Blue Bayou or Aladdin's Oasis for MSEP

[quietly]

Hi guys,

Looking for a bit of advice in regards to my Blue Bayou parade viewing package. I am attending DLR on February 5th and have booked the package at Blue Bayou. Initially we were unaware that Pirates would be down for refurb and booked it because people speak highly of the ambience and fun of dining with the Pirates ride. We've also read since that the blue bayou viewing area isn't as good as the Aladdins Oasis for the parade but as we've never been we can't be sure. Does the AO area offer somewhere to sit or are they both similar? If anyone has any advice or opinions on this we'd love to hear it. Do we keep our BB booking despite pirates not running or change to the AO if it has a better viewing area?

 

[tzeitel]

Interested to see where the sections are for the packages. If it is like PTN, I think AO is by IASW and BB by the train station.

 

[StarlitNight05]

I'd like to hear what others think as well. I am also thinking of doing the Aladdin's Oasis special (I'd rather opt to go to Blue Bayou on my own and not pay so much pp). One thing that scares me are the Yelp reviews for the Aladdin's Oasis (when it was PTN): https://www.yelp.com/biz/aladdins-oasis-anaheim

Is it really as bad as people say on Yelp? Thoughts anyone?

 

[beachdreamr1229]

The Oasis food isn't as bad as Yelp says. It's not worth $20, but you're really paying for the ticket for viewing, not the food. The food itself was better than I expected actually. I had the lasagna and it was enjoyable. My kids ate the mac n cheese.

In terms of viewing parties for MSEP, does it really matter where you watch it from? It didn't when I was growing up. Not sure how that will change with the park culture of now vs then though. I prefer the Aladdin area just because I enjoy watching parades from IASM. It feels less crowded, though I'm not sure if that's true or not.

Looking at OP's dates, it looks like you'll be there after RDTC comes back, so I'd recommend the Main St. viewing area. The fireworks look better from there. If you're just seeing the parade, either is fine though.

 

[quietly]

Thanks for your advice on the fireworks too beachdreamr, I hadn't put that into the mix yet

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

I'd like to hear what others think as well. I am also thinking of doing the Aladdin's Oasis special (I'd rather opt to go to Blue Bayou on my own and not pay so much pp). One thing that scares me are the Yelp reviews for the Aladdin's Oasis (when it was PTN): https://www.yelp.com/biz/aladdins-oasis-anaheim

Is it really as bad as people say on Yelp? Thoughts anyone?

It's no gourmet meal, but it's fine. I've been twice, would have no problem going again.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

Does the AO area offer somewhere to sit or are they both similar?

For Aladdins Oasis You can really only sit if you are in the first row (on the ground) or second row (on the railing area), otherwise everyone else is pretty much standing.

 

[SeiterClan]

For Aladdins Oasis You can really only sit if you are in the first row (on the ground) or second row (on the railing area), otherwise everyone else is pretty much standing.

How early do you need to show up to get those curbside front seats for sitting?

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

How early do you need to show up to get those curbside front seats for sitting?

Well, I went twice and was able to sit both times.

The first time was on Labor Day, which was extremely busy. I got there just when the opened the area (about 30 minutes prior to the parade time) and there were a ton of people in front of me. The first 2 rows were not full by the time I went in, in part because of the way they had set up the area it was kind of hard to get down there. The front row (right at the rope) was full, but there was plenty of space to sit on the concrete right behind. However if everyone had chosen to go to the front, I would not have been able to sit there.

The second time was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We got there quite early, maybe an hour before the parade. There were maybe 8-10 people already lined up ahead. However, The area was much smaller compared to the first time, and the way they set up the seating area made it easier to go directly to the front, so it filled up much faster. Of course, we pretty much had our pick of seats.

Overall it's hard to say because I think they change the size and configuration of the seating area depending on expected crowds/how many reservations they have. But I'm thinking a hour prior to the show should be Ok.

 

[SeiterClan]

Well, I went twice and was able to sit both times.

The first time was on Labor Day, which was extremely busy. I got there just when the opened the area (about 30 minutes prior to the parade time) and there were a ton of people in front of me. The first 2 rows were not full by the time I went in, in part because of the way they had set up the area it was kind of hard to get down there. The front row (right at the rope) was full, but there was plenty of space to sit on the concrete right behind. However if everyone had chosen to go to the front, I would not have been able to sit there.

The second time was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We got there quite early, maybe an hour before the parade. There were maybe 8-10 people already lined up ahead. However, The area was much smaller compared to the first time, and the way they set up the seating area made it easier to go directly to the front, so it filled up much faster. Of course, we pretty much had our pick of seats.

Overall it's hard to say because I think they change the size and configuration of the seating area depending on expected crowds/how many reservations they have. But I'm thinking a hour prior to the show should be Ok.

