John and Kevin's California / Hawaiian (working) Vacation News

[jpeka65844]

Why grow up? I try not to...

I have a friend who says "people don't grow up; they just learn how to behave in public."

 

[wdwscout]

I have a friend who says "people don't grow up; they just learn how to behave in public."

That's my M.O.
Not gonna grow up- but I try to play an adult when necessary.

Have a safe flight to Honolulu!! Can't wait to hear about your adventures.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Lunch today at Blue Bayou.

We will probably review this, but my first reaction can be summed up in three words.

Dark

Expensive

Joyless.

Maybe something will happen to turn this around.

You couldn't have said it better. It's all about hype due to the location, but the food isn't the best. Personally, I prefer Ralph Brennen's and Cafe Orleans (pommes frites, mmmmm). As for the location, it's a nicely themed restaurant and yes, the boats for Pirates do go by (I had a table right by the water), but I honestly expected something a bit more "pirate-y." Maybe I built it up in my head too much.

 

[Aburns8]

I heard the Blue Bayou is like that. But a review would be awesome to listen to!

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Lunch today at Blue Bayou.

We will probably review this, but my first reaction can be summed up in three words.

Dark

Expensive

Joyless.

Maybe something will happen to turn this around.

That's pretty much how I would sum it up too. It's very much like CRT at MK in that they rely solely on the location. If I really have a hankerin' for a Monte Cristo, we'll just go to Cafe Orleans where you can get the exact same sandwich/serving, but for less money! ANNNNNNND, you can the get yummy pommes frites w/remoulade at Cafe Orleans that they don't serve at Blue Bayou. Mmmmmmmm!!

 

[Paul in CT]

Well, today is our last day in Disneyland.

Our plan is to wander around the parks and see the things we want to see.

Our only dining reservation is at club 33....so the rest of the day is up in the air.

Then we have to come back and pack.

We have to be up very early in order to drive to LAX, return a rental car, get through security and make an 8:00am flight to Honolulu.

The weather is HOT, sticky and hazy......kinda like Orlando.

More later.

Kevin,

I hope that you and John have a chance to spend some time in Honolulu. We had the chance to stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village while visiting our daughter and son-in-law in August 2009. It was BEAUTIFUL! Right on the beach and within walking distance of several wonderful dining experiences. Our favorite was "House Without a Key" at the Halekulani where we celebrated our wedding anniversary. We are looking forward to hear of your experiences.
Have a safe and fun trip!

 

[DisneyKevin]

The food was okay. Not great, but not horrible.

My lunch, which consisted of six ounces of salmon, au gratin potatoes, a small serving of green beans and a cup of "gumbo" (think mostly rice) was $36.95..

That's pretty outrageous.

And on top of it......it was pretty much total darkness inside.

The tables are black, so when I sat m camera down, I had to feel all ove the table to find it.

No light, no music, no smiles....just joyless.

Why isn't the soundtrack to Princess and the Frog playing in this place.

It's the perfect fit.

 

[Paul in CT]

Lunch today at Blue Bayou.

We will probably review this, but my first reaction can be summed up in three words.

Dark

Expensive

Joyless.

Maybe something will happen to turn this around.

Dark! You've got that right! I could barely read the menu when I ate there a few years back. Did not enjoy the Monte Cristo sandwich, but loved the POC ride that runs through it and the "French Quarter" area of DL.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Kevin - Thanks for taking the time to post while you're on your trip.

 

[topolino]

I agree that Blue Bayou is dark and can get very crowded. It's also very expensive.

In spite of all this, for me,no trip to Disneyland is complete without a waterside table at Blue Bayou with a Monte Cristo.

The restaurant is inside of PoC at Disneyland for crying out loud. Because of that I'm willing to cut it some slack.

 

[topolino]

Hope Blue Bayou turns around. I may have to rethink my dinner reservation for there in August. I thought the kids would get a kick out of it, but it may not be worth it. Enjoy dinner at Club 33, and good luck with the flight tomorrow. It's not the start of Carmaggedon out there is it?

Why grow up? I try not to...

I think Kevin would be the first to tell you that his opinion is just that, his opinon. Try places for yourself. Especially a place like Blue Bayou, which despite some negative reviews, needs to be experienced at least once.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Oh that sounds soooo Fun! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[BriarRosie]

The food was okay. Not great, but not horrible.

