Palo Brunch - Anyone been lately?

[shelbell77]

It seems the CMs serving only tends to bother some of us repeat palo diners...................I would guess that first time palo diners wouldnt know the difference so they probably dont care one way or another?

I'm a many time repeater and this never bothers me at all. They still put whatever I ask for on my plate, including if I ask for more of something. I don't get why it bothers anyone. Palo is known for their service and pampering, to me this is just one of the ways they provide that service at brunch.

 

[elphie101]

Our sailing wasn't as recent as some PPs, but we sailed the Fantasy in October 2014 right in the middle of the Ebola-in-the-US panic. Cabanas/soda machines/ice cream etc were all CM-served for the first 3 days of the cruise, literally starting with the embarkation buffet, I'm assuming because of this panic (though I'll admit I don't know for sure, it's the only explanation that makes sense to me seeing as we were a whole new set of passengers). By Day 4 everything had reverted back to self-serve. However on Day 6, we went to Palo Brunch and yes, a CM walked us through the buffet. This actually happened every time we returned to the buffet, but maybe that was on us for not declining the service on repeat buffet trips.

Considering the extreme health precautions that were in place at the beginning of the cruise, and then removed, coupled with the fact that I haven't seen any reports of Dream/Fantasy cruisers since that time where being walked through the buffet did not happen to them, some kind of infection makes no sense in our experience (unless Ebola somehow spreads through almond croissants? ). I would agree with the food wastage and/or some demonstration of service - the second to me seems more plausible since it's clearly not being implemented on the classic ships with their different layout.

For the record, this was our first cruise and we severely disliked this practice - my DH especially felt very self conscious, since he ended up not selecting anything from the buffet once he was able to see what was there, while his particular server was very insistent he just had to try something. It's certainly not enough to keep us away, but we do wish it wasn't there.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Our sailing wasn't as recent as some PPs, but we sailed the Fantasy in October 2014 right in the middle of the Ebola-in-the-US panic. Cabanas/soda machines/ice cream etc were all CM-served for the first 3 days of the cruise, literally starting with the embarkation buffet, I'm assuming because of this panic (though I'll admit I don't know for sure, it's the only explanation that makes sense to me seeing as we were a whole new set of passengers). By Day 4 everything had reverted back to self-serve. However on Day 6, we went to Palo Brunch and yes, a CM walked us through the buffet. This actually happened every time we returned to the buffet, but maybe that was on us for not declining the service on repeat buffet trips.

Considering the extreme health precautions that were in place at the beginning of the cruise, and then removed, coupled with the fact that I haven't seen any reports of Dream/Fantasy cruisers since that time where being walked through the buffet did not happen to them, some kind of infection makes no sense in our experience (unless Ebola somehow spreads through almond croissants? ). I would agree with the food wastage and/or some demonstration of service - the second to me seems more plausible since it's clearly not being implemented on the classic ships with their different layout.

For the record, this was our first cruise and we severely disliked this practice - my DH especially felt very self conscious, since he ended up not selecting anything from the buffet once he was able to see what was there, while his particular server was very insistent he just had to try something. It's certainly not enough to keep us away, but we do wish it wasn't there.

Ebola panic was the reason then. They wanted to reassure guests as there was hysteria at that time on it.

 

[TestingH2O]

I read so many TRs like that I ended up canceling my brunch. (Meaning the 'they had to roll us away from the table' type reports, preceded by pictures of plate after plate after plate of food.) I discovered on my first cruise in June that my appetite on a cruise can be highly unpredictable, and I just can't eat as much as I used to be able to anyway. I like food a lot and would consider myself at least a quasi-foodie, don't get me wrong, but I don't tend to get seriously hungry until later in the day, and I just think the brunch would be wasted on me. Still have Palo dinner reservations though.

I had one plate of food that I didn't finish, the buffet server made a shared antipasti plate, and I ordered the Chicken Parm which I also didn't finish. Our server ordered the pizza for us and then the souffle. I think she was a little freaked out that I wasn't eating enough to make it "worth it." I certainly saw the tables around us going back again and again. DH ate more than I did, but he's a sucker for desserts.

