Palio at the Swan: Great, Good, or Bad?

[NeverlandClub23]

We're planning on going to Palio as one of our new restaurants this trip (we're running out of new ones to try! Time to build some more Disney ). What have been your experiences there? My Dad LOVES Clams Linguine (sp?) so that's why he wants to go there, my DBF will eat anything that isn't moving, my mom's not crazy about Italian food but she'll have to suck it up this once , and I love all Italian food. How is the atmosphere? Food? Service? Thanks for your opinions!

 

[MiamiBeach]

We love Palio. Food is really great and the atmosphere is really nice. You can go casual and order a pizza from the wood-burning oven or have a truly great Italian meal. I had a layered eggplant appetizer thing that was wonderful and the fish is also great, not something you would expect in Orlando and in an Italian restaurant.

I did read somewhere, I THINK on this forum but maybe not, that someone read a blurb in the Orlando Sentinel that Palios is next to be redone, revamped, changed to a name chef, blah blah. Perhaps like Todd English's BlueZoo over at the Dolphin. Don't know if there is any truth to this or what the timing might be, probably worth a call to the Swan. We're visiting in December and were counting on a meal at Palio!

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's the first I heard of that--if true, interesting.
Let's hope it's as good as Palio. WDW could ill-afford to lose a good Italian spot.

 

[MiamiBeach]

Here it is. It was in the AllEarsNet newsletter this week:

"A recent report in Orlando Sentinel on the renovations at the Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan hotels notes that Palio, the Italian restaurant at the Swan, is the next of the hotels' restaurants to get a makeover. In the last few years, there have been a number of changes at the two hotels. At the Dolphin, Tubbi's recently reopened under the name Picabu, the Coral Cafe became Todd English's bluezoo, the Mexican restaurant Juan and Only's became Fresh Mediterranean Market, and the Dolphin Fountain received a sleek new look. According to the article, Palio is due to get "a new chef, menu, decor and possibly an outside brand." No word yet on specifically what the changes will be or when the renovation will begin."

 

[bicker]

That part about "new chef, menu" would be a little remarkable, because it is already the best Italian restaurant at WDW.

 

[Kaycee]

Oh no! Why would they want to change Palio? It's wonderful just the way it is. The other renovations and updates at the S/D were needed, but why fix something that isn't broken? Guess we'll just have to wait and see if Palio is as good after the changes as it is now.

 

[MICKEEP]

That part about "new chef, menu" would be a little remarkable, because it is already the best Italian restaurant at WDW.

Agreed..... its not only the best Italian but IMHO in the top 5 of all restaurants at WDW

 

[kathyg]

I have to agree with that. Palio is by far the best Italian restaurant on Disney property. Too bad they don't participate in any of the dining plans.

 

[richard_andmel]

I have to agree with that. Palio is by far the best Italian restaurant on Disney property. Too bad they don't participate in any of the dining plans.

Does that mean they don't accept DDE? Not a huge deal, just curious.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Don't believe that they do--.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Don't believe that they do--.

Interesting... We do have the DDE card but won't be expecting the 20% discount. Good to know.

Thanks for all of the replies! Looks like with or without the discount Palio is definitely one to try!

 

[jackmac]

I was just at Palio's on Wednesday night. Great meal and atmosphere. Strolling mandolin player. The Ceasar Salad was excellent, the Veal Marsala was also excellent. I was able to walk right in with no reservations. It's never full. It will be a shame if they change Palio's. It is by far the best Italian restaurant in WDW. By the way. They do honor the DVC Perks. All of my times there I've shown my DVC membership card and received a 20% discount.

 

[jwfla422]

Sorry, they don't accept DDE. Unfortunately none of the S/D restaurants accept the DDE card. If you are a Gold Starwood member though and have children under 9 they eat free at Fresh, Garden Grove/Gullivers and Palio. You need to get the card at check in.

We LOVE PALIO!! Another vote for BEST Italian in the Disney area! Great service, nice atmosphere, classy but kid-friendly! They have a nice menu, nice variety and excellent food!

And what I've heard from an "inside source" about the renovations/changes is it will still be similar to what it is now. It will get a face-lift, not sure about the chef changes though, hopefully they won't try to fix something that's not broken as it's perfect the way it is now. Hopefully the renovations won't take too long as this is a "must do" every visit and I will DEFINITELY miss it if it's in rehab when we're there.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

We enjoyed our meal but everything was very salty so I said good instead of great.

 

[MJMcBride]

Looks like with or without the discount Palio is definitely one to try!

I voted Good, but I agree with your assessment. Give it a go.