Wondering what kind of dining experiences you can expect aboard the Disney Cruise Line? Elegant, memorable, incredible ones. But for some, none is so memorable as the Animator’s Palate, a Disney Cruise dining option that will delight all of your senses.

No more than 10 years old when I set sail on my last Disney Cruise Line voyage (this must be rectified … and soon!), most of my dinner experiences consisted of me begging to be released from the table.

After all, my newfound friends and, perhaps more importantly, my newfound freedom at my pre-teen club, awaited.

This wasn’t the case for one particularly incredible restaurant experience, however.

Animator’s Palate on Disney Cruise Line—my all-time favorite Disney restaurant—was different. And I gladly accompanied my family for the duration of our dining rotation to experience a meal like no other. 

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What Disney Cruise Ships Offer Animator’s Palate?

Photo courtesy of Disney

Luckily, Animator’s Palate is not hard to come by. You can dine at Animator’s Palate aboard the:

• Disney Wonder

• Disney Magic

• Disney Fantasy

• Disney Dream

Though the Disney Wish does not set sail until mid-July 2022, it sounds as if it will be the first Disney Cruise Line ship without Animator’s Palate.

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A Celebration of Animation Aboard Disney Cruise Line

Though Animator’s Palate has undergone some updates since my last time setting sail with Disney Cruise Line, the premise of the beloved restaurant has very much stayed the same.

Diners find themselves immersed in the magic of Disney animation — watching their favorite characters from Disney and Disney·Pixar films transform from black-and-white sketches to full-color masterpieces.

Photo courtesy of Disney

I remember sitting jaw-dropped, excitedly pointing at so many beloved Disney characters coming to life. I’d tug on my grandpa’s shirt and frequently announce to my family, “Did you see that?”

It was one of those moments where you truly feel the magic of Disney—and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. 

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You’ll find exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes details, and stunning photography across 64 pages. It’s the closest thing to being at Disney… without actually being there!

Unique Experiences at Animator’s Palate on Disney Cruise Line

As if watching animation in action wasn’t special enough of an experience on its own, Animator’s Palate serves up several unique experiences based on the ship you’re on.

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature a predominantly classic black-and-white background that feels like a tasteful but uniquely Disney art gallery.

Aboard the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into an animator’s studio—with character sketches, lightboxes, paintbrushes, and workstations artfully decorating the venue.  

The particular dinner show you’ll enjoy is also unique to the ship you’re on.

Photo courtesy of Disney

If you’re sailing on the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, you’ll witness Drawn to Magic, which stars the ever-spectacular Sorcerer Mickey and celebrates the evolution of animation.

If you’re setting sail on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy, you’ll find yourself amazed by Undersea Magic—featuring digital animation of under-the-sea friends and even a chance to chat with Crush.

On select cruises on the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy, you’ll also have the chance to become a part of the animation action yourself.

Through Animation Magic, guests are invited to try their hand at drawing a character, which will ultimately come to life and become part of the show.

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A Tasteful Menu at Animator’s Palate

Photo courtesy of Disney

While the only thing I remember about the fare at Animator’s Palate is the refreshing kiddie cocktail our waiter brought my sisters and me at every meal (having a dedicated waiter for your dining rotations is awesome!), most reviewers seem to agree that the experience of Animator’s Palate is better than the food itself.

Animator’s Palate serves Pacific Island-, Asian-, and California-inspired dishes. The most recent reviews I’ve read claim the food is fair—nothing too special.

You’ll find an assortment of options, like creamy butternut squash soup (which my mom still raves about!) and smoked salmon tartare for an appetizer and main courses like Pacific black cod and Angus beef tenderloin. You’ll also, of course, find desserts including crème brulée (yum!) and peanut butter mousse.

Or, if you’re like my sister, you can just camp out at your ship’s respective all-you-can-eat soft serve ice cream shop.

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Review: Animator’s Palate Is About the Experience, Not the Food

While the food might not be the most incredible, the dining experience most certainly is.

More than a decade later, my Disney Cruise Animator’s Palate dining experience is still one of my favorite Disney memories—and I’ll be not-so-patiently wishing upon a star until I find myself in the middle of Disney animation once again. 

Bon voyage!

What’s YOUR favorite dining experience aboard the Disney Cruise Line fleet? Tell us over in the comments on our Facebook page!

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