Adventure In The Great Wide Somewhere

Welcome to the next stop on Magical Blogorail Green . Today we are discussing the most romantic Disney restaurants. Or rather, the MOST romantic of any of the Disney restaurants, Palo. Whether you find yourself aboard the Magic, Wonder, Dream or Fantasy, there is something about these classic ocean liners that evokes simpler, more romantic times. Is it the breezes, the impeccable service, the adventure of living in a bygone era?  Champagne brunch. Perhaps it's the panoramic ocean vistas offered by Palo, a wonderfully unpretentious Italian restaurant with the kind of impeccable service Disney is known for after sleeping in until brunch. Maybe it's simply the romance of blown Venetian glass, champagne brunches and chocolate covered strawberries. Maybe it's the indulgence of late night chocolate soufflés or the clean poetry of Italian food . The chocolate covered strawberries sure don't hurt! “My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; th...

Since this was the kiddos fourth cruise, they fully understand that Palo is a place just for moms and dads. A very special place that they look forward to visiting on their cruises after their birthdays. When we let them know that they could try Palo, just because of our lovely concierge hosts, they were *very* excited. Chris, despite starting to have a hoarse throat (Long nights? Kids clubs? Air travel?), could hardly contain his excitement as he has heard tell of the legendary Palo chocolate soufflé .  Starters, Saladas, Antipasti, Breads and Risotto Our server brought in all of the appetizers, salads and starters at one time and promised to return with the main course and finally the desserts. The chef split the antipasti onto a plate of meats and cheese (or as the server said, this one is not for the vegans) and one of olives, pickled vegetables and artichokes. Two salads had been sent for Kylee and I while Ben and Chris mixed and matched from the risotto and the mozzarell...

We hit the pool deck right before the Mickey Pool opened for the day. <<< Waddle This Way As the cast member finished clearing away the net over the Mickey pool, Pumbaa and Timon helped us remember how important it is to be "Wild About Safety." Watching Pumbaa pay homage to Ariel, the little mermaid is worth watching the safety video. The pool opened and the kids flocked in with several of their new best buds. The AquaDuck didn't open for another half hour so I huddled under a towel as there was quite a high wind blowing about the deck. Watching the crew prepare the AquaDuck while keeping an eye on our kids, they set out several "beware high winds" notices and a sign that said that no single riders would be allowed on the AquaDuck. Five minutes before the 'Duck was set to open, Kylee could not wait another second, so we decided to begin the queue. After passing the height check with flying colors, Kylee and I mounted the stairs up into the ...

Welcome Wordless Wednesday Blog Hoppers! Spot the hidden Mickey in the old Palo dishware. Thank you to Focused on the Magic for hosting!

Welcome Wordless Wednesday Blog Hoppers! Antipasti, Insalatine & Zuppa And it's super yummy too! Thank you to Focused on the Magic for hosting!   

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney Donna Kay and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the Final stop on our Magical Blogorail . My dream Mother's Day? Any day that someone else washes the dishes. That's really all I need to be happy. Breakfast in bed would be nice. Hey, while we're at it, if someone cleans my kids' room, makes the beds, offers sincere service with a smile, then perhaps I could take some time getting a pedicure, laying by the pool and getting a couples massage. I'd really feel wonderful. If someone could arrange to deliver flowers to my room, It'd certainly be appreciated. It'd be nice if we could get some childcare that my children adore and get some alone time and maybe take in a live stage show. (With my musical theatre background, I'm extremely in love with live theatre.) Basically, I want the entire day to be carefree and magical. Is that too much to ask? Oh, wait; that's every day I'm on a cruise....

Although Disney lists limits on dress (no swimwear in the dining rooms, etc.) here on their website, what exactly do people "normally" wear?   I've got you covered. Formal, Semi-Formal, Cruise Casual, Optional Dress Up, or Pirate will be noted as the evening attire on the front corner of your Personal Navigator each day. So let's break those down Formal These evenings, most guests seem to go with somewhere in the range of "Sunday Best" to cocktail dress. Some opt for tuxes and ball gowns (when else can you really wear one?) Jackets, although requested on the website, seem pretty rare. Dark slacks and a button down are more common.  Rocking the sweater vests and tiaras. The little princesses often choose a favorite costume from their wardrobe (yes, leftover Halloween costumes, tiaras and fairy wings are welcome) while the boys range from tiny suits to khakis and sweater vests and full length jeans are not unheard of in the elementary set. ...

Welcome Foodie Friday Blog Hoppers! Champagne Toast Location: Palo Brunch, Disney Wonder Cost: First glass included with brunch, brunch is currently priced at $25 per guest Disney ships offer a "Champagne Brunch" by reservation on sea days. Hosted in Palo, an Italian adults only restaurant, this quiet getaway is definitely worth trying (it's a must do for us.) Last trip we took my sweet mother in law, Diana with us and she had her doubts about the situation, but gamely went along to see our "favorite restaurant." Just to get this out in the open, Ben and I don't drink. Ever. (Unless I get the wrong cup at communion. So back on my first trip to the Palo Champagne Brunch, I expected a bit of awkwardness around the whole "complimentary first glass or mimosa" situation. I could not have been more wrong. This was completely a non-issue. On telling the waiter that we would like something non-alcoholic, he offered us sparkling cider instead....

   Palo. Palo. Palo. If you make one reservation for during your cruise get a brunch reservation at Palo. Offered only on sea days (so you must select a cruise that includes a sea day for this to work) this more casual friendly version of Palo features the most beautiful views of the ocean around. Besides, getting all dressed up for brunch makes me happy. Actually just the word brunch makes me happy. Brunch. Brunch. Brunch. Brunch. Brunch. Anyway, Ben and I and Diana headed off to brunch at Palo.  Add caption Diana and Ernie missed Palo on their first cruise, so we wanted to ensure that she not miss it a second time. After we were escorted to the booth at the aft most end of the ship, Sasha from Croatia introduced himself. He has been with Disney Cruise Line since the launch of the Magic and knew our favorite server from her Palo (Sylvester) quite well. Sasha seems a different kind of cast member, he seems more reserved and serious than Sylveste...