Every Disney cruiser has a favorite routine that seems to turn into a tradition, and for many it’s the night they slip away from the chaos and head up to Palo for a candlelight dinner, a bit of peace and quiet, fantastic food, and a server who makes you feel like you’re the only table in the restaurant.
That experience is changing a bit, as Disney removes the prix fixe dinner menu at Palo, Palo Steakhouse and Palo Trattoria, and at the same time changes what Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members can do with their Palo loyalty perk. The news has many of Disney’s most loyal cruisers feeling a bit of magic has been taken away, so let’s take a look at what’s really happening.
When the Palo Changes Go Into Effect
The switch rolls out ship by ship, starting with sailings on these dates:
- October 22: Disney Wonder
- October 23: Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream and Disney Wish
- October 24: Disney Magic, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny
- October 26: Disney Adventure
What’s Changing with Dinner at Palo
Dinner at Palo goes fully à la carte. The old fixed-price menu is gone, and you’ll order from the menu instead, like you would at a restaurant back home. Drinks and gratuities are extra, as always.
For Platinum and Pearl members, the perk is now a $55 per person credit toward à la carte dinner. It applies once per sailing, and any unused credit disappears. Anything above $55 is on you.
Now for the part that’s stirring up the most conversation. The credit is for dinner only. Brunch is excluded, and Disney’s email to members says so in plain terms – “As a reminder, brunch is not included in this offer.” The price for Palo brunch remains the same at $55 per person. Some members had been using their benefit at brunch, which is one of the hardest reservations to land on a sea day, so it’s safe to say reservations may soon be easier to get.
When Disney makes a change that feels like a step backward, whether it’s at a park or on a ship, the community doesn’t wait around to react. The response to this one has been loud, especially from loyal cruisers who feel like a perk they were counting on just got taken away.
What to Do If You’re Already Booked
You can check or change Palo plans through My Reservations on the Disney Cruise Line website or app, and you can make changes to pre-arranged activities up to three days before sailing. Pre-booked reservations don’t appear to be grandfathered, so look at yours now rather than at the host stand.
Is À La Carte a Hero or Villain?
Since Disney is all about storytelling… a set menu is a fixed story, and à la carte lets you write your own ending. You may want to share a couple of starters, split an entrée, and save room for dessert, and wind up paying close to the old price. Go all in on steaks, add a few sides and don’t skimp on the desserts and chances are you’ll go above $55.
Never Been to Palo? Here’s What It’s Like
If you’ve never had the pleasure, don’t worry. Our Disney correspondent, Jason and his family have, many times, and they’ve shared their experiences in their cruise reviews.
His tip for any Palo meal: go in with a plan, eat light beforehand, and give yourself a couple of hours. This isn’t a meal to rush.
