Ahoy, Kelsey!
Welcome aboard planDisney! It sounds like you’re ready to launch into embarkation day with the kind of energy usually reserved for Sebastian conducting an under-the-sea finale. I know fitting everything in can sometimes feel like trying to get Hei Hei to follow directions, so let’s chart a course that keeps your evening as smooth as a magic carpet ride.
When it comes to the timing of your
dinner at Palo, the experience generally lasts around 90 minutes. It can be a bit longer or shorter depending on factors like the size of your party, the pace you enjoy your courses, and how many delicious dishes you order. Keep in mind that Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment so Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices can review package details, confirm costume sizing, and make sure everything is picture-perfect before the transformation begins. With that 15-minute early arrival, your dining team at Palo would only have about 45 minutes—far too little time to savor an experience that deserves to be enjoyed, not rushed like Duke Weaselton dodging responsibility.
Since the cancellation policy requires
changes at least 24 hours in advance (or 3 days before sailing for embarkation-day activities), I recommend choosing the activity that matters most to your crew so you can enjoy it without feeling like you’re racing against a talking pocket watch. Within 3 days of sailing, any changes will need to be handled by Guest Services once onboard. While I’ve generally had pleasant outcomes when needing to cancel an embarkation day activity, I can’t guarantee any specific result.
But fear not—there are a few options worth exploring, and none require a magic wand. Once you board, open your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and look for the Onboard Dining Session. This is the perfect chance to speak directly with the dining team to see if an earlier Palo time has opened up. With a bit of luck—and maybe a dash of pixie dust—they might have a spot that gives you more breathing room.
You can also visit the Boutique right when it opens to ask if your current appointment could be shifted a little later. There’s no guarantee, but sometimes a well-timed request can work wonders, much like Anna convincing Kristoff that true love and a sleigh can coexist. And don’t forget to check the Navigator app the moment you enter the terminal and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi to see if any new times appear for either activity.
I hope this helps set your sails in the right direction and takes a little of the pressure off your embarkation-day planning. You’ve got a magical voyage ahead, and I want you to enjoy every moment at a pace worthy of a Disney daydream.
Sea ya real soon as the tides turn toward thankful hearts and joyful journeys,
Dustin