Palo reservation:question/concern

[scrappermcl]

Is it really very difficult to get a reservation at Palo? I am planning on arriving early and doing the ressie shuffle-- DH and I will split to reserve Palo and Flounders. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to having a nice dinner, alone with my husband, while on vacation. I am just getting worried after reading posts of people not getting reservations or purchasing REAS (ouch!!!) to ensure reservations. I know that seating is limited, but I would think that over the span of a seven night cruise they would be able to accomodate everyone.

Are some people going twice some how? I guess it just doesn't make sense to me that if you don't arrive early and run around like a maniac, you may not get to eat in one of the ship's restaurants.

 

[Rence]

It depends on the 7 day Eastern Cruise, December of 2003 we took Disney Transfers, we were on the ship about 1pm, went to get reservations immediately and we got the last dinner reservation, brunch and tea were all gone. Others in our party couldn't get reservations. The were able to get reservations later by checking for cancellations.

From my readings on here, this appears to be the exception, reservations go fast, but it seems that they don't usually go this fast. Based on my prior experience, I would not use Disney Transfers so that I could get to the ship early and get reservations ASAP.

 

[DrCavin]

We had no problems getting a reservation & we did not rush to get signed-up. As long as your open as to what day/time, then I think you should have no problems. You can even call them & be put on a waitlist in case someone cancels.

 

[natsmom125]

My advice would be to go directly to Rockin' Bar D, where they usually book the reservations, IMMEDIATELY after boarding the ship. You get your KTTW Card, have your picture taken, have your name announced, go directly to get Palo reservations. If you arrive later than 1 PM, you'll just have to take your chances. Since I've never dealt with Flounders, I would imagine that after you get the Palo reservations, then go to Flounders to book that. Or if you
have walkie talkies, one go to Palo and one go to Flounders and communicate the nights and times that way.

Phyllis

 

[allears]

We would also recommend going first thing to Rockin Bar D, and arrive at the port as early as you can. On our last trip we weren't that far back in line to board. We went straight there and got all of our reservations no problem. However, we also try to plan a second and third choice in case our first choice of times isn't availble. Don't get me wrong, reservations don't run out within minutes, but there are only so many reservation spots and not all of them are available at this time. Some are already booked either through the reservation packages, suite guests and some are held aside for the concergies to use.

Also keep in mind that there are always cancellations. If you can't get a reservation for brunch or tea or the dinner time of your choice, go on the wait list, but check in at Palo daily, they don't always get back to the wait list. And be as flexible as you can with your choices. And one more thing, don't get too stressed about this and just have fun.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

Also, keep in mind that Palo's isn't open all 7 nights for brunch - it is only served (according to my personal navigator from the 2/5/05 cruise) on at-sea days. Something else to keep in mind: only one person is needed to check in when you get to the terminal. The line to board the boat is long -- have DH stand in that line (that is what we did) while you stand in line to get everyone's KTTW. Then, you can join DH in line to board the ship quicker. Once on board, go straight to Rockin' Bar D and one of you should stand in line for the dinner ressie while the other waits in line for brunch. Something else to note: from other posts on the board, we thought Disney allowed guests with more than one stateroom to go to Palos more than once but found out they do not allow that. Instead, one person has to pretend they don't know the other but just the other stateroom party in the ressie. Hmmm, all this talk about Palo makes me hungry for the chocolate soufle!

HTH,
Stacy

 

[mommyz]

OMG Stacy why did you bring up the chocolate souffle.... my mouth is drooling just thinking about it...I remember when the waitress brought it and poked a hole in it and poured that vanilla sauce...dh and I still talk about that dessert....only 17 more days until I get the yummy yummy souffle!!!!


Anyways I wouldn't worry too much but making reservations for Palo's should be the 1st thing u do on the ship. But if it is booked get put on the list...I hear that a lot of people cancel for whatever reason...the night we went it was half empty.

Good luck

MommyZ

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

OMG Stacy why did you bring up the chocolate souffle.... my mouth is drooling just thinking about it...I remember when the waitress brought it and poked a hole in it and poured that vanilla sauce...dh and I still talk about that dessert....only 17 more days until I get the yummy yummy souffle!!!!

MommyZ -- Think of the bright side -- you only have a couple of weeks till you get it again...we haven't even booked our next cruise yet! I'm so jealous....... LOVE the chocolate souffle

Stacy

 

[mommyz]

Stacy,

Last time we ordered the chocolate souffle and the tiramisu and dh and I were fighting over the souffle...this time I will be ordering two of them. I can't wait to go!!!!!!!!!

You better hurry and book a cruise!!!!

MommyZ