I recently had the privilege of sailing in the Disney Dream compliments of the nice folks at Disney. While on board, I dined at three restaurants, including the very popular Animator’s Palate.
All of the dining on the Disney Cruise Line is pretty incredible, but Animator’s Palate is one of the most unique and impressive “restaurants” I’ve ever experienced, and that’s not an overstatement.
Atmosphere
Animator’s Palate is a restaurant because it serves food, but it’s so much more than that. It’s not a dinner show to the extent of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Disney World, but it is pretty cool.
The focus of Animator’s Palate is Disney animation, and the entire experience revolves around that. Large sketches of some of your favorite Disney characters cover the walls inside the restaurant.
I don’t want to spoil the climax of the show, but suffice it to say that there’s a lot to see and enjoy, and it’s something you’ll never forget!
Animator’s Palate is engaging and dynamic, whimsical and fun for kids and adults alike. Because of all the activity, this restaurant can be very loud, but that’s part of the fun of it. The diners really get into the show!
Animator’s Palate is located on every ship, but it’s a little different on each one. On the Disney Dream, Finding Nemo’s Crush talks to guests during their meal. It’s a lot like Turtle Talk with Crush in The Seas pavilion at Epcot. The restaurant itself is themed like an artist’s workroom with pencils, paintbrushes, and film strips scattered throughout, and you’ll even notice these touches on the dishes.
Food
The atmosphere may be the most impressive part of this dining experience, but the food is nothing to laugh at. Like everything else on the ship, it’s upscale and delicious with a Pacific Rim theme, although the dishes have touches of familiar American cuisine.
The service is excellent and on the level of fine dining. One really cool thing about dining on a Disney Cruise is that your server and his or her assistant follow you to every meal (except Palo or Remy), so they get to know you, and you get to know them. Animator’s Palate serves two mealtimes nightly usually at 5:45pm and 8:15pm.
Food
The food at Animator’s Palate may not be the star of the show, but it is quite tasty!
There are a variety of appetizers like the Smoked Salmon Tartar and a Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes and soups and salads like butternut squash or potato soup (GF) and arugula leaves (GF).
Main dishes include Grilled Tuna Steak, Lemon Thyme Marinated All Natural Chicken Breast (GF), Herb Crusted Pork Chop, and Ginger Teriyaki Dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin. Bread service is also available for dinner, but don’t forget to save room for dessert!
There is also a lot of variety here like Dark Chocolate Mousse (GF), Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake, Apple Crumble Rice Pudding, Lemon Icebox Pie, and a basic Cookies n Cream Sundae. There are also a couple no sugar added options including a Deconstructed Carrot Cake.
What’s really awesome about the meal is that the animation on the walls comes to life as the meal progresses. This is quite the dining experience!
The Cost
Animator’s Palate is part of the rotational dining plan, and the cost of the meal is included in the cost of your cruise. You should still tip your server though, but this can be done in your final gratuity at the end of your cruise.
While the dining experience was a bit loud, the entertainment and the food were great. If you take a Disney Cruise, be sure to check out Animator’s Palate.
Have you ever dined at Animator’s Palate on a Disney Cruise?