Ahoy, foodie froggies! Imagine hopping onto a Disney cruise and being whisked away to an elegant Italian oasis onboard. That’s the magic of Prima Notte at Palo. This embarkation night-only dining experience combines mouthwatering dishes, fine wines and the kind of impeccable service that makes you feel like royalty. Here's everything you need to know about this toadally unique dining experience!
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Overview of Prima Notte at Palo
Favorite Disney characters and endless food options may come to mind when you think of a Disney cruise, but something you might not have heard about is Prima Notte at Palo — an upscale dining experience only available on your first night onboard. This adults-only dining event is held exclusively on embarkation night at Palo, Disney Cruise Line's renowned Italian restaurant. This special experience isn't meant to replace your dinner at one of the three Rotational Dining restaurants but to accompany it before your dinner.
For $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity), you'll enjoy a curated tasting of Italian dishes paired with fine wines. A sommelier will guide you through each pairing while sharing expert information. Prima Notte at Palo is available on all ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Our experience was on the Disney Dream.
The magic of Prima Notte lies in the details — a calm, elegant atmosphere, flawless service and dishes that will delight. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon or just the start of a magical vacation, Prima Notte sets the tone for your cruise adventure ahead. This intimate, upscale experience fills up quickly, so reservations are a must!
Prima Notte at Palo Atmosphere
Stepping into Palo is like hopping into a Venetian dream. Warm wood accents and elegant lighting make the space feel intimate and refined while floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the ocean. From the very first "Buonasera" to the sparkling glass of Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvée Brut you're handed upon arrival, the ambiance feels like a warm embrace.
Unlike the main dining rooms, Palo has a dress code so come dressed to impress, and ready to indulge! Palo maintains a formal or business-casual dress code, so think cocktail dresses, elegant tops with slacks or collared shirts with dress pants. Avoid casual wear such as flip-flops, shorts and tank tops to match the elevated atmosphere of this special evening.
The Prima Notte Menu and Wine Pairings
Sample Menu and Pairings:
- Antipasti & Aperitivo: Sliced Herbed Yellowfin Tuna with Biscotti di Regina, paired with Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvée Brut. This sparkling wine balances the delicate flavors of the tuna while adding a celebratory fizz to the start of the evening.
- Primi Piatti (First Course): Potato Gnocchi with Pine Nuts and Basil Pesto Prosecco Wine Sauce, paired with Chardonnay from Planeta. The richness of the gnocchi is complemented by the Chardonnay’s crisp acidity and subtle fruit notes.
- Secondi Piatti (Main Course): Snake River Farm Wagyu Beef, paired with Tenuta Luce 2019 (Merlot and Sangiovese Blend). The bold, structured wine enhances the deep, savory flavors of the Wagyu beef, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- Dolci (Dessert): Blood Orange Chocolate Mousse atop a Dusted Chocolate Disc, paired with Florus Moscadello di Montalcino Late Harvest. The sweetness of the dessert wine beautifully amplifies the citrus and chocolate notes of the mousse.
Each course is introduced with an explanation of the pairing, giving guests insight into why the wine and dish were matched.
Our favorite dish was the Wagyu Beef with the Tenuta Luce. The flavors were rich and toadally melted in our mouths. We all joked we wished we could enjoy a full fillet!
Prima Notte — A Wine Seminar at Sea
What sets Prima Notte apart is its unique approach to wine education. The sommelier doesn’t just pour your wine — they guide you through its history, flavor profile and how it enhances the dish in front of you. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, you’ll leave the evening with a newfound appreciation for the art of pairing.
For instance, you might learn how the crispness of a sparkling wine such as Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvée Brut cuts through the richness of a dish, or why a bold red blend such as Tenuta Luce complements the umami of Wagyu beef. These little tidbits turn an already luxurious meal into an interactive experience, where you’re encouraged to taste, learn and enjoy!
Making the Most of Your Prima Notte Experience
Since Prima Notte is only available on embarkation night, securing a reservation requires a little planning. Disney Cruise Line opens bookings based on your Castaway Club status:
- First-time guests — 75 days before sailing
- Silver members — 90 days before sailing
- Gold members — 105 days before sailing
- Platinum members — 120 days before sailing
- Pearl members — 123 days before sailing
- Concierge guests — 130 days before sailing
This reservation can be hard to snag. So if you’re considering, be sure to hop on making your reservations as soon as your booking window opens!
Final Thoughts — Is Prima Notte at Palo Worth It?
It’s easy to see why Prima Notte has become a favorite for Disney Cruise Line guests. The combination of elevated cuisine, perfectly paired wines and a seminar-like experience create an evening that's truly unfrogettable and sets the tone for the entire voyage and appreciation for the journey ahead.
For couples, it’s a romantic way to begin the adventure. The candlelit setting, indulgent menu and shared learning make it ideal for anniversaries, honeymoons or simply reconnecting without the tadpoles in tow (check out our full guide on the Disney cruise kids clubs!). Even solo travelers or groups of friends will find the experience enchanting. It's as much about the food as it is about creating memories.
The portions are thoughtfully sized, but the multi-course format ensures you’ll leave happily satisfied. Don’t hesitate to ask your server questions about the pairings or preparation — they’re more than hoppy to share their expertise and passion for the menu. Oh, and as a little extra treat, they even gave us a complimentary Palo pin so we would have a keepsake to remember the event forever!
Prima Notte at Palo is more than just a meal — it’s part of what makes Disney cruises magical. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply treating yourself to a touch of luxury, Prima Notte is the perfect way to leap into vacation mode. And while it may be tempting to rush back to explore the ship, take your time. Prima Notte is about savoring the moment, one delicious bite (and sip) at a time.
So, should you hop to it? For us, it was absolutely worth it! With its impeccable service and world-class cuisine, Prima Notte at Palo is a toadally worthwhile experience.
Thinking about booking this experience? Tell us what you’re most excited to try in the comments below!
Related: Our Hoppin' Guide to All the Disney Cruise Bars and Lounges
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