Great! I'm hoping it's similar for MSEP. We our doing Aladdin's Oasis for the reserved seating on Friday, Feb. 3rd for the first parade to avoid the mad rush & because it's the first night of the Remember fireworks. Also does your whole group have to be there the whole time? Thinking of putting down a blanket for my 5 kiddos & letting them run around, use the bathroom, etc. We will have 4 adults as well including myself so I won't leave it unattended but know that my 2 & 5 year old especially will have a hard time just waiting for an hour. :/

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

Great! I'm hoping it's similar for MSEP. We our doing Aladdin's Oasis for the reserved seating on Friday, Feb. 3rd for the first parade to avoid the mad rush & because it's the first night of the Remember fireworks. Also does your whole group have to be there the whole time? Thinking of putting down a blanket for my 5 kiddos & letting them run around, use the bathroom, etc. We will have 4 adults as well including myself so I won't leave it unattended but know that my 2 & 5 year old especially will have a hard time just waiting for an hour. :/

They take your tickets when you enter the roped off area, so if you leave you will need to go back to the front entrance to let them know you are leaving, otherwise you won't be able to get back in. Once everybody is settled, there's really not all that much space to roam around unfortunately. Maybe it would be better if you can get a spot close to the entrance so you can get in and out easily.

To be clear, you can't actually sit down until 30 minutes prior to the parade. If you get there any earlier, you will be waiting in line, so some roaming is probably fine, going to the bathroom or whatever. At 30 minutes prior, the open the area and everyone goes into the reserved area to find a spot.

Your whole group probably doesn't need to be there (as long as each person keeps their ticket), i saw some other people with blankets, but as I said you will only be sitting for 30 minutes, so there's not a whole lot of benefit to this IMO. Simpler to just stay together.

 

[SeiterClan]

They take your tickets when you enter the roped off area, so if you leave you will need to go back to the front entrance to let them know you are leaving, otherwise you won't be able to get back in. Once everybody is settled, there's really not all that much space to roam around unfortunately. Maybe it would be better if you can get a spot close to the entrance so you can get in and out easily.

To be clear, you can't actually sit down until 30 minutes prior to the parade. If you get there any earlier, you will be waiting in line, so some roaming is probably fine, going to the bathroom or whatever. At 30 minutes prior, the open the area and everyone goes into the reserved area to find a spot.

Your whole group probably doesn't need to be there (as long as each person keeps their ticket), i saw some other people with blankets, but as I said you will only be sitting for 30 minutes, so there's not a whole lot of benefit to this IMO. Simpler to just stay together.

Makes sense--we will stick together then. :0 Thank you!

 

[stal]

Does anyone know how much the Grab and Go option is, and what the choice is? Can't find the price info anywhere.

Thanks!

 

[Steven G]

http://dlrprepschool.com/special-di...ating-for-shows/#Aladdin8217s_Oasis_On-the-Go

According to the page, the cost has gone up from the picture currently there by a a dollar or so, and they will try and get updated pic.

 

[Jperiod]

We prefer the Aladdin seating near small world over BB main street for the parade. You can stay in both places for fireworks too. Aladdin lasagna was fine but chicken is TINY!! My son and husband had to get a second meal. If you like the menu at BB and want to order one of the pricier items, it's a better value for food.

 

[DharmaLou]

Does BB have a special menu for the viewing or is it the same?

 

[Jperiod]

Does BB have a special menu for the viewing or is it the same?

Apparently there is a new shrimp appetizer, ribeye steak entree, and fruity mousse (shaped like the MSEP turtle with the hat) dessert. Otherwise it was the same as what I've seen for online PTN menus. My husband had all 3 and they were very good.

 

[Satye1]

Did Aladdins for MSEP last night. Food was good, dining part great-however parade section...Standing room only really-maybe a few lucky ones were able to sit. Showed up 1 hour early. Shoulder to shoulder packed like sardines. DH was not happy. All in all we were fortunate to get a front rail view but claustrophobic experience was not to be desired. DH said if he had to do it again, he would rather camp out on curb for free, they had a lot more room than we did.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Did Aladdins for MSEP last night. Food was good, dining part great-however parade section...Standing room only really-maybe a few lucky ones were able to sit. Showed up 1 hour early. Shoulder to shoulder packed like sardines. DH was not happy. All in all we were fortunate to get a front rail view but claustrophobic experience was not to be desired. DH said if he had to do it again, he would rather camp out on curb for free, they had a lot more room than we did.

Sounds like I'd rather just sit on the steps over near It's a Small World like I have been. Thanks for the info.

 

[quietly]

Did Aladdins for MSEP last night. Food was good, dining part great-however parade section...Standing room only really-maybe a few lucky ones were able to sit. Showed up 1 hour early. Shoulder to shoulder packed like sardines. DH was not happy. All in all we were fortunate to get a front rail view but claustrophobic experience was not to be desired. DH said if he had to do it again, he would rather camp out on curb for free, they had a lot more room than we did.

Good to know! Thanks for the reply!