Blue Bayou - missed reservation window

[laura&fam]

I missed the reservation window for Blue Bayou. I was trying to book the Fantasmic! package not realizing that Fantasmic isn't showing during our trip. By the time I figured it out, it was too late and reservations were gone. I'm going with my sister and she loves Blue Bayou. I was supposed to be the trip planner . I've tried the paid reservation notifications but no luck yet and the trip is less than two weeks away.
Any suggestions on an alternate restaurant? Atmosphere is important. She's not a huge Star Wars fan and I can take it or leave it.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Chances are something will eventually show up. If not, try going over there around 10:30 am and ask in person. They open at 11 but there's usually someone standing outside the restaurant around 10:30. Don't wait much later than 10:30. I don't know offhand if BB offers the online waitlist (from the app), maybe someone else knows.

Other restaurants for atmosphere -- Carthay Circle or Lamplight Lounge. Or you could do Cafe Orleans or Tiana's Palace for similar food to BB. Not quite the same atmosphere, but same New Orleans feeling.

 

[Rex1993]

@BriannaRuth beat me to it with basically the same reply. Just to elaborate, lots of people book multiple reservations throughout each of their days at the park and then cancel before the window closes to avoid the fee. This is when you can pick up last minute reservations.

 

[TinkAgainU]

@BriannaRuth beat me to it with basically the same reply. Just to elaborate, lots of people book multiple reservations throughout each of their days at the park and then cancel before the window closes to avoid the fee. This is when you can pick up last minute reservations.

The free cancellation window at Disneyland (for most restaurants, not sure about Character Meals) is 2 hours prior. Keep trying the day before (some people still think they need to cancel by midnight the night before) since reservations usually have the "best" shot at a water side table. It's almost "romantic" at BB - but Carnation Cafe (outside) and Plaza both have some good people watching tables and good food at more reasonable prices - so you have less chance of feeling you paid too much. BB is my favorite for a glass of wine or to get out of the sun but I would not focus on it if it distracts you from truly enjoying the first couple hours in the park when it is at it's prettiest and fewest number of people. Ride pirates and put BB on your list for next time - a good reason to return!

 

[ClaudiaKincaid]

sign up for one of the services/bots that sends reservation availability via text -- I don't want to run afoul of policy here by mentioning any by name, but there are a couple of good ones and they have saved my reservation bacon many dozens of times!