Disney Cruise Line’s specialty restaurants offer elevated culinary experiences exclusively for adults. Venues like Palo, Remy, and Enchanté allow guests to indulge in gourmet cuisine with refined service and ambiance.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of Specialty Dining on Disney Cruise Line. Learn about the different concepts, menus, pricing, and reservation tips for these upscale venues. We also offer guidance on whether the extra cost is worthwhile. Use this information to plan an exquisite adults-only dining experience on your next Disney cruise.
What is Specialty Dining on Disney Cruise Line?
Disney Cruise Line’s Specialty Dining offers exclusive, adults-only culinary experiences at its signature restaurants – Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, and Enchanté. These venues are designed for those who wish to indulge in the fine dining experience that goes beyond the included restaurants. Here’s what Specialty Dining on Disney Cruise Line offers::
- Diverse Cuisine: French, Italian, and American-style dishes are available in these restaurants.
- Unique Menus: Each venue offers a unique menu curated by expert chefs to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
- Impeccable Service: The attentive and professional staff ensures impeccable service, adding to the sophisticated ambiance.
- Stunning Views: Specialty restaurants offer spectacular ocean views.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Advance Reservations: These dining venues require reservations in advance because of their popularity.
- Additional Expenses: These premium dining experiences are not included in your standard Disney cruise fare and require an additional charge.
Despite the additional cost, Specialty Dining on Disney Cruise Line is a treat for those who enjoy fine dining, providing an unforgettable culinary journey. With a blend of delicious food, top-notch service, and an elegant atmosphere, it’s clear that Disney’s Specialty Dining is a premier dining experience at sea.
Image © Disney
Palo is a high-end, adults-only restaurant on Disney Cruise Line ships. It offers an elegant setting and Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu includes classic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Palo also offers a wine pairing experience, “Esperienza del Vino.” You’ll enjoy the stylish décor, stunning sea views, and excellent service.
Location & Offerings
Palo is available on four Disney Cruise Line ships:
Palo provides an authentic Northern Italian dining experience with a relaxed yet stylish setting. The warm earthy colors and Venetian masks add to the cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Note: A variation of Palo, known as Palo Steakhouse, is found on the Disney Wish. We’ll discuss this later.
Costs for Palo Dining Experiences:
- Brunch: $50 per person ($60 for AU/NZ sailings)
- Dinner:
- À la carte menu priced by item
- Prix fixe menu (“Prezzo Fisso”): $50 per person ($60 for AU/NZ sailings)
- “Esperienza del Vino” wine pairing: Additional $80 per person ($95 for AU/NZ sailings)
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to dinner at Palo. This applies to both the fixed menu pricing and any à la carte selections.
Palo Menu Highlights
- Starters: Try the potato gnocchi, fried calamari, or shrimp marinara.
- Main Courses: Enjoy the butternut agnolotti, seared sea scallops, or oregano and parmesan-crusted rack of lamb.
- Desserts: Indulge in the homemade tiramisu, creamy panna cotta, or rich chocolate soufflé.
- Wine Pairing: Boost your meal with the “Esperienza del Vino.” For an extra fee, you get a selection of Italian wines, each perfectly matched with a dish from the Palo menu.
- Brunch: Don’t skip the brunch at Palo! It offers a wide range of filling favorites and is available on all ships on most sea days.
- Specialty Drinks: Conclude your meal with exquisite European wines, Italian-American-inspired cocktails, or traditional Italian coffees like cappuccino or espresso.
Palo Dress Code
Guests need to dress formally or semi-formally. T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire are not suitable for these venues.
Reservations & Cancellations
Reservations are required given Palo’s intimate size and popularity. Book your table as early as possible after reserving your cruise.
If you need to cancel your reservation, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance in order to avoid a fee.
Is Palo Worth It?
We love dining at Palo on our Disney cruises. Jaimie, who mostly eats vegan food, loves the menu options. And I, a seafood lover, enjoy the freshness and flavor of the seafood dishes (especially the Dover Sole).
Bottom Line: Jaime and I both agree Palo is a great value for what you get, and the food and service are excellent. It caters to a variety of tastes, and the quality of the experience surpasses that of the inclusive dining option. We both feel it’s worth the extra expense.
