Is DCL’s Palo Brunch Still Worth the Hype?
If you ask fellow Disney Cruise Line fans which onboard dining they believe should absolutely be done, I’d be willing to wager that their response will be “Palo Brunch.” It’s the reservation to get, while also being the reservation most difficult to actually book. Brunch at Palo, one of Disney Cruise Line’s adult-exclusive dining venues, is revered for good reason, but does it really deserve all of the fervor? Grab your magnifying glass and favorite fedora, friends, as we take a look at my recent meal and do a little DCL foodie investigation.
Right off the bat, let me temper your expectations and possible disappointment: getting a reservation for Palo Brunch before you step onto the ship can be quite a difficult feat. Disney Cruise Line holds back a certain number of dining reservations for those trying to book onboard, which decreases the bookings available for pre-cruise reservations. You can hit the refresh button all you want to friends, it just isn’t gonna happen.
My advice is to make a beeline (do not pass go and definitely do not collect $200) as soon as you board the ship to the location where crew members are taking dining special requests. For the Dream and Fantasy, this location is currently on Deck 2, Midship just outside of Enchanted Garden. You’ll ask to speak to the Palo representative and they will let you know if a Palo Brunch reservation is available during your cruise. If not, the crew member will offer you the chance to join the wait list. I’ve had all possible scenarios play out when doing this, including being offered a reservation right away on our most recent cruise. You never know what’ll happen, and it’s always worth it to ask.
Palo Brunch has changed over the years. Pre-COVID, Palo Brunch began with guests selecting what they’d like from a Willy Wonka-esque display of antipasti. It was the stuff of dreams. Picture it: a circular room filled with tables laden with mounds of aged Italian meats and cheeses as far as the eye could see. It was magical, and, when visiting the restaurant now, I look at that room with great longing.
When Disney Cruise Line reopened post-pandemic, the tables filled with antipasti disappeared, and instead, a selection of meats and cheeses was offered at the start of your meal. If meats and cheeses aren’t your thing, you can choose to begin your meal with a selection that includes Jonah crab claw, mussels and Lemon-marinated shrimp. In my mind, the aged meats and cheeses are simply delicious, and are the perfect way to begin your brunch.
Please understand that brunch at Palo is a whole thing. You’ll have dedicated server who is there to ensure that your experience is beyond excellent. The view outside the restaurant’s wall of windows is gorgeous, which something you won’t see when eating at Palo for dinner. You’ll need to adhere to the dress code, but please make sure that your attire is stretchy. You’ll be eating quite a lot as you sit at your exquisitely-appointed table, friends.
Our incredible server, Leo, offered us an almond croissant to set the tone for the meal, and when I tell you that this was one of the BEST baked goods to ever cross my lips, I’m not lying. The croissant was rich and flaky and deeply buttery with an almond cake inside. It was sight to behold and eat.
As my hubby and I made our way through brunch, we each chose a breakfast item. We shared the Strawberry Waffles, I chose the Three Cheese Omelet for my entree, and my husband opted for the Poached Eggs on Toasted Buttered English Muffin with Rosemary Ham and Hollandaise Sauce. Don’t be deceived into thinking that we were merely ordering a Mickey waffle, simple omelet, and Eggs Benedict; these dishes were lovingly and carefully created to be the best they could be.
The Strawberry Waffles dish is comprised of a giant Mickey waffle. When presented, the waffle is then decorated with strawberry compote by your server. This waffle is light and toasty and incredible. It’ll be one of the best waffles you’ve ever eaten, guaranteed.
My omelet was light, delicate and perfectly-sized. It was more of a soft-set omelet, so if you enjoy your eggs more well-done, be sure to mention that to your server. I enjoyed mine greatly.
We chose to move on to the lunch-y sides of things for our next course. I picked the Lasagna Bolognese and my hubby went with the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast. My lasagna was moist and creamy with a Béchamel sauce I’d like to bathe in. It’s a sure-fire hit. But, as much as that lasagna is worthy of all of the accolades, I must admit that Brian’s chicken parm was better.
The chicken breast is coated and fried in a batter that is light and slightly sweet, and it’ll be the best chicken parmesan you’ve ever had in your life. No joke. Next time I’m there for brunch, I’ll be ordering the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast. No offense, lasagna.
Guests can opt for dessert, which I highly recommend you do. Unfortunately, I was too stuffed to attempt a go at one of Palo’s fabulous six choices, so I asked for vanilla gelato with fresh berries. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
My hubby chose the Chocolate Raspberry Tart, which featured bitter chocolate creme, raspberry ganache and vanilla bean gelato. Wowwww, this was good. If you enjoy fruit with your chocolate, please order this dish. And please savor it with a cup of Palo’s incredible coffee.
Is Palo Brunch still the belle of the DCL ball? Based on my recent experience, I can safely say a resounding YES. It’s worth your time trying to get a reservation, and it’s worth being on the wait list in the chance that you get to go.
Palo Brunch is $50 per person, and Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members may use their complementary Palo meal on brunch, which is wonderful news. Happy dining!
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