Hey there, Joy!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks for dropping by with a question. Dining onboard is a favorite activity of mine. The food is awesome and my family always discovers something new and yummy!
You won't have to do anything when it comes to scheduling mealtimes -- Captain Mickey and his crew will do all that for you. Disney has their innovative signature dining rotation plan, that allows your family to try all 3 main restaurants on board. You'll be receiving dinner tickets in your stateroom to remind you when and where you are dining for each night of your voyage. Your Key to the World Card will also have your table number and your restaurant rotation printed on it. You will either be dining early (1st seating) at 6pm or the late dinner seating (8:15pm). You'll be scheduled to watch the evening shows before or after dinner... so don't worry -- you won't miss anything!
On top of that, you'll have the same dining team following you every dinner. You'll get to know them and they definitely make every effort to make your voyage special. Having dining assignments also allows any special dietary needs to be taken cared of at the main restaurants.
If you intend to dine at
Palo, that will need a reservation. There is also an extra fee ($25 per person) for dinner, but I encourage you to enjoy a meal there -- it is absolutely a wonderful experience and so worth it. There are
other dining options on board, and it will be pretty tough to go hungry when you are onboard a Disney Cruise ship. Don't forget, you've got 24-hour complimentary room service if you get the munchies and crave for a Mickey Ice Cream bar anytime of the day (or evening).
Hope this helps, Joy!
~ Dolly