Image © Disney
Remy, an upscale restaurant on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, offers a premier French-inspired culinary experience. Inspired by the Ratatouille film, this adults-only venue delivers a sophisticated setting for a gourmet dinner or champagne brunch.
Location & Atmosphere
Located on Deck 12 of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Remy provides stunning ocean views. The ambiance combines turn-of-the-century Paris charm with a relaxed vibe. Rich art nouveau décor and intimate seating welcome diners, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive sea views.
Costs for Remy Dining Experiences:
- Champagne Brunch: $80 per person (optional wine pairing: $40 per person)
- Dessert Experience: $65 per person (optional wine pairing: $30 per person)
- Dinner:
- À la carte menu priced by item
- Prix fixe menu: $135 per person
- Petites Assiettes de Remy: $50 per person (includes wine pairing)
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the Guest’s shipboard account for brunch and dinner.
Remy Menu Highlights
- Starters: Try the Royal Norway Lobster with Caesar Sauce or Alaskan King Crab with Cannelloni.
- Main Courses: Enjoy the Coastal Turbot with Vin Faune and Gnocchi or Australian Wagyu with Garlic-Potato Purée.
- Desserts: Indulge in the Vanilla Poached Pear or the Fondant Chocolat Croustillant.
- Wine Pairing: Remy’s impressive Wine Room houses over 900 bottles of Old and New World wines. Upgrade your meal with a wine pairing for each dish, expertly chosen to enhance its flavors.
- Exclusive Brunch and Dessert Experiences: Remy offers unique dining experiences like the Remy Champagne Brunch and the Remy Dessert Experience. Available on cruises of 4 nights or longer, these include a fixed-price meal and a multi-course dessert menu, respectively.
- Culinary Creations by Renowned Chefs: The gourmet menu at Remy is a creation of Chef Arnaud Lallement and Chef Scott Hunnel. Lallement is one of the few chefs in the world to hold three Michelin stars, while Hunnel is Executive Chef at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Dress Code
You must dress formally or with a clean, polished look. Remy does not allow jeans, shorts, capri pants, flip-flops, or tennis shoes.
Booking & Cancellation
Given the popularity and limited seating at Remy, I encourage you to make your reservation soon after you book your cruise. Should you need to cancel, you must do this no less than 24 hours before your dining time to avoid a cancellation fee.
Is Remy Worth It?
My wife Jaimie and I have a slightly different take on Remy’s value. Jaimie feels the specialty restaurant is worth every penny because of its gourmet cuisine, attentive service, and beautiful setting. In her view, Remy provides an extraordinary culinary experience.
I personally find the price tag at Remy to be on the high side. However, I do agree the food and service has always been outstanding.
Bottom Line: If you appreciate high-end dining and can fit Remy into your cruise budget, it’s a memorable specialty restaurant we recommend trying. But if the price seems steep and you don’t have an adventurous palate, you may be just as satisfied with the inclusive dining options.
While we have different perspectives on the cost-value ratio, we agree Remy delivers a top-notch fine dining experience. For luxury cruisers passionate about food, it’s a worthy splurge.
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Image © Disney
Enchanté: An Elegant, Fine Dining Experience at Sea
On my recent trip on the Disney Wish, Jaimie and I tried that ship’s unique dining experiences designed for guests aged 18 and over. Despite the extra cost, we found them to be well worth it.
Enchanté, the new addition to Disney Wish, is an adult-exclusive venue that redefines elegance at sea. It offers a variety of dining experiences, from multi-course dinners to desserts and brunch, making every meal a special occasion.
Location & Atmosphere
Located on Deck 12 of the Disney Wish, Enchanté provides breathtaking ocean views through its floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant’s design pays homage to Lumière, the charismatic candelabra from Beauty and the Beast. A stunning chandelier with 397 hand-blown glass bulbs serves as a centerpiece, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication that truly enchanted us.
Costs for Enchanté Dining Experiences:
- Champagne Brunch: $80 per person
- Lunch: Prix fixe menu at $105 per person
- Dinner:
- À la carte menu priced by item
- Prix fixe menu: $135 per person
- Just Desserts: $65 per person
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the Guest’s shipboard account for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Menu Highlights
- Starters: Soil Grown Tomatoes (12 Hour Confit with Tomato Water), Langoustines with Finger Lime
- Main Courses: Maine Lobster, Wild Halibut with Onion Confit, Grilled Beef Wagyu
- Desserts: Chocolate Valrhona with Praline, Raspberry Honey with Red Berry Juice
Lumiere leads the way to Enchanté
Is Enchanté Worth It?
