Palo - Disney Magic (Brunch) Question

[over50visits]

So how does this work for "seconds"? Does a CM see you and rush over? Or do they only follow you on the first round?

We've only experienced this once, a couple of weeks ago, but as I think I've explained it was so easy and comfortable. For seconds (and thirds!) we just walked to the buffet room, and a server seemed to materialize out of thin air. No one "rushed" over to help us. They just appeared as we approached the buffet. We took our time deciding, we wandered around, and never ever ever felt any rush, and uncomfortableness, any problem with the server. They were friendly, outgoing, knew all about the foods, and unobtrusively got what we wanted.

Can't make it more clear. This was an excellent experience (to co-opt a DCL term). Maybe a positive attitude helped, I don't know. If they go back to the old way, we'll love Palo. If they keep this approach, we'll love Palo.

 

[Dlanod]

I honestly think the staff is trained to keep an eye out if it looks even slightly like you aren't enjoying the food. Some people are hesitant to send things back that are not to their liking and they watch for that. We have even had to convince others at our table to order something else if the dish does not suit them

I truly believe their goal is to make the passenger happy, but different cultures handle that different ways.

I am a bit baffled by the strawberry though. The only thing I can think of (having made quantities of them myself for parties) is that they are best fresh dipped. maybe they thought that there wouldn't be enough to go around at the moment and they were suggesting you eat one and come back when more were available to go around. Still seems a bit strange and maybe it was a language problem.

I think the Palos staff is the best ever. Love it when a former MDR server ends up there and years later, recognizes us.

Our last cruise there were way more health standards in place on top of the already excellent ones they had before. I'm married to someone who was a health inspector at one time and they were truly impressed and even discussed the "behind the scenes" logic with them that may not be apparent to others. The only thing we saw missing were someway to disinfect hands easily after using stair rails. Think about that after the safety drill and wash 'em!

 

[Kenny1113]

I honestly think the staff is trained to keep an eye out if it looks even slightly like you aren't enjoying the food. Some people are hesitant to send things back that are not to their liking and they watch for that. We have even had to convince others at our table to order something else if the dish does not suit them

I truly believe their goal is to make the passenger happy, but different cultures handle that different ways.

I agree. Seas were rough On the last night of our first DCL cruise. I had ordered an entree, but really could barely touch it because I was so nauseous. Our server was truly concerned and kept offering to bring something else, until I explained that it was the rocking that was prohibiting me from finishing.

I'm looking forward to Palo brunch this week, whether the severs are serving buffet or not. It's my first time experiencing Palo Brunch, so we shall see how it goes.

 

[Dug720]

We've only experienced this once, a couple of weeks ago, but as I think I've explained it was so easy and comfortable. For seconds (and thirds!) we just walked to the buffet room, and a server seemed to materialize out of thin air. No one "rushed" over to help us. They just appeared as we approached the buffet. We took our time deciding, we wandered around, and never ever ever felt any rush, and uncomfortableness, any problem with the server. They were friendly, outgoing, knew all about the foods, and unobtrusively got what we wanted.

Can't make it more clear. This was an excellent experience (to co-opt a DCL term). Maybe a positive attitude helped, I don't know. If they go back to the old way, we'll love Palo. If they keep this approach, we'll love Palo.

100% agree!!! (OT: What day/time did you have brunch? Since we may have been on the same cruise, I wonder if we were in there at the same time.)

There was no problem with seconds, no problem with desserts. I never felt rushed or pressured - heck, like I said, I was fine with leaving the melon (server automatically went for it when I got prosciutto as I guess that's a "normal" pairing) on my plate and just not touching it since I'm not allergic, I just don't like it. It was my server at the buffet who insisted on replacing the entire plate.

I'd post my pic of my dessert plate, but a) the link is on the site which shall not be named and b) it tells me it's too big anyway, but trust me, it was full. Did the server at the dessert table judge me? I don't know - I don't let myself be bothered with what other people think, so I honestly didn't notice.