Like you, I love good food but just can't/won't eat a ton. I thought the $30 was worth it based on quality and atmosphere. I didn't need to be painfully full to be happy with the experience.

 

[elphie101]

Ebola panic was the reason then. They wanted to reassure guests as there was hysteria at that time on it.

Yes, Ebola panic makes sense for Days 1-3: but Ebola panic does not explain why CM service would stop on Day 4 throughout the entire ship, except still continue beyond that in Palo for brunch (hence the point that disease control is not the reason).

 

[perditax]

The only thing I don't really understand is why they continue with the 'hygiene' sham. It's like some parts of Disney management really like to pretend the internet doesn't exist.

 

[funfam]

Clearly disease control has nothing to do with it on the newer ships. If that was the case then there must be a constant outbreak on those ships since the reports are consistent that on the Dream and the Fantasy the servers in Palo fill your plate for you. I think this has much more to do with the difference in the space than on the classic ships and a desire to make the experience different/more upscale in feel. Some people on this board refuse to admit they are wrong, ever, even when it is clear that they are. Just enjoy the laugh and take them with a grain of salt.

 

[orenwolf]

Clearly disease control has nothing to do with it on the newer ships. If that was the case then there must be a constant outbreak on those ships since the reports are consistent that on the Dream and the Fantasy the servers in Palo fill your plate for you. I think this has much more to do with the difference in the space than on the classic ships and a desire to make the experience different/more upscale in feel. Some people on this board refuse to admit they are wrong, ever, even when it is clear that they are. Just enjoy the laugh and take them with a grain of salt.

Totally agree. Went to palo brunch on the fantasy in June, our second DCL cruise. We saw several people request to handle their own plates without issue, but I certainly felt as though it was just a way to make the experience feel more "upscale" than the other shipboard buffets. No one said a word about hygiene anywhere, nor were (AFAIK) any such issues on our cruise. Not to mention, if that were true, then why wouldn't the do something about the *far more people* at cabanas? The idea they'd only protect Palo guests seems pretty thin and contrived.

 

[BK2014]

We cruised on the Fantasy October 4-11, 2014. They did this at our Palo brunch, but there were not CMs at the drink stations or Cabanas doing this. So I just assumed it was an extra level of service. It was a little strange at first, but we did not feel that we were limited in the amount of food we could request. The more I think about it, the more I think it done for the appearance of more personal service. I think it also helps keep the buffet area from becoming crowded with people who are just meandering. The CM describes the foods, and asks if you want some and then moves on to the next selection. You are less likely to walk in circles or hover in place trying to decide what you want. And it helps keep the serving areas and platters look nice. I think there are health benefits in the fact that there are fewer people touching or handling the dishes or serving utensils, but I do not think that is the main motivation.

 

[squirk]

You are less likely to walk in circles or hover in place trying to decide what you want. And it helps keep the serving areas and platters look nice.

That's an excellent point. Unlike Cabanas, there clearly is a great deal of care put into the staging of Palo's buffet. Maybe the CMs found themselves constantly having to "reset" the area as guests pawed through the platters, which probably slowed things down as new people came in and might have looked a little off-putting to see staff constantly handling the food.

I'm not saying that's the main reason, but I could see it being a factor.

 

[Ofinn]

Well if it's caused by outbreaks, I guess the the Dream and Fantasy are having some serious issues. Or it could be and most likely be not related to any type outbreak. Who was the Palo manger that told you this? Was it on the Fantasy? From your signature, you haven't sailed on the Fantasy in over 3 years... a lot can change in 3 years.

Maybe some people consider three years recent? Maybe some people just feel the need to answer questions they don't really know the answer too? I know it's frustrating... I can't figure it out.

I haven't done brunch on the Fantasy in over a year so I won't even attempt to answer. I have brunch booked on the Wonder next week, but I'm going to cancel. I have to perfectly honest I wasn't impressed at all with the Palo brunch the one time that we did it. I have been to so many brunches on land that were far superior... I just don't get why so people think it's so great. Hopefully they allow you to serve yourself because that's kind of what a brunch is supposed to be.