Definitely, Enchanté was worth it for us! It offered an intimate and upscale experience. Its inventive French-inspired menu, combined with stunning ocean views, was truly delightful. My wife, Jaimie, especially enjoyed Enchanté.
A true food enthusiast, Jaimie said, “The dining experience at Enchanté perfectly combined excellent cuisine and breathtaking views.” We both agree it significantly improved our overall cruise experience.
Bottom Line: I’d recommend this experience to couples seeking a romantic evening or food enthusiasts wanting to try unique dishes. If you want a break from the buffet or main dining room options, it’s a great alternative. But, those on a tighter budget or who prefer casual dining might find the extra cost and dress code less appealing. For us, though, it was a highlight of our Disney Wish adventure!
Palo Steakhouse, located on the Disney Wish, provides a distinctive fusion of Italian sophistication and hearty steakhouse allure. This adults-only venue offers both brunch and dinner experiences that Jaimie and I found quite impressive.
Location & Atmosphere
Situated on Deck 12 of the Disney Wish, Palo Steakhouse showcases stunning ocean views. The restaurant’s decor draws inspiration from Cogsworth of Beauty and the Beast, featuring rich woods and polished metals that craft an atmosphere of Italian elegance. We were particularly taken by the private dining room that can accommodate up to 12 guests for intimate gatherings.
Costs for Palo Steakhouse Dining Experiences:
- Brunch: $50 per person ($60 for AU/NZ sailings)
- Dinner:
- À la carte menu priced by item
- Prix fixe menu (“Prezzo Fisso”): $50 per person ($60 for AU/NZ sailings)
- “Esperienza del Vino” wine pairing: Additional $80 per person ($95 for AU/NZ sailings)
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to dinner at Palo Steakhouse. This applies to both the fixed menu pricing and any à la carte selections.
Menu Highlights
- Brunch: Lemon-Marinated Shrimp, Zucchini Frittata, Strawberry Waffles
- Dinner: Prime steak cuts (American, Australian wagyu, Japanese Kobe, Miyazaki beef), Italian specialties
- Dessert: Palo’s famous chocolate soufflé
Cogsworth keeps time at Palo Steakhouse
Is Palo Steakhouse Worth It?
My wife and I both felt Palo Steakhouse was worth the money we spent. The blend of Italian elegance and steakhouse ambiance was a refreshing change of pace. I enjoyed the variety of delicious steaks and tasty Italian dishes at a reasonable price. Even though Jaimie isn’t a meat eater, she found plenty on the menu to enjoy.
Bottom Line: Palo Steakhouse is a great choice for those who still want an upscale dining experience but don’t want to spend quite as much money as Enchanté charges. But like the other specialty dining choices, there is still an upcharge and a dress code, which might be off-putting to some cruisers. For us, it struck a nice balance between luxury and value.
Can Children Eat at Specialty Restaurants?
When planning your dining on Disney Cruise Line, remember that specialty dining venues like Palo and Remy have an age restriction. They’re strictly for adults, so no guests under 18 years are allowed.
This adults-only approach creates a relaxed and intimate dining atmosphere. However, this doesn’t mean younger guests are left without enjoyable dining options. Disney Cruise Line offers a range of family-friendly dining alternatives that cater to younger guests.
Pros and Cons of Specialty Dining on Disney Cruise Line
Pros:
- Exceptional Culinary Experience: Expect visually stunning and delicious meals expertly crafted by top chefs.
- Diverse Menus: A range of menus ensures something for every palate.
- First-Class Service: Attentive staff enhances your overall dining experience.
- Elegant Ambience: Specialty dining venues offer a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for special occasions.
- Unique Dining Experience: These venues provide a distinctive dining experience, different from standard cruise fare.
Cons:
- Additional Cost: Unlike the main dining options, specialty dining adds to your overall cruise expenses.
- Reservations Needed: The popularity of these venues makes booking difficult during peak times.
- Formal Dress Code: The dress code is stricter than in the main dining areas, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Potential for Over-Formality: Some guests might find the atmosphere too formal, preferring a more relaxed dining experience.
