Blue Bayou reservation time question

[Pluto468]

I might take my kids to BB for the first time on our next trip. I was thinking if we went at 11:00 we might have a better chance for getting a water table since it's right at opening, but does the reservation time matter?

Whenever I've gone in the past I haven't minded waiting a little while for the water table, but it would be fun if we didn't have to wait.

 

[Brian Borsz]

we had a 11am reservation and we’re the 2nd table seated and water front. It seemed like for sure they were seating the water front tables 1st

 

[ComeToSocialize]

If you're there right at opening, you should get a water table.

That being said, everytime I've requested a water table in the past at other times of day, I've been told "it could be an hour wait" and then only waited 15-20 minutes or so. Small sample size, but something to consider.

 

[Pluto468]

Thanks! I'm glad I went with the 11:00, because from what everyone's saying it sounds like I'll have a shot at the water table. I've had water tables a couple of times, and once about one row back. Once we were near the kitchen, another time near the bathroom. Not very magical lol.

 

[TexasJedi]

I hope it works out for you!

I had a very different experience with my family in mid-December, however. We had an 11:00 appt, and I thought we could get there right at 10:45 when we could start the check-in to request a water table. Unfortunately, there were over a dozen other families already there and waiting, and we were seated in the middle of the restaurant once it opened.

Our wait would have been about an hour or more had we waited because they filled the water tables first, but definitely have enough 11:00 reservations available to fill the restaurant. So, my advice if you're going to be there on a decently crowded day is to get there well before check-in starts to ensure you're near the front of the line/list.

 

[alleighboo]

We had a reservation at 11:20 when we went in October. My plan was to get there at 11 to request a water front table but there was a huge line and I figured it would be a hassle and a longer wait. We were in at restaurant and led straight to a water front table at 11:05 without asking. Like someone else said, get there a few minutes before because everyone with an early reservation has the same idea and they seem to fill from the water to the back.

 

[DizMe]

I finally managed to score a reservation for my (last minute) birthday trip. It's for 2:30. What's the best way to get a waterside seating at that time of day?

 

[Pluto468]

I finally managed to score a reservation for my (last minute) birthday trip. It's for 2:30. What's the best way to get a waterside seating at that time of day?

I wouldn't think BB will be super crowded at 2:30. Maybe just arrive a little early and ask? In the past I've been happy to sit in their little waiting area and ...wait. Do they still have that little waiting area?

Glad you got your reservation!

 

[ComeToSocialize]

Quick unrelated question: I decided on an upcoming trip with my wife and father-in-law that it would be nice to try to take my FIL to Blue Bayou as he's never been. I'm not a fan of the food at BB for the price point, and so far the only time I could get is 3:15pm which is an awkward time as we already have Napa Rose booked for 5:45pm.

Question: Is it at all frowned upon for us to just order glasses of wine and maybe 1 or 2 apps to share, rather than a full meal? I know there's no minimum spend, so I think we'll probably just get 3 glasses of wine plus the scallops to share (maybe 2 scallops depending how many scallops it come with). Normally I wouldn't do this, but as this is a laid back trip, and now that they serve wine, I thought this might actually be the best way to experience Blue Bayou.

 

[DizMe]

Quick unrelated question: I decided on an upcoming trip with my wife and father-in-law that it would be nice to try to take my FIL to Blue Bayou as he's never been. I'm not a fan of the food at BB for the price point, and so far the only time I could get is 3:15pm which is an awkward time as we already have Napa Rose booked for 5:45pm.

Question: Is it at all frowned upon for us to just order glasses of wine and maybe 1 or 2 apps to share, rather than a full meal? I know there's no minimum spend, so I think we'll probably just get 3 glasses of wine plus the scallops to share (maybe 2 scallops depending how many scallops it come with). Normally I wouldn't do this, but as this is a laid back trip, and now that they serve wine, I thought this might actually be the best way to experience Blue Bayou.

Yes! I went last month with my sister and we each had a Hurricane drink and split a Monte Cristo. We spent the same amount on 2 drinks as we did on the Monte Cristo we shared, and in the eyes of the servers, we were probably an easy table plus we spent less time in the restaurant than someone with more food and drinks.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[Pluto468]

Quick unrelated question: I decided on an upcoming trip with my wife and father-in-law that it would be nice to try to take my FIL to Blue Bayou as he's never been. I'm not a fan of the food at BB for the price point, and so far the only time I could get is 3:15pm which is an awkward time as we already have Napa Rose booked for 5:45pm.

Question: Is it at all frowned upon for us to just order glasses of wine and maybe 1 or 2 apps to share, rather than a full meal? I know there's no minimum spend, so I think we'll probably just get 3 glasses of wine plus the scallops to share (maybe 2 scallops depending how many scallops it come with). Normally I wouldn't do this, but as this is a laid back trip, and now that they serve wine, I thought this might actually be the best way to experience Blue Bayou.

I've heard of alot of people on these boards doing that over the years, so I'm sure it would be ok.

 

[ComeToSocialize]

Yes! I went last month with my sister and we each had a Hurricane drink and split a Monte Cristo. We spent the same amount on 2 drinks as we did on the Monte Cristo we shared, and in the eyes of the servers, we were probably an easy table plus we spent less time in the restaurant than someone with more food and drinks.

I hope you have a great time!

Awesome, sounds good! Now that they serve alcohol, seems like a good way to enjoy BB without paying $50 for a bad steak...

How was the Hurricane? I usually avoid cocktails and stick to beer/wine at Disney restaurants unless it's someplace like Carthay or Lamplight that has a real bar. I can't stand the Oga's cocktails for example so i always just get beer there. I love the cocktails at Carthay or Trader Sam's though.

 

[DizMe]

Awesome, sounds good! Now that they serve alcohol, seems like a good way to enjoy BB without paying $50 for a bad steak...

How was the Hurricane? I usually avoid cocktails and stick to beer/wine at Disney restaurants unless it's someplace like Carthay or Lamplight that has a real bar. I can't stand the Oga's cocktails for example so i always just get beer there. I love the cocktails at Carthay or Trader Sam's though.

I LOVE the hurricane:

Blue Bayou Restaurant​

In May 2021, when Disneyland reopened its iconic Blue Bayou restaurant next to Pirates of the Carribean, it had a new addition to the menu — alcohol. The New Orleans-inspired spot offers wine and beer but if you're going for strength, the Hurricane is your best bet. Bacardi Reserve Ocho and Myers's Original dark rum are mixed with orange juice, passion fruit puree, grenadine and lime juice. It's a pirate's life for anyone who drinks one. Like Oga's Cantina, Blue Bayou enforces a two-drink maximum.
https://laist.com/news/food/drinkin...-california-adventure-and-downtown-disney-too