I mean, hey, I was already the "weird" one eating solo (put in quotes because I'm sure that's how some people - most likely guests as the crew was AMAZING to me - saw me, not because that's how I felt), so not a big deal. If others are going to be bothered commenting on the person eating and cruising solo, that's their problem. I'm having the time of my life.

 

[over50visits]

100% agree!!! (OT: What day/time did you have brunch? Since we may have been on the same cruise, I wonder if we were in there at the same time.)

Palo Brunch on the last sea day (Thursday) @ 11:30. It's a small world after all

 

[Dug720]

Palo Brunch on the last sea day (Thursday) @ 11:30. It's a small world after all

It definitely is! I was there at 10:30 last sea day! It was sooooo good!! Did you try the hazelnut tartlet thingy at dessert? OMG that was good!!

 

[over50visits]

We didn't have that one. DW and I tried to do the "death by chocolate" selection of as many desserts as we could get with chocolate in them. It was hard to get too many, since our waiter offered to bring us a "surprise" dish (several servers in Palo know us and know we enjoy everything), and the lasagna, such a simple, traditional dish, was to die for. But it does fill you quickly! We mentioned it to the chef who himself was proud of that dish, making it from fresh ingredients every morning.

Palo managers have told me if you eat there more than once (we had dinner a few nights before) they will assign you the same server. They did that this time for us (as usual), and it is nice to walk in for brunch and see a friendly face who remembers your tastes, drinks, etc.

 

[natandscott]

We just got off the Magic on March 8, 2015. We dined at the Palo brunch on the first sea day and loved it so much that we booked brunch for the next sea day! The absolutely DO NOT fill your plate for you A nice surprise is that our waiter also brought us the special of the day to try as well--We didn't even ask for it, he just brought it because he knew we would love it.

The sticky buns were amazing!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[jcarwash]

The sticky buns were amazing

I LOVED the sticky buns. Did you think they were like mini versions of a Magic Kingdom cinnamon roll? I had multiple servings.

 

[Justacruiser]

I LOVED the sticky buns. Did you think they were like mini versions of a Magic Kingdom cinnamon roll? I had multiple servings.

I get them and put walnuts on them! Get them from the nut section! Nice!

 

[Trera]

We just got off the Magic on March 8, 2015. We dined at the Palo brunch on the first sea day and loved it so much that we booked brunch for the next sea day! The absolutely DO NOT fill your plate for you A nice surprise is that our waiter also brought us the special of the day to try as well--We didn't even ask for it, he just brought it because he knew we would love it.

The sticky buns were amazing!

Enjoy your trip!

I think I will have to try those!

 

[lovedisney123]

In late December on the Magic we had the tour and then served ourselves. I'm really not a huge fan of buffets to begin with (lazy) so if I have to get up and walk around, I'd much prefer to be able to take my time and wander around without worrying that someone is waiting on me to make up my mind. Just like I wouldn't want someone to hover over me while I'm looking at a menu.

So how does this work for "seconds"? Does a CM see you and rush over? Or do they only follow you on the first round?

We did not go back for seconds because we did not feel comfortable with the whole set up of someone else putting food on our plates. Luckily, we were Platinum members, so we only paid the tip for the meal. We all (6 of us) decided we were glad we had each other to feel awkward with and would not plan to do it again. But I too would be curious how seconds worked since none of our group tried it.

 

[perditax]

I don't think I care too much who's putting for on my plate (me or them). I understand that some cruise lines actually have servers plating your food during day 1, even at the lido buffets, to help prevent noro. So that part's not a big deal. I'm way more uncomfortable with commentary on my portion sizes or how much I eat.

I also don't want to be nudged to eat more. I'm a former fatty* and I don't need to train my body back into overeating.

(* not being flippant--obesity runs in my family and it was hard as heck to defeat.)