Tips for Maximizing Your Specialty Dining Experience
- Early Reservations: Make reservations as early as possible to ensure your preferred dining times.
- Dress Appropriately: Remember venues like Palo and Remy enforce a dress code. Dressing appropriately enhances the experience, so be sure to add some nicer clothes to your Disney Cruise packing list.
- Open Palate: Be ready to try innovative dishes. Expert chefs often surprise guests with creative culinary creations.
- Savor the Experience: Take your time. Specialty dining is as much about the experience as it is about the food.
- Book with The Vacationeer: For a seamless experience, consider booking with The Vacationeer. They assist with reservations, provide expert recommendations, and even offer onboard credit, making your specialty dining experience memorable and stress-free.
Specialty Snack Options on Disney Cruises
The Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of specialty snack options beyond the included fare. Although they aren’t free, I think these unique treats they offer are worth the additional cost.
- Frozone Treats (Disney Magic, Dream, Fantasy – Deck 9): Serves refreshing frozen-fruit smoothies.
- Inside Out: Joyful Sweets (Disney Wish – Deck 11): Offers hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats, and candy.
- Preludes (Disney Magic, Dream, Wonder, Fantasy): Serves drinks, snacks, cocktails, and candy before show time, located next to the Walt Disney Theatre.
- Senses Juice Bar (Disney Dream, Fantasy): Provides vitamin-infused, protein-filled boost post-workout or massage, located right outside the Senses Spa.
- Sweet on You (Disney Fantasy – Deck 11): A tempting gelato parlor serving hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats, and candy.
- Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats (Disney Dream – Deck 11): A dream candy store offering hand-scooped gelato, fresh waffle cones, baked treats, and candy.
- Wheezy’s Freezies (Disney Wish – Deck 12): Serves invigorating frozen-fruit smoothies by the pool.
- Wishing Star Cafe (Disney Wish – Deck 4): A specialty coffee bar and cocktail lounge in one.
Note: If you are looking for a treat that won’t cost you anything, there are soft-serve ice cream stations where you can enjoy free ice cream.
Final Thoughts: Specialty Dining on Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line’s specialty restaurants like Enchanté, Palo Steakhouse, and Remy offer luxurious fine dining experiences with exquisite cuisine, exceptional service, and sophisticated adults-only ambiance. While carrying an additional cost, they significantly elevate your cruise to new heights.
As Jaimie and I discovered, the expense of specialty dining is well justified by the superior service, intimate atmosphere, and extraordinary culinary creations you’ll encounter. It became a highlight of our Disney cruises, providing a welcome break from the more casual main dining rooms and allowing us to celebrate special moments in style.
One of the unique aspects of these specialty venues is the opportunity to interact more closely with the culinary team. We found the chefs and servers eager to discuss the intricacies of each dish, enhancing our appreciation of the carefully crafted menus. This level of engagement adds an educational element to the dining experience, perfect for food enthusiasts looking to deepen their culinary knowledge.
However, it’s important to note that the value of specialty dining can vary based on individual preferences. While we found it to be a worthwhile splurge, the included restaurant options may be more suitable for those on a tighter budget or families with young children who might not fully appreciate the refined atmosphere. It’s also worth considering how many nights of your cruise you want to dedicate to specialty dining versus experiencing the main rotational restaurants.
Ultimately, the decision to indulge in specialty dining comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and cruise expectations. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a romantic evening, or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet experience at sea, these restaurants offer an excellent opportunity to do so..
Make Your Disney Cruise Dream a Reality with The Vacationeer
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Expand Your Disney Cruise Knowledge
Check out our other articles for more insights about Disney Cruise Line.
For more dining guidance, see our “Guide to Food on Disney Cruises,” “Rotational Dining on Disney Cruises,” and “Character Dining on Disney Cruises” articles.
Our “Best Cruise Lines for Kids” and “Best Disney Cruise Ship for Kids” articles are invaluable for those sailing with kids.
Additionally, you can stay in the loop with the most recent Disney Cruise Line routes, departure ports, and sailing dates for 2023, 2024, and 2025 with these articles:
- Disney Cruises to Alaska
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- Disney Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
- Disney Cruises from Galveston
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- Disney Cruises from San Diego
Enjoy your cruise!
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