Blue Bayou - how to get a waterside table?

[momtotwolittleones]

I can't even remember the last time we ate here, it's been years, but the kids think it would be fun so I made a lunch reservation on the day we are going to be in the park. My understanding is that you request waterside once you check in, and may have to wait, is that correct? Also, does anyone know if they can accommodate a table of 5 for waterside seating? We are thinking of having someone join us, but don't want to do it if it means we can't sit waterside or if it's going to make our wait that much longer. Thanks!

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

Yes they can accommodate you waterside but with that many I'd make SURE I got there 20 min early and check in. Are you the first reservation of the day?

 

[blackjackdelta]

Done it many times. Be the first reservation of the day, check in early, at least 20 minutes or so. We have had a table of 6 many times.

Good luck
Jack

 

[krispin41]

Walk up to the podium, and say, "What are the chances of getting a waterside table?"

 

[mom2rtk]

Walk up to the podium, and say, "What are the chances of getting a waterside table?"

And add "I'm willing to wait".

Done it many times. Be the first reservation of the day, check in early, at least 20 minutes or so. We have had a table of 6 many times.

Good luck
Jack

Being first reservation of the day and getting there early really is the best advice.

 

[BriannaRuth]

We always get there 20 minutes early but don't usually book the first reservation of the day because 11 is prime ride time. We usually book for 1:30 or so and arrive around 1.

If you do the first reservation of the day, would you still arrive 20 minutes early? Seems like they wouldn't be open.

 

[JanJan324]

We just did Blue Bayou for my birthday in March, 4:30 reservation and we arrived at four and were told it would be approx 30 minutes for a waterside table. Took only about 20 minutes to get seated. The table next to us was seating 10, so larger groups are possible waterside. Good luck!

 

[lalasmama]

Like others have said, show up a little early, ask nicely, and acknowledge your willingness to wait. I've never done the first seating of any meal, and never had a problem with getting a waterside table. One time, I think we waited maybe 40 minutes (having shown up 20 minutes early). They do give out restaurant pagers that work in the nearby shopping areas.

 

[HydroGuy]

Having done a party of 6 a number of times, unless things have changed there are two waterside tables that can handle 5-6 people. I have gotten those tables on numerous occasions following the type of advice given by everyone else here.

 

[Laundress]

The wait is not really that long for a waterside table. I figured everyone was ready to get back to the parks so there dose not seem to be much lingering after the meal. Having a later in the evening reservation helps too.

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

We did 5 people last week first seating showed up 20min before 1130am and got waterside

 

[momtotwolittleones]

Thanks! We don't have the first seating (11:30 just seemed too early), ours is closer to 2. But we will definitely stop in early and let them know of our request. And good to know they can accommodate a larger group too!

 

[Meldev]

This is good info! I plan to book BB for my 17th wedding anniversary dinner ... we'll be a party of 6 because kids are with us! Now to design my anniversary day shirts.... ;-)

 

[figment_jii]

In addition to the advice given (first reservation time or odd time, ask politely, be willing to wait, etc.), I would also recommend that you don't get a reservation for just after opening. The waterside tables fill first with guests with the 11:30 am reservations, so the next group has to wait until one of those groups finish before a waterside table opens up (I'd guess about 45 minutes). So there is a period when there might actually be a fairly considerable wait for a waterside table. Also, I don't know if this is still true, but a few of the CMs I've spoke with said that they know most guests want a waterside table, so they fill those first at 11:30 am when the restaurant opens.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

In addition to the advice given (first reservation time or odd time, ask politely, be willing to wait, etc.), I would also recommend that you don't get a reservation for just after opening. The waterside tables fill first with guests with the 11:30 am reservations, so the next group has to wait until one of those groups finish before a waterside table opens up (I'd guess about 45 minutes). So there is a period when there might actually be a fairly considerable wait for a waterside table. Also, I don't know if this is still true, but a few of the CMs I've spoke with said that they know most guests want a waterside table, so they fill those first at 11:30 am when the restaurant opens.

Yeah one of the CMS told us that the 11:30 reservation people get first dibs and most want a water table so they just plan for that. Good advice. If we go next time and don't want 1130 we'll give it an hourish after that.

 

[SMD]

We were told last weekend that there's a new resort-wide policy and they can only check you in 10 min before your reservation. They wouldn't even take our name and add it at the 10 min mark, we had to wait and come back. We may have just been at a busy time or gotten a CM who wanted to be strict with the rules, but it could be a new thing.

 

[tarheelalum]

My coworker got one a few weeks ago on a Saturday but she had to wait an hour and 15 minutes for it. If you are willing to wait, however long that day, you can get one by the water.

 

[maleficent55]

I called 60 days out, the soonest booking opens, and requested the first seating of 11:30 and it was booked already! And I called exactly at 7:00am! The cast member I talked to said that people started their booking online at 3:00am which is officially when the bookings open.
I couldn't believe it. Luckily the cast member worked a little disney magic, a little pixie dust, and "suddenly" found an 11:30 spot when he heard my disappointment!
If you have a first seating reservation of the day (11:30) and you get there early (~20-30min) and request waterside, you'll have a good shot!

 

[Winnowill]

I was told that they fill the waterside tables first thing and that, if your reservation was at opening time, you'd automatically be put at one without even needing to request it. That said, requesting is probably a good idea.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

We happened to ride Pirates on Monday just after 11:30 and noticed that although there weren't too many people in the restaurant yet, they were all seated at waterside tables.