[ssn]

I know I read some trip reports lately of people going on the cruise, so I was hoping to have some current info on the dining. Since you can now book Palo ressies online b/f arrival this had brought up a dining question. Since you don't know your dining rotation yet, how do you know which night to book Palo? I'm so confused!! Just when I get the WDW travel part down pat - I now start all over with figuring out the cruise!!

[Amelia's Man]

Book Palo as soon as you can! And don't worry about your dining rotation, as Palo isn't in the "loop"! Palo is by reservation only! Book when you want to dine, and your table at one of the rotation restaurants will just remain empty for that sitting! Unless you are travelling with kids, then they can sit at the normal table with no problems!
When my family and I were on our cruise, one of our "table mates" had Palo reservations, and their daughter still ate ate the family's normal table! We engaged in conversation with her so she wouldn't feel alone! We got to know the families on either side of us, as our tables were always next to each other!

[ssn]

Thanks Amelia's Man, I was hoping you would respond since I thoroughly enjoyed reading your recent TR. It was nice to hear that you had such a great time! I did book Palo yesterday, but only the 1st or 2nd night (Nassau) was left. I did take the 2nd night (to make sure that DD likes the kids club) but I am just concerned at what "rotational dining" restaurant that I will miss. We are on the 4 day cruise so we will visit 1 restaurant on 2 different nights. I was hoping the Palo night would be the night of the "doubled" restaurant. Is there any rhyme or reason to the rotation? I read on a different site that those with small kids get a certain rotation, those just adults another, etc. did you find this to be true? Thanks again!

[llama]

Originally Posted by ssn

Thanks Amelia's Man, I was hoping you would respond since I thoroughly enjoyed reading your recent TR. It was nice to hear that you had such a great time! I did book Palo yesterday, but only the 1st or 2nd night (Nassau) was left. I did take the 2nd night (to make sure that DD likes the kids club) but I am just concerned at what "rotational dining" restaurant that I will miss. We are on the 4 day cruise so we will visit 1 restaurant on 2 different nights. I was hoping the Palo night would be the night of the "doubled" restaurant. Is there any rhyme or reason to the rotation? I read on a different site that those with small kids get a certain rotation, those just adults another, etc. did you find this to be true? Thanks again!

I don't know about different rotations for different families - I really didn't notice that. We took the cruise with our daughters once, and once on our own.(just dh & myself) The only restaurant that I wouldn't mind missing is Parrot Cay - not because the food isn't good - it is, but it doesn't have the atmosphere of the other two - especially the Animator's Palate. Try not to miss it. It's amazing. On the other hand, Palo is wonderful. The service is perfect, the food delicious. I would suggest keeping your reservation until you're on board and once you find out your rotation, you can decide whether you want to keep it or not. There are always cancellations. If it's on the Parrot Cay day, go with no worries.

[jeannemae]

Palo is a special seating...try the brunch rather than the evening. It is great whatever time you go. Of course, if you need a night away from the kids...then the evening meal is for you. This dining experience lends itself to the era of elegant ships and papered service.

[qltingrl]

We cruised in January and it was our understanding that families with younger children were given a rotation that would include only one night at Tritons, the fanciest of the restaurants. We took our 10 year old and our 18 year old. We had two nights at Tritons, my guess is because they were 'older' kids. I would book it now and try to rearrange seating onboard. Don't pass up a chance to go to Palo!

[Amelia's Man]

ssn, I agree with the response that llama gave you! You must NOT miss the "Animator'e Palate"! And if they are doing the "Pirates In The Caribbean"night at "Triton's" (on the Wonder)or "Lumiere's" (on the Magic), you must NOT miss that either!