Blue Bayou is Full! - Alternative?

[catjammies]

Going to DL soon. Blue Bayou is already totally booked for the day in question, according to Dreams......

What would be a second alternative - for fairly nice for 2 families traveling together???? We have no idea - as we've not been there in years!

 

[SandraVB79]

This is a WDW restaurant board, however I know DL better anyway

Have you considered Cafe Orleans? It used to be cafeteria-style, but now it is table service. Sitting outside is wonderful! You can peoplewatch, and yet it is so calm!
What they serve? The Monte Cristo (regular one, and one with just cheese), they have a crab sandwich, crepes filled with seafood (and I think they also had it filled with something else). There were some salads on the menu (I think one with shrimp). As dessert, we had the Mickey beignets. There was also a crepe filled with chocolat and something.
It has been more than a year ago, so I don't remember everything. If you click on the dining review link of the 2006 DL-trip in my signature, you can see some pictures.

River Belle Terrace, while cafeteria-style, is also very nice! Did you know Walt used to have breakfast there on Sundays? Mickey pancakes first thing in the morning while you watch the Mark Twain go by for its morning run is just an amazing way to start the day!

I have never been there but I heard that Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Californian is also very nice.

 

[BCV23]

I agree that Cafe Orleans would be a great alternative. The Monte Cristo is the the same and they serve pommes frites that are excellent. It's a side dish and one order was plenty for three of us to share.

When we were at DL in Feb, a wonderful salmon salad was on the menu on a trial basis. I hope it stayed on as it was soooo delicious. The dressing was a light citrus and so refreshing. I loved this salad and I don't even like salmon!!! My DH ordered it and I ordered the Monte Cristo with the plan that we would share. Well, I loved that salad so much I don't know if he got much. We went back to CO I think 2 more times that trip.

We actually liked CO much more than Blue Bayou.

 

[JnK]

We loved Catal in Downtown Disney. Also maybe checkout Storytellers at The Grand Californian

 

[BCV23]

Yes, Storytellers is another good choice for families. Good food and pretty decor including a fireplace in the middle of the room.

We also enjoyed Ralph Brennan's. Some very good seafood and there were long tables that could accommodate two families.

 

[DizneyMommy]

River Belle will be closed until December...

Have you thought about dinner at Ariel's Grotto or the Vinyard Room in DCA? Both are nice, VR is more upscale than AG, but AG is a character meal with princesses. AG is a fixed meal, one price gets you drinks, soup/salad, entree, and dessert. We really enjoy dining there, and actually prefer the food over Blue Bayou - larger portions and more variety at AG.

 

[TribeFan]

The Blue Bayou only takes a certain percentage of tables from Disney Dining and they leave the rest for walk ups. If you really want BB, then get to the podium at the time the park opens and see if you can book a table then.

By the way what's "according to Dreams ..."?

If you want a plan B, I agree with Storytellers Cafe. Have been there at least 20 times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and always had great food and good service.

 

[GailT]

Ralph Brennens was real good, I am trying Catel this time and I am glad to hear from JNK that catels they loved, looking at the menu I can't wait to try it there

 

[biolabetty]

A month ago we couldn't get into the Blue Bayou, but the CM on the phone told me to go by there either at 11:30 or after 2:30 and try walk-in. We went at 3:00 and were immediately seated. Of course we were a party of 2, and it may be more difficult with the size of your party. I wouldn't go any later than 4 because the dinner crowd started forming by the time we were leaving around 4:30.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Unfortunately traveling with a large group does cause problems. When were were there, the people walking up were turned away and were told to make ressie's for two days later or try then.
I would try the walk up approach but ressie's else where just in case.

Good luck,

Jack

 

[catjammies]

"According to Dreams" - refers to Dreams Unlimited.

Yeah - we could do walkup - or like a midafternoon time!

 

[flyinshirer]

We enjoyed Storytellers Cafe too. My girls ordered pizza and they brought it to them on a big Mickey head cutting board type of thing and she got to make her pizza. They even brought her a chef hat and then they come back and take it to the kitchen to cook it. She thought that it was the coolest thing! And the food is great and price isn't too bad.

 

[cwoob]

i've heard Napa Rose is really good & it cost about the same as BB... & the desserts are even better!!!

 

[disneyfansmandl]

I also vote for Storytellers. Try the corn chowder.

 

[ShawnaF]

Try calling Disney Dining directly.

If that doesn't work, I vote Ralph Brennan's, Catal, or Napa Rose for upscale & nice. If you've got small kids, pick a character meal.

 

[blackjackdelta]

The Blue Bayou only takes a certain percentage of tables from Disney Dining and they leave the rest for walk ups. If you really want BB, then get to the podium at the time the park opens and see if you can book a table then.

By the way what's "according to Dreams ..."?

If you want a plan B, I agree with Storytellers Cafe. Have been there at least 20 times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and always had great food and good service.

When I read this I called Disney Dining and asked about the above statement. The CM stated that they will reserve all tables for all times if they can. They do have cancellations and no shows and these are what "walkups" wind up getting.
I would try Cafe Orleans if not Brennan's. Nape Rose is pretty expensive if that fits your pocket book. Good luck.

Jack

 

[AmericanItGirl]

Brennan's will provide you with a New Orleans feel that is comparable to BB, if that's a factor in why you wanted BB in the first place.

 

[lapdwife]

Our favorite is Storytellers at the Grand. In fact, I plan on making Christmas dinner reservations there. We haven't even tried Napa, but I want to soooo bad. With a 2 year old in tow, I'm afraid to try it just yet.

 

[actionvaughn]

Cafe Orleans would be my choice, and if you're sitting outside, you can watch the New Orleans band, and your kids might get some time to "chat" with Remy.