 

[ajo]

I had Palo brunch on the Dream in August. They did all of the serving/plate holding. Thanks to the dis, I knew to expect it. The server added a few extra desserts to my plate after I told him the ones I wanted and it turned out that my favorite one was one that they picked!

 

[scm]

Palo brunch on the Wonder last week was serve yourself.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Totally agree. Went to palo brunch on the fantasy in June, our second DCL cruise. We saw several people request to handle their own plates without issue, but I certainly felt as though it was just a way to make the experience feel more "upscale" than the other shipboard buffets. No one said a word about hygiene anywhere, nor were (AFAIK) any such issues on our cruise. Not to mention, if that were true, then why wouldn't the do something about the *far more people* at cabanas? The idea they'd only protect Palo guests seems pretty thin and contrived.

Our last Palo brunch (Feb. 2015 Dream) the chef told me the reason for the buffet servers was for "health reasons". I was hoping on our Feb. 2016 we can serve ourselves. We didn't care for someone else carrying our plate and dishing food. We love the caviar and like it a certain way, not just dumped on our plate.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

Our last Palo brunch (Feb. 2015 Dream) the chef told me the reason for the buffet servers was for "health reasons". I was hoping on our Feb. 2016 we can serve ourselves. We didn't care for someone else carrying our plate and dishing food. We love the caviar and like it a certain way, not just dumped on our plate.

We were told it was due to cross-contamination when people would use the same serving utensil for multiple items like shellfish, despite there being plenty of utensils available.

 

[aprincessatlast]

Great post, but if it's a waste age theory (1) Why not all the ships? (2) All the food out out will be thrown away post Palo closing, so it's just adding to waste.

I don't have a dog in this fight but wouldn't it be "logical" to conclude that DCL noticed when serving the guests that less food was consumed overall therefore less of a need to make more food? Also wouldn't it be logical to conclude the bigger ships seat more people in PALO therefore there is a bigger desire to control the amount of food being made and served or as was stated wasted? I do however think that saying it is for "Health" reasons is a more palatable explanation than the "we found a successful way to reduce costs" excuse so I would not put too much stock into what a manager might give.

I have brunch booked on the Wonder next week, but I'm going to cancel. I have to perfectly honest I wasn't impressed at all with the Palo brunch the one time that we did it. I have been to so many brunches on land that were far superior... I just don't get why so people think it's so great. Hopefully they allow you to serve yourself because that's kind of what a brunch is supposed to be.

I am with you! I find it to be one of the most over hyped things on these boards.

 

[DisneyNurse19]

We have had Palo Brunch onThe Dream and The Magic and have always served ourselves. Must admit I prefer brunch on the Magic as it is situated in the centre of Palo and not in a alcove like on the Dream.

 

[mmouse37]

Magic served ourselves. ( 2 weeks ago) .

They only serve you when there is a virus outbreak on the ship.

Video from two weeks ago. From my trip report.

This is not true....on our Fantasy cruise in March they served us and there was no outbreak. We asked and they said it is a service they provide.

There was a large thread on this exact subject a few months ago and if I can remember it was concluded by the majority of posters that on the Magic/Wonder Palo is still self serve and the Dream/Fantasy seem to be served.

MJ

 

[over50visits]

I have go to say, we have eaten at Palo many, many times and it doesn't matter whether we have someone serving our plate or not. They are friendly, accommodating, helpful in explaining the foods, it is a very pleasant and fun experience. Every single time. When we have served ourselves, it was easy, fun, and we picked our food. Hard to see a difference between the two outcomes except in one case we have a classy cast member to interact with.

Never have we felt hurried, watched over, held up, or anything. Eating at Palo is a pleasure, and as in many things your experience is probably what you expect it to be. We expect it to be great, and it never disappoints.

 

[Plaid Princess]

I'm not a fan of someone fixing my plate.?

Well... If I had a broken plate, I wouldn't want to fix it... I'd just ask for a new one.