When reminiscing about my former Disney Cruises, one luxurious and delicious destination always comes to mind, brunch at Palo. Disney dining on the high seas could not be anymore comfortable, elegant and delectable at Palo Brunch. Boasting Northern Italian cuisine, Palo offers a brunch on all 4 night and longer Disney Cruises (during the “at sea” days). The exquisite decor of Palo features Venetian glass, inlaid wood paneling and panoramic ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s warm and inviting, but not overly pretentious.
Inspired by spaghetti and meatballs, the gorgeous Murano blown-glass chandelier in the entrance way is a signature piece at Palo on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Palo is named after the signature long poles used to push and pull gondolas in and around Venice. Being an adult exclusive restaurant on all the ships, reservations are required. They can be made online prior to sailing or when you arrive onboard. Palo brunch reservations are notoriously hard to obtain online pre-cruise. Based on your status with Disney Cruise Line, online reservations are available to Platinum Castaway Club, Suites/Concierge, Wedding parties, and Media first at 120 days in advance. Gold Castaway Club can book online at 105 days in advance. Silver Castaway Club can book at 90 days in advance. All other reservations can be booked online 75 days in advance. With that being said, do not despair if you aren’t able to book online prior to your sailing. Some reservations are available to guests on a first come basis upon embarkation. Check your stateroom Navigator for details to obtain reservations on ship.
Dining at Palo, whether it is for dinner or for brunch, is an additional charge. Considering the quality of the food and the masses of it, the $20 per person charge is quite reasonable.
Also, keep in mind, Palo does have a dress code. Dress pants and shirt or jacket is required for men. Women are required to wear a dress or pantsuit. No jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops or tennis shoes are allowed. I personally know of two incidences where someone was turned away because of dress code.
Now let’s check out the star of brunch, the food. Following your server’s grand tour of the tremendous offerings, you and your companions are set free to peruse the buffet. The choices are mind-boggling and will leave you salivating until you return to your seat. A selection of baked breads, pastries and fruits start you off.
Made-to-order omelets, Rum Raisin Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Julia and Eggs Florentine are all ordered through your server. You are welcome to try as many as you want. If you want to try just a sample, order one for the table to share.
Homemade Pizzas baked in a wood-burning oven. Our table shared a Spicy Sausage Pizza and a Grape and Gorgonzola Pizza. Both of them were enjoyable.
Smoked Salmon Mousse
Hummus, Cantaloupe wrapped in Prosciutto and Assorted Italian Meats
Scallops, Grilled Marinated Vegetables, Seared Tuna and Bloody Mary Shrimp Shots
Stone Crab Claws
There was a wide variety of entrees to order, but the number one favorite is the Chicken Parmigiana. It is simply outstanding. There was also Veal Saltimbocca, Orecchiette Pasta with Smoked Salmon, and Seared Tilapia.
Now to the best part…dessert! The mini-desserts are available on the buffet from the beginning. A good tip is to go ahead and get a few of the ones you know you want to try in the beginning. A lot of the desserts go fast, like the Tiramisu. Above you can see the delicious Strawberry Shortcakes, Sacher Tarts and Mango Panna Cotta.
Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Tiramisu
Mango Panna Cotta
Two dessert favorites!
Fresh Berries
A gorgeous showcase of dessert offerings on the Disney Dream
Ed, Andy and Jeremy start on their buffet journey.
Palo Brunch is best shared with friends! Cheers!!
One complementary glass of champagne or a Mimosa is offered with the Palo Champagne Brunch. If someone at your table doesn’t want their champagne, the server will gladly let someone else have theirs.
What an amazing time we had together at Palo Brunch aboard the Disney Fantasy. Back row: Anthony, Ken, Colin, Richard. Front row: Mary Jo, Andy, Ashley and Sam.
With Chef Silvio of the Disney Dream’s Palo
Greg, Gerrie, Sheila and Harold at Palo Brunch aboard the Disney Dream
Ashley and Alisa
Enjoying brunch at Palo on the Disney Dream..Back row: Becca, Lee, Doug, Kimberly. Front row: Kristen, Steve and Norma.
Sam, Ashley and Mary Jo
Marc Lorenzo of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel before our Palo Brunch on the Disney Dream
After eating until your heart’s content, lingering conversation is perfectly allowed. Your server will even take a picture of you and your table mates if you wish.
You may get lucky like I did and have the Captain come by and see how your brunch is going. Captain Tom Forberg was a delight to meet.
Anthony and Ken spotted Deb Wills, our host for the Allears.net Cruise, while enjoying their Palo Brunch aboard the Disney Fantasy.
Palo Champagne Brunch, as you can tell, is to die for. The excellent and abundant food choices will leave you dreaming about it when you return home. Trust me, it is a must-do for any 4 night or longer Disney Cruise. I miss my friend, Palo. Until we meet again.
Thanks to all my friends who have dined with me at Palo aboard a Disney Cruise. Special thanks to Marc Lorenzo for the use of some of his wonderful pictures.
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Thanks for a great article, Mary Jo! You’ve made the brunch sound very tempting. However, I’m sticking with dinner there. I want that chocolate souffle!
Thank goodness I read this AFTER I had lunch!! It looks amazing; thanks Mary Jo!