Palo is an optional, adults-only restaurant on all ships, offering Northern Italian cuisine, an intimate setting, and phenomenal service. Guests must secure reservations to dine here and there is a $30 per-person service charge for either dinner or brunch. Palo has its own servers, so be prepared to part with your regular servers. Palo is on deck 10 and serves dinner nightly from 6:00 pm until 9:00 or 10:00 pm. A wine tasting seminar may also be offered here (see 340), as well as a champagne brunch (four-night and up cruises)—see 293. High Tea was discontinued in August 2012, in favor of a second brunch seating.

Reservations—Reservations for all Palo meals can and should be made in advance at http://www.disneycruise.com once your cruise is paid in full. Reservations can be made as early as 75 days in advance by first-time Disney cruisers, 120 days for categories R-V, and 90/105/120 days for Castaway Club members (see 671). Online reservations open at midnight Eastern Time, and go very fast! Disney holds some reservations at each of those intervals and on board, so everyone at least stands a chance. Only one online dinner and one brunch reservation per stateroom is allowed. You may also make reservations and changes on your first afternoon aboard—check the Personal Navigator for the time and place/phone extension. Dispatch one member of your party, as soon as you can after you board—reservations go quickly. Arm your representative with a list of suitable days and times (use our worksheet on 307). If you can’t get reservations, get on the wait list and check for cancellations. Concierge guests (cat. R–V) can ask their concierge to make reservations for them. Reservations can be canceled without penalty up until 2:00 pm on the day of the meal. No-shows and last-minute cancelations will have the full $30 per person charged to their room.

Decor—Palo’s most striking feature is its sweeping ocean views—we have fond memories of a meal served just as the sun set. Warm wood paneling, Venetian glass, and smaller tables (yes, you can get a table for two here!) make this one of the most romantic spots onboard. An exhibition kitchen and wine displays set the stage for a special dining experience. There’s also a private room area called “The Captain’s Table” tucked in the corner that can be reserved for groups. This dining room received a facelift on the Disney Magic in fall 2013. The changes are so subtle there’s little point to describing them. 

Dress—Slacks and collared shirts (men), dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse (women). Jeans are OK if in good condition (no holes). No tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, T-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics, flip-flops, or tennis shoes.

Gratuities—$5 of the service charge is divided amongst the staff, but we recommend an additional tip in line with your estimation of the value of the meal. Note that a 15% auto-gratuity is already added to all alcoholic beverage purchases.

Our Review—We simply adore Palo! The servers are friendly, engaging, and incredibly attentive. The restaurant is quiet and mellow, and the atmosphere elegant but relaxed. The best part of dining at Palo, however, is the food—it’s simply outstanding, as items are made or finished to order. We also highly recommend Palo brunch.