! Thanks for all the info you guys!

When I heard "chain-like restaurant" I kinda shrugged and thought of Rainforest Cafe and Planet Hollywood, which in my opinion are less than mediocre. So, I thought why replace a restaurant that I've heard wonderful things about with a chain?

But I'm going to look up this Il Mulino and see what it's like. I live in a NYC suburb and I've never heard of it.
Actually, when I was down in FLA recently, we were in Boce Raton and ate at a chain-type italian restaurant called Maggiano's and it was DELICIOUS!!! And they were VERY resonabally priced, had the italian music and checkered table clothes as well, and I thought THAT would be fantastic if that went into the Swan! I love that place! But hopefully this Il Mulino will be something to look forward to. I anticipate the reviews.

Thanks again!

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

Ooh! Yeah, it looks good! They have locations in pretty much every major city! Looking forward to it I guess. I'm just hoping that it's better than Palio if they feel the need to replace it. B/c why fix something if it aint broke, right?

Anyway, here's the link if you want to check it out.

http://www.ilmulinonewyork.com/welcome.html

 

[jwfla422]

I agree with not fixing something if it's not broken but, like as already mentioned I think it has to do with "cost efficiency" for the Starwood properties. I think Blue Zoo and Shula's have become successful restaurants there, so it may be more beneficial for them to lease/sub the space out to upscale popular chains.

Thanks for the Il Mulino info, the menu looks very good. Looking forward to it opening, but will still miss PALIO and our favorite server, Michaele (maybe he'll work for Il Mulino?)...

Yes, Maggiano's is very good, we live about 15 minutes from the Boca location, but I do think Il Mulino is a more upscale type of restaurant. While Maggiano's is more of a "family style" restaurant I think Il Muliano is going to be more of a "business-like/very classy" type or restaurant along the lines of Blue Zoo.

 

[disneynutpa]

Possibly the finest dinner I have ever had at Disney, and I have been going since 1977, in the neighborhood of forty trips. Ten close friend went to Palio's for a meal and had an experience of a lifetime. The food was outstanding, the service was second to none, and the wines were matched to the meal with the love of a true devotee.

I never visit Florida and not Palio's. I will miss the ambiance, the romance.


Anthony Tartaglia
wilderness since 2001

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Was attendence down at Palio?

 

[bicker]

Not that I recall. I think this is more of a case where they could enhance shareholder value beyond what Palio was returning.

 

[Uncleromulus]

No Il Mulino near me, but trusting they haven't replaced Palio with an Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill??