palos?

[philncat]

I'm trying to plan ahead...only 10 more days and just remembered that Palos is for adults only. My kids are 20 and 17. Would my 17 year old be able to come with us to Palos or should I just forget about making Palos reservations? I just couldn't make him eat by himself, especially when Italian is his favorite.

Thanks for your help with this.

Cat

 

[wovenwonder]

Palo's is 'officially' for adults 18 and older --- and you will likely get flamed on these boards to try and do otherwise -- as that is the offical rule.

BUT, I know of very mature looking 17 year olds (not my kids) who went to Palo with their parents -- as the ressie was in their parents name for 3 people. They were never questioned on this.

If you are going on a seven day cruise there are other options for Palo that might work better for you. High Tea and Palo Champagne Brunch during days at Sea.

 

[ducklite]

Why don't you and your spouse eat at Palo's and let the "kids" dine in the dining room together that night?

Personally I think a rule is a rule, and it shouldn't be broken. If everyone bent the rules "just a little", why would we bother to have any to begin with?

Anne

 

[Carol RN]

If it were me, I'd take the 17 year old along. It's not like you are considering bringing a little kid. Enjoy.

 

[Mjasp]

I'm a big rules follower, but in this case I see it fine to take a 17 yr old for dinner. He is not a child and the way kids act today, I'm sure he is very mature for their age. You will be at a table for 4 so you will be in no one elses face or conversation. Go and enjoy.

 

[mrsltg]

I agree with Mjasp. I'm a big stickler for rules, but in this case, break the rule! You're "child" is 17 and I am sure is capable of carrying on a civilized conversation in normal tones as well as being well-mannered and behaved. You're a better judge of your young adult than anyone, so what you feel is right.

Enjoy your cruise!

Erin

 

[happylady]

You know your child. Some mature 17 year olds act much older than their years, and some immature 17 years don't...you get the picture.

Fifteen years ago, while on a day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Freeport, my 17 year old neice "snuck" in the casino with my Mom and me. The servers kept asking if she wanted a drink (she declined), but she appeared and acted much older that her 17 years. A great compliment to my DB and SIL. She'll have those memories to think back on forever...laughing with Nana as she won a couple dollars in the slots. (We just won't tell DB and SIL about the bikini she wore by the pool... .)

Hope your son can say the same in years to come about the awesome dinner he had with his family on a cruise.

 

[trishy]

It'll be fine for you to bring your 17 yr. old to Palos - they don't check anything for official ages. It's sad to think of him being excluded on this occasion. Besides, I believe the rule is simply to allow for adults to have a relaxing, quiet dinner - you are the best judge of your son. If you feel comfortable that he will behave in an adult fashion - most definitely take him. And order him an extra chocolate souffle for me.

 

[philncat]

Thanks for your input. DS is very mature (at least when he is at the dinner table) and I know he won't stand out or make anyone else uncomfortable. I too, usually follow rules so that is why I needed to find out what others would do.
Thanks again.
Cat

 

[inkkognito]

I too am very nig on rules, particularly when they have to do with the sanctity of the adult areas. But personally I would not be bothered by a mature 17 year old. Don't get me wrong, I am the first one to speak up when kids try to crash the adult pool. But there have been occasion when older teens have joined us in the hot tub, and I have not minded. They were acting very mature (I think they were trying to pass themselves off as adults...probably wanted to escape the craziness of the Goofy Pool, so I could sympathize!). We had a young man at our dinner table on our last cruise who was at the younger end of his teens, but he was so pleasant and well manner...I know he was too young to be "sneaked" into Palo, but he would have been more mature than some of the adults (myself included at times...I'm the one who was making facing at a little kid through the window on our 7-day ).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[DisneyKids]

Keep in mind that for the childrens club, they will allow kids to move to the older (and I think younger) age groups if you are close (within a month). I think a 17 year old is close enough as long as you feel that type of dining is appropriate for him. What does he think?

 

[mmouse37]

philncat.....we are on the same cruise with you and also have a very, very mature 17 year old DS (everyone thinks he is at least 21). I know he would never be questioned if he went to Palo, but he has no desire to. MY DD18 on the other hand loved Palo on our last cruise and is really looking forward to going again.

Depending on what day you book Palo (like later in the week), you may find if your DS has made friends with other teens that he may not want to accompany you to Palo and just hang out and eat with his new friends. I never see my teens onboard except at dinner, and an occasional wave as they go by with their friends. I do insist that they have regular dinner with us in the dinng room and they always comply. They really enjoy our servers and the atmosphere of the dining rooms.

MJ

 

[philncat]

My son really appreciates good food and will probably enjoy the menu more than I. He had expresed that he would be very disappointed if he couldn't eat at Palo, so I can't imagine him changing his mind. I hope we get reservations on a night that won't interfere with his social life!!!
Thanks for your ideas.
Cat