If you've ever snuck away from the kids club for a grown-up dinner at Palo, this one's for you. Disney Cruise Line just made a major change to its adults-only Italian restaurant, and it's already happening across the whole fleet.
Here's what you need to know.
What Changed
Palo (called Palo Steakhouse on the Wish-class ships and Palo Trattoria on the Disney Adventure) has always given you two choices at dinner: a four-course prix-fixe menu for $55 per person, or ordering individual dishes à la carte.
The prix-fixe dinner is going away. Dinner is now à la carte only, with a menu Disney describes as a selection of guest favorites. That means you pay for each dish you order.
The switch is rolling out ship by ship:
October 22: Disney Wonder
October 23: Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish
October 24: Disney Magic, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny
October 26: Disney Adventure
So by the time you read this, it's in place on every ship.
What Didn't Change
Brunch is staying the same. The prix-fixe Palo brunch is not part of this change. (Breathe, brunch lovers. The waffles are safe. 🧇)
It's still adults only. Palo is for guests 18 and older.
Gratuity still applies. Plan for an automatic 18% gratuity on top of your meal.
Is This a Good or Bad Change?
Honestly? It depends on how you like to eat.
If you love the full experience (appetizer, pasta, entrée, AND dessert), your dinner will likely cost more than the old $55 flat price.
If you just want a pasta and a dessert with a glass of wine and an ocean view, à la carte could actually cost you less.
Either way, you'll want to look at the menu and decide what kind of night you want before you sit down.
What This Means for Castaway Club Members
This is the part that's had cruisers talking.
Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members used to get a complimentary Palo meal as a perk. Now, they (and guests in their stateroom) get a $55 per person credit toward the new à la carte dinner menu.
The credit is now dinner only. It can't be used for brunch anymore. The good news? Disney is reportedly honoring the credit for Palo brunch reservations that were booked before October 15, 2026. If that's you and you're not sure where you stand, it's worth reaching out to Disney Cruise Line (or your travel advisor 😉) to confirm.
My Tips for Palo Now
Book Palo the moment your window opens. Reservations still go fast, especially on short sailings.
Decide: brunch or dinner? If you love a set price, brunch is now your best "one price, lots of food" option.
Budget for it. Add a little cushion to your onboard spending for dinner, plus gratuity and drinks.
Make it a date night. Kids club drop-off, a sunset table, and a few hours just for you two. Still one of my favorite parts of a Disney cruise. 🤍
Planning a Disney Cruise?
This is exactly the kind of change I keep an eye on for my cruise clients, so you're not surprised when you get on board. As a licensed Travelmation travel agent who specializes in all things Disney, I'll keep track of your booking windows for Palo, port adventures, and the spa, and help you budget for the extras before you sail.
Dreaming of a cruise, maybe even on the new Disney Believe? Head to thatkatiefath.com/travel and let's plan it.
xoxo,
Katie