Welcome Aboard, Linda!
Thanks for cruising by the Moms Panel with your question!
I completely understand you not wanting your kiddos (or yourself!) to miss out on the cool show in Animator's Palate - it's one of the highlights of any Disney Cruise! On a seven-night voyage, with Disney Cruise Line's Rotational Dining, you'll have a chance to visit all three
main dining venues twice during your sailing. My advice is to book
Palo for one of the last three evenings of your sailing. By then, you'll have visited all three restaurants in your rotation, and you won't miss the super-fun Animator's Palate show!
Your dining rotation will be given to you when you check in at the port, and will be listed on your Key to the World Card. If, for some reason, you need to make adjustments to your Palo reservation due to a conflict, you can do that once you board the ship. You'll be given a Personal Navigator - a detailed daily schedule of events happening on the ship. On the first day's Navigator, you'll find times and locations where you can go to request dining changes. The dining staff is very helpful and will do everything they can to make your dining experience work perfectly for you and your sailing party!
I hope this helps with your planning. Make sure to order the chocolate souffle at Palo - it's what dreams are made of!
Have a most magical day! - Diane W.