Picture this: You're gliding across the ocean on a Disney cruise ship, indulging in a luxurious tasting of world-class Italian wines paired with dainty, mouthwatering bites from the elegant Palo restaurant. It's an unforgettable night of culinary adventure that might just redefine what a vacation treat can be. But here's where it gets intriguing – is this opulent experience a splurge worth every penny, or does it cater only to the elite? Stick around, and let's dive into the details of our firsthand encounter with the Prima Notte Tasting Event.
Disney Cruise Line's Palo eatery hosts the unique 'Prima Notte' gathering, a special wine and food sampling adventure reserved for the inaugural evening of your voyage. Our team participated in this on the Disney Fantasy, and while specifics can vary slightly, the general format remains consistent across all Disney Cruise Line vessels.
What Prima Notte at Palo Entails
Get ready to relish an outstanding array of premium Italian wines, each thoughtfully matched with petite, curated appetizers from Palo. Think of it as a guided journey through flavors, where every sip and nibble tells a story of Italy's rich culinary heritage.
Planning ahead is key for this exclusive affair. You can reserve your spot in advance alongside other Disney Cruise Line excursions. Bookings typically become available once your payment is complete, and they depend on your Castaway Club membership level – higher tiers might get priority. Spots fill up fast, so snag yours as soon as possible. For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive guide on pre-booking Disney Cruise Line activities (https://wdwnt.com/2024/06/guide-prebooking-disney-cruise-line-activities/), which breaks down the process step by step to make it easy even for newcomers.
The Prima Notte session lasts about 60 minutes and takes place at Palo, located on Deck 12 at the rear of the Disney Fantasy. It comes with a price tag of $85, plus an obligatory 18% gratuity automatically added. Importantly, this is an adults-only event for those 21 and over, ensuring a sophisticated atmosphere free from distractions.
Vegetarian diners, rejoice! Simply inform your server upon arrival, and they'll accommodate you seamlessly. We sampled both the standard and plant-based alternatives to give you a full picture.
Our Detailed Review
This experience is nothing short of spectacular, offering a global wine tour through four petite courses expertly paired with beverages. The sommelier – that's the wine expert – shares fascinating insights into winemaking techniques and the nuances of different grape varieties, while the chef enlightens you on the dishes' origins and preparations. It's educational yet entertaining, perfect for beginners curious about the world of wine without feeling overwhelmed.
The evening kicks off with a welcoming glass of champagne to ease you in, setting a bubbly tone before the main event unfolds.
First up is the 2022 Jermann Where Dreams Have No End, a crisp Chardonnay with a delightful oakiness balanced by notes of salted butter. For beginners, Chardonnay is a versatile white wine often described as buttery or fruity – this one delivered on both fronts, making it an approachable start.
Paired with it is delicately sliced herbed yellowfin tuna sourced from Southampton, England, accompanied by biscotti di regina – a sweet, crunchy element that adds a citrusy zing. The tuna melts in your mouth, enhanced by dried fruits and a side of tangy mustard for a refreshing contrast. Each portion is generously sized for a bite or two, fitting perfectly into the hour-long format without leaving you stuffed.
Vegetarians aren't left out here. Their first offering is penne pasta drenched in a vibrant red sauce and pesto, finished with fresh olive oil. Even if it sounds simple – like something you'd whip up for a quick lunch – Palo's version elevates it with a velvety sauce, aromatic pesto, and a subtle kick of heat that makes it savory and irresistible.
Moving on, the highlight wine for us was the 2022 Chianti Classic Riserva from Banfi, a gentle red with light acidity that's easy on the palate and pairs beautifully without overpowering.
The accompanying dish is Palo's renowned gnocchi topped with basil pesto – absolutely divine. The dumplings are cooked to fluffy perfection, doughy and light, while the pesto bursts with fresh herbs and flavor. For vegetarians, the gnocchi gets pan-fried and sauced with red instead, and you even get two portions to enjoy its equal deliciousness.
Third in the wine lineup is the 2021 Luce Delle Vite Super Tuscan, a bold, full-bodied red that's rich and heavy – think of it as a robust hug in a glass, ideal for deeper sips.
This powerhouse pairs excellently with Snake River Farms steak, a high-quality beef sourced by many top Disney dining spots for its tenderness and flavor. To give you context, Snake River Farms is known for premium, grass-fed cattle, resulting in beef that's juicy and well-marbled.
Vegetarian guests receive a plate of thin porcini mushroom slices interspersed with olives, crowned with broccolini, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar – another stellar creation that proves plant-based options can shine.
Dessert time brings the Ben Ryé 2022 Passito di Pantelleria, an ice wine that's sweeter than most. We're not typically fans of sugary wines, but this one won us over with its exceptional taste, reminiscent of dried apricots – a pleasant surprise that broadens the appeal.
The sweet finale is a chocolate mousse encircled by citrus, garnished with a raspberry atop a chocolate base. It's elegant and satisfying.
Vegetarians enjoy a similar treat, but with a caramel twist maintaining the chocolate foundation and raspberry accent.
Wrapping It Up
In essence, you get five beverages and four petite morsels – oh, and a charming pin as a keepsake! For the cost, it's an excellent deal, blending value with elegance. Past iterations of the pin exist, so repeat visitors might score a fresh design, adding to the collectible fun on top of the fantastic memories.
Tom & Rosanna’s European Disney Adventure – Part 1 Video
Catch the video recap of this review and explore more from Tom and Rosanna's journey on the Disney Fantasy in the vlog below. The relevant segment kicks off around 1:09:00.
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Shannen Ace (https://wdwnt.com/author/shannen-michaelsen/)
And this is the part most people miss: While Prima Notte offers an exclusive, high-end indulgence, some might argue it's pricey or elitist, potentially excluding budget travelers. Is the $85 entry (plus gratuity) justified for an hour of opulence, or should Disney make such experiences more accessible? Could the vegetarian adaptations be improved to feel even more inventive? We'd love to hear your thoughts – do you view this as a must-do luxury or an overrated splurge? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let's spark a discussion!
