Blue Bayou - waterfront seating

[BenA81]

I've made my priority seating for Friday, May 22nd woohoo for 4:30 and would really like to sit waterfront, is it easy to get a seat there or is it a crapshoot? Any suggestions?

Also, any favorite menu options out there?

 

[Disney Dreams]

It is not easy. It is a "crap shoot," but...
Get there early. Check in. Request the water. Tell them you are willing to wait. And then wait.

It is not a sure shot, but it helps.

We have found smiles, patience, and kindness helps too.

 

[BenA81]

I'm hoping that since we aren't going during a traditional meal time that it will be a little easier. Thanks for your response.

 

[DizMe]

It is a total crap shoot, but there are some things to keep in mind.

First, I totally agree with Disney Dreams about being kind and patient! Her instructions are excellent.

Second, it is generally harder to get a waterside table if your party is large.

Third, it is very hard to tell how long you will have to wait. It seems like they have begun giving you a very long estimated time frame, and I wonder if it is to discourage people from waiting for waterside. We've been told several times (in the past year) that the wait would be over an hour and we've only had to wait 15 minutes or less (with PS reservations). We were once told the wait would only be 20 minutes and waited an hour and a half, but it turned out they'd lost our reservation request. We were told on my birthday (party of 2) that we'd have to wait 1 1/2 hrs so we took a table in the 2nd tier, only to find that there were several waterside tables for 2 shortly after we'd been seated. We had another experience of having our reservation request disappear but we made sure to ask how much longer after we noticed a party who'd come in with the same request after us was being seated. So...pay attention to the parties around you, if possible, and take what you're told by the CMs with a grain of salt. If you've waited quite a while, ask how much longer to make sure they haven't misplaced your reservation.

Our shortest wait was when we walked in with no reservation at all and got a waterside table after about 3 minutes, but it was near the end of the time they took walk-ins for dinner. We'd noticed the night before that they took walk-ins at that time and planned it, but that was Jan. when it wasn't very busy.

Finally, we were given misinformation and, well, not told the truth on two separate occasions by a certain male CM who works in the host area. Maybe it was just circumstances beyond his control, but I will avoid him in the future! I understand that things come up, but at least tell me the truth.

 

[splash5]

Arrive early for your reservation - then request a waterside table- the wait time is sometimes like 45 minutes - but well worth it!

 

[BenA81]

ok cool. we have a party of 2.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

make sure you request when you called an when you check in check in 20mins early an stay close then when they start checking in you should be first make sure every one who helps you you make sure to say were hoping for waterfront seats an stuff.

 

[BenA81]

yea when I called I asked the CM if I could request it then but she told me I had to wait until I checked in at the restaurant.

 

[ratherbe@disneyland]

Is it true all 11:30 reservations are waterside seating? Heard this on mouseplanet...we are hoping to go when we are there in October, and were going to do an 11:30 reservation.

 

[pixiewings71]

Not all 11:30 PS (they are not reservations, it's simply putting your name on the list before anyone else) will be waterside, you do have to request it. And don't be shy about being firm on the waterside table and waiting. We've been told every time (unless we had the 11:30 PS) that it will be a long wait, 30-45 min, and we are seated within about 15 min. every time. The host/hostess will try to discourage you but be firm and let them know you're OK waiting. We usually check in 20-30 min. early and let them know then that we would like waterside seating, it does seem that the earlier you let them know the better. Have a good time!

 

[Bugdozer]

Hi,

I made Priority seating for our trip next month at BB. I made them for 11:30 am with hopes of getting a waterside seat. My question is how early can we check in for 11:30 seating. I can be there as early as possible.

Thanks,
bug

 

[ratherbe@disneyland]

Okay thanks! We will stand firm!

 

[avalon451]

Hi,

I made Priority seating for our trip next month at BB. I made them for 11:30 am with hopes of getting a waterside seat. My question is how early can we check in for 11:30 seating. I can be there as early as possible.

Thanks,
bug

You shouldn't have a problem if you show up by 11:15. Just check in with the podium and politely request waterside. We were a party of two, and we were the first seated, right by the water.

I like this method best for getting waterside at BB-- take the first lunch seating, check in 15 minutes early, and it's very likely there'll be no waiting past your PS time. Lunch is (marginally) cheaper than dinner, anyway.

OP, I don't think the 4:30 p.s. time will affect the busy-ness of the restaurant. BB is pretty much always packed.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

I agree with Avalon. The restaurant is booked all day, especially during a busy time. So that wont help you. But be nice, yet firm...and check in early.

 

[pixiewings71]

Hi,

I made Priority seating for our trip next month at BB. I made them for 11:30 am with hopes of getting a waterside seat. My question is how early can we check in for 11:30 seating. I can be there as early as possible.

Thanks,
bug

We tend to check in between 11:10 & 11:15 for our 11:30 PS. Just make sure you ask for the host/hostess for waterside seating right then, don't come back later and ask.

 

[BenA81]

how close do the boats get to the dining area? Are people on the ride going to be able to see me while I eat?

 

[DizNee Luver]

We just did this on the 11th. We checked in & I totally forgot to ask about water-side....I did mention we were celebrating our 25th Anniversary. When the hostess came to seat us, she said we have a very special table for you. It was waterside!!!!!! BONUS!!

The boats come by & yes they can see you & you can see them. Sometimes they yell things.... I thought it added to the night!!! lol One guy yelled "throw food" so I yelled back "throw money"....

Our kids came by on a boat & we were able to see them & wave....unfortunately due to the darkness I wasn't able to get a good picture of them!!!

It is wonderful in there & the food is very good.

We got the crabcakes as an appetizer, the cajun-spiced salmon (and split it) & then the cookie boat to share for dessert. Delicious from the start to the finish!!!

Enjoy!!!

 

[BenA81]

that cookie boat looks delicious!

 

[avalon451]

The riders definitely are close enough to see. DD13 started waving at EVERY BOAT. We were right before the first drop, so sometimes she yelled, "Say yer prayers!"

If you'd like to see a few more pics of food, you can see ours from our trip report, linked in my siggy below, page 6. We went for lunch on our last day.

 

[BenA81]

hmm. Maybe I'll try talking DW into moving our PS's from 4:30 to 11:30.