Is Palo Dinner Worth It on a Disney Cruise?

When you’re sailing on a cruise where SO much is already included, sometimes you really have to stop and think, “Is it actually worth paying extra for this?” Disney Cruise Line already includes some pretty incredible rotational dining, so I completely understand questioning whether you really need to spend more money on another dinner.

Well, I’m breaking it down for you as someone who had those exact same thoughts! I sail Disney Cruise Line, help my clients plan their own Disney cruises, and I’m a big believer that you don’t need to pay for every extra Disney puts in front of you. But Palo? This is one I keep coming back to!

Palo is Disney Cruise Line’s adults-only Italian-inspired dining experience, and this time we booked it for the very first night of our cruise. I was hesitant because I normally like to spend that first night meeting our rotational dining serving team, but this cruise is just my husband and me AND it was my birthday.

You only turn 29 once, so Palo it was!

We chose the four-course option, which gives you one selection from Antipasti (appetizer), Insalata (salad), Il Secondo (main course) and Dolce (dessert). As a picky eater, I actually love an experience like this because it forces me to venture outside of my comfort zone a little bit!

Before our first course even arrived, our server brought over a bite-sized gnocchi in mushroom sauce. As a certified mushroom hater, I was immediately hesitant. He explained that this little bite was meant to wake up our taste buds, make us hungrier and leave us wanting more. This was our first “trust the process” moment of the night, and he was RIGHT! I gave it a solid 7/10. Would I order an entire plate? Absolutely not. But it definitely served its purpose!

Next came the bread basket, and you really can’t go wrong with carbs before dinner! I was starving, so this arrived at the perfect time. Another solid 7/10.

Our first official course was the Heirloom Tomato, Burrata Mozzarella Caprese. I’m not a huge pesto or balsamic vinegar fan, but I was glad I tried it! I’d give it a 6/10 and would likely order it again over the other option of calamari. LOL!

This is also where we made our one mistake of the night: we ordered the same thing for basically every course! If you’re dining as a couple and willing to share, order different things so you can experience more of the menu. I will absolutely be taking my own advice next time.

For the Insalata course, we both chose the Mesclun Salad. This was probably our least favorite course, but it still wasn’t bad! I did not get a picture of this but it was a very light salad with vinaigrette, and we like our salads like your typical Midwesterners: loaded with dressing, cheese and toppings. I gave this one a 5/10 and would probably try the other option of baby arugula next time.

Then came my husband’s favorite course: the 6-ounce Grilled Choice Angus Beef Tenderloin with truffle potato, spinach and a wine sauce. THIS is one of the reasons I wanted to eat at Palo! The steak was fantastic, and I was shocked by how much I enjoyed the wine sauce. This felt like a true elevated dinner experience and was an easy 9/10!

If you are basic people like us and looking for LIFE CHANGING Mac & Cheese, you can add this on for $6. This is also something that I am going to be thinking about quite frequently after our cruise. Very creamy, the serving size is perfect for two and the taste was incredible! If I wasn’t dedicated to my chocolate souffle, this may have been the highlight of our dinner (for me anyways).

And finally, my favorite of them all: the chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean gelato, vanilla sauce and chocolate sauce.

THIS is what dreams are made of!

I had this during my Palo dining experience back in 2022 and have thought about it way too many times since. I was hoping it would be just as good as I remembered, and it absolutely was. Warm chocolate soufflé, cold vanilla bean gelato and both sauces? 10/10. No questions asked. I may branch out with the rest of the menu next time, but I am NOT giving up my soufflé!

At this point we were so full we could barely move, and our server offered us one final “shot” to cleanse our palates. My husband and I both looked at each other like, “Should we???” But once again, trust the process!

What is in it?

• Lemon Sorbet

• Prosecco

• Limoncello / Vodka / Brandy

IT was actually REALLY good! I was surprised by how much we both enjoyed it. It was the perfect little ending to the meal and another example of what makes Palo feel like an entire dining experience instead of simply paying extra for dinner.

So, Is Palo Dinner Worth It?

For me, YES!

The regular dining on Disney Cruise Line is already fantastic, so you absolutely do not need Palo to eat well on your cruise. But if you want a peaceful adults-only dinner, a date night, a special birthday or anniversary dinner, or you're a foodie who wants something a little more elevated, Palo is such a fun addition to your sailing!

Brunch gets a LOT of the attention when people talk about Palo, but don't sleep on dinner! The food is amazing, the serving team is top notch, and the whole experience feels like a special night out in the middle of your Disney Cruise.

This sailing was just my husband and me, so getting to Palo was easy. In a few months, we’ll be sailing on the Disney Wish with our kids AND grandparents, so Palo might require a little more strategy! We may be sending the kids to have some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa or letting them have a blast in the kids club while we venture back to Palo. One of my biggest Disney Cruise tips is to look at your entire dining rotation before choosing your Palo night so you know exactly what you’re missing!

Will we go back? Absolutely.

Will we order some different dishes next time so we can try more of the menu? Also absolutely.

Will I order the chocolate soufflé again? Every. Single. Time.

Planning a Disney Cruise?

This is exactly why I love helping my clients plan Disney cruises! There are SO many little choices beyond picking a ship and stateroom, and knowing which extras are actually worth your money can make such a difference.

I sail Disney Cruise Line myself, try these experiences firsthand and use what I learn to help my clients decide what makes sense for their vacation. If a Disney Cruise is on your list, I’d love to help you plan it!

Start planning here: goodtrip.biz/bookwithmackenzie

Mackenzie Hardin | mackenzie@goodtrip.biz