My lunch, which consisted of six ounces of salmon, au gratin potatoes, a small serving of green beans and a cup of "gumbo" (think mostly rice) was $36.95..

That's pretty outrageous.

Damn right that's outrageous. That's why I wouldn't eat there. I did eat there once...back in 1996. I knew I wanted the Monte Cristo because that was the signature item there. I'm glad I tried it once, but I refuse to pay those prices for a lunch, not to mention dinner.

From what I've gathered, the Blue Bayou serves Boatwright's food at signature restaurant pricing. I think if anyone wants a Monte Cristo now, Cafe Orleans is a much better value. (Not that I wanted that sandwich more than once!)

This restaurant is probably more overhyped than Le Cellier. There are much better choices at DLR!

 

[HawkeyeMickey77]

Can't wait to hear what you think of Aulani! We were in Hawaii this past January & rented a home in Ko'Olina. We found it to be an absolutely beautiful area! Nice that it's away from the hustle & bustle of Honolulu & Waikiki. The lagoons in at area are very family friendly too! What we were able to see of Aulani at that time looked to be pretty amazing. Looking forward to your reviews.

 

[oc_tony]

Glad you had a good time out here in California. Enjoy your time in Hawaii. Thanks for all the updates.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Had dinner this evening at Club 33.

To put things in perspective, my lunch entree at Blue Bayou was several dollars higher in price than my dinner entreat Club 33.

The differences?

At lunch I ate in the dark using my iPhone flashlight to see my food.

At dinner, I had a lovely table overlooking New Orleans Square and Fantasmic.

At lunch, we had a personality free waiter whose first words to u
s were "do you want something to drink?"


At dinner, we had a great waiter who inquired as to whether we had a good day in the parks. One of the servers remembered us from our ABD breakfast and came over to say hello. She remembered that I liked Diet Coke with lime.

And to top it off.....my lunch entree was $36.99 and my dinner entree was $32.00

 

[paulasillars]

Have a fab time in Hawaii - we love it there!

 

[topolino]

Had dinner this evening at Club 33.

To put things in perspective, my lunch entree at Blue Bayou was several dollars higher in price than my dinner entreat Club 33.

The differences?

At lunch I ate in the dark using my iPhone flashlight to see my food.

At dinner, I had a lovely table overlooking New Orleans Square and Fantasmic.

At lunch, we had a personality free waiter whose first words to u
s were "do you want something to drink?"


At dinner, we had a great waiter who inquired as to whether we had a good day in the parks. One of the servers remembered us from our ABD breakfast and came over to say hello. She remembered that I liked Diet Coke with lime.

And to top it off.....my lunch entree was $36.99 and my dinner entree was $32.00

But you are comparing Blue Bayou to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the country; one to which 99% of the population is denied access.

While the differences between your two experiences are striking, and you do a good job illustrating them, I don't think it's a fair comparison at all.

 

[starwood]

I guess when you include the membership fee for Club 33 it would then be more expensive then Blue Bayou. I agree with your assessment of the food at Blue Bayou. We ate there a few years ago and I was not impressed with the food. I loved the atmosphere of being able to see the Pirates boats go by but not the food.

 

[lugnut33]

Just as a comparison for pricing:

Coral Reef at Epcot: Salomn with Russian fingerling potatoes and wilted spinach, in a Dijon cream with black mustard seed $23.99

Chefs De France: Broiled salmon, tomato Bearnaise,ratatouille made with onions, zucchini, eggplant and bell peppers $27.95

California Grill: don't have a salomn dish but they do have Seared Atlantic Flounder - over pancetta, "tater tots", brussels sprouts, spiced crawfish, and sauce Americaine $36

Brown Derby: No salomn, but Brown Butter Almond-crusted Black Grouper - with Golden Beets, Roasted Celery Root, Leeks, and a Lobster Beurre Blanc $31.00

Narcoosee's: No salomn, but Crab-crusted Flounder - Crushed Fingerling Potatoes, Haricots Verts, and Meyer Lemon Sauce $35

Citrico's: No salomn, but Pan-Seared Red Snapper -Fregula pasta, little neck clams, rock shrimp in tomato and saffron sauce with olive oil crostini 36

Artist's Point: Cedar Plank Roasted Wild King Salmon - with Roasted Baby Fennel, Marble Potatoes, Pinot Noir Beurre Rouge, and Crispy Truffle Chips $37