Palo Brunch - our TA suggested piggybacking on our friends reservation for 5 (as a +2) - can we actually do that?

[Ahoyhoy]

We are travelling with 2 families (total of 7 adults including us but not including kids on the trip). The other adults have been on a Disney cruise before (we have not) so they have earlier booking than we do.

Our TA booked a Palo Brunch for the 5 other adults and suggested that my wife and I simply show up at Palo and ask if we could be accommodated into the seating. We understand that Palo is always sold out.

Is this a good idea or should we try to do it the official way though guest services?

 

[DCL58]

You should try to change the reservation on embarkation day. The location for dining changes will be in the navigator app.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are travelling with 2 families (total of 7 adults including us but not including kids on the trip). The other adults have been on a Disney cruise before (we have not) so they have earlier booking than we do.

Our TA booked a Palo Brunch for the 5 other adults and suggested that my wife and I simply show up at Palo and ask if we could be accommodated into the seating. We understand that Palo is always sold out.

Is this a good idea or should we try to do it the official way though guest services?

IMO, not a good idea. I'm surprised a TA would suggest it. But you can talk to them on embarkation day (as soon as you get onboard) about the possibility of being included. You should also have the TA see if there's a booking available when your window opens for the same day/timeframe, and make that reservation. I've read that 2 reservations on the same day, close in time can sometimes be accommodated once onboard (again, ask when you get onboard).

 

[Joanna71985]

I wouldn't do that, because a table for 7 might not be available

 

[DMMarla07860]

Personally go on embarkation day and try for it

 

[John VN]

*nothing ventured, nothing gained* = never know unless you ask

 

[fla4fun]

IMO, not a good idea. I'm surprised a TA would suggest it. But you can talk to them on embarkation day (as soon as you get onboard) about the possibility of being included. You should also have the TA see if there's a booking available when your window opens for the same day/timeframe, and make that reservation. I've read that 2 reservations on the same day, close in time can sometimes be accommodated once onboard (again, ask when you get onboard).

I agree. Combining two already existing reservations doesn’t change the total number of guests in the restaurant that day so it is much more likely they will succeed than just showing up with no reservation at all. I would expect any type of walk-up to the restaurant to get a No in response.

I also agree with a PP that if they can’t get a reservation in advance, that checking upon boarding is their second best option, but they should keep their expectations low and expect a No if the restaurant is fully booked.

I am surprised that if these families truly are traveling together that those with higher status didn’t wait until the lowest status member qualified before making the reservation. Yes, they might have missed out on Palo, but obviously they have sailed before, and I would guess are likely to be repeat cruisers in the future. It just seems impolite to possibly tell part of the travel party “too bad, so sad” and go off to their Palo dinner without them.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I also agree with a PP that if they can’t get a reservation in advance, that checking upon boarding is their second best option, but they should keep their expectations low and expect a No if the restaurant is fully booked.

Another thought I had - keep having the TA check for openings, once the OP's window is open. We got our first Palo reservation on our very first cruise about 3 days before our cruise by me checking twice a day if any availability showed up. I checked twice a day, at random times, not the same time every day.

 

[Skippyboo]

What’s going to make it difficult is its Palo brunch. Dinner is every night of the cruise so way more opportunities than brunch which is normally sea day, sometimes Nassau.

 

[mmouse37]

I would not just show up. Go to the dining changes/Palo reservations venue and ask through the proper channels. Most likely you will be accommodated.

We are having the same issue....we have Palo Brunch for 6 adults already and friends just booked the cruise a few weeks ago and would love to join us. I plan on waiting in line at the dining changes venue on embarkation day and inquiring about adding them. I am hopeful but again I would not just show up with 2 extra people. to my reservation.

MJ

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I would not just show up. Go to the dining changes/Palo reservations venue and ask through the proper channels. Most likely you will be accommodated.

We are having the same issue....we have Palo Brunch for 6 adults already and friends just booked the cruise a few weeks ago and would love to join us. I plan on waiting in line at the dining changes venue on embarkation day and inquiring about adding them. I am hopeful but again I would not just show up with 2 extra people. to my reservation.

MJ

Tell your friends to keep an eye on the website for availability all the way up to a couple of days prior to cruise.. It's not rare that someone will cancel before the cruise. Worked for me.

 

[mmouse37]

Tell your friends to keep an eye on the website for availability all the way up to a couple of days prior to cruise.. It's not rare that someone will cancel before the cruise. Worked for me.

I keep checking for them. They are first timers so I am helping them out!

MJ

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I keep checking for them. They are first timers so I am helping them out!

MJ

You're a good friend.

 

[mmouse37]

You're a good friend.

Aww thanks!