Blue Bayou with a 3 year old

[whitneyebz]

We took a 3, 5, and 7 year old to BB last year and they did awesome. We were right by the water, we were given activity pages and crayons, and the kid food was great and well-priced (they got lots of food, including a veggie appetizer!). Our kids are happy as long as they have good or some kind of activity book. We will have a 2 year old with us this year as well as our other 3. I am not worried at all. But...as long as my kids aren't being loud and obnoxious I don't care what other people think (laughing and quiet singing is fine by me!)

 

[azdisneylover]

You will be fine with your table singing, laughing and having a good time. Like others have said, it is the temper tantrums, crying, whining, screaming that will get you the stink eye. Allowing your child to run around in the restaurant, even though it is up and down the aisle by your table will not only get the double stink eye from me, but asking you to please stop your child from running. That behavior puts the waitstaff in jeopardy along with other patrons.

 

[Gisele]

Just sit by the kitchen. It is just noisy enough near there to where no one really will notice tiny tots that might be having an issue. Or any adult too for that matter. Lol.

Just go and have a nice time. Don't worry about anything.
Like I read somewhere, it goes that there is no need to worry if you can do something about it, but if you cannot, you will still have nothing to worry about.

 

[Star11]

Oh, please don't even think twice about it, bring your kids! Disneyland is for kids and families, I think some people forget that...have been to BB many times w/ toddlers, no issues, just treat it like any other restaurant where you make sure they have food and entertainment (coloring books, your smart phone, whatever) they like so that you can enjoy your meal, too it's a little dark in there, so if any sourpusses dare give the stink eye, you wouldn't have to see them anyway. I know it's even more expensive then typical Disney food, but everyone is still in jeans and sneakers, and it's *inside* an amusement park ride, for crying out loud...not like you are at a formal event or anything! Enjoy, it's a fun atmosphere, especially if you guys love the ride.

 

[CandMmommy]

Oh, please don't even think twice about it, bring your kids! Disneyland is for kids and families, I think some people forget that...have been to BB many times w/ toddlers, no issues, just treat it like any other restaurant where you make sure they have food and entertainment (coloring books, your smart phone, whatever) they like so that you can enjoy your meal, too it's a little dark in there, so if any sourpusses dare give the stink eye, you wouldn't have to see them anyway. I know it's even more expensive then typical Disney food, but everyone is still in jeans and sneakers, and it's *inside* an amusement park ride, for crying out loud...not like you are at a formal event or anything! Enjoy, it's a fun atmosphere, especially if you guys love the ride.

It's actually my older girls very favorite

 

[Baklava]

Most 3 year olds will probably not enjoy the experience. Even well-behaved and not bothering people, there's still the factor of the child's enjoyment and the pacing at BB is frequently very leisurely. It's dark, it's slow, there are interesting things going on *just* out of sight but the tables are too close together to make it reasonable to go look... it's just not a good time for your average pre-schooler.

 

[woodynjessiesmomma]

We took our 5yo and almost 2yo in 2013 and had no problems. Our kids are used to eating out. It didn't seem like a particularly long meal but we did go at lunch. The staff was friendly and there is a kid's menu so I take that as kids welcome, but they need to behave. There is a lot of ambient noise so a talkative table shouldn't be an issue, but I have not sat waterside so I don't know if its quieter there. I was there with a friend earlier this month and there were kids at almost every table around us and it was no issue. If you are really concerned sitting closer to the entry or the kitchen would mask noise coming from your table. If you think your child will be running in circles around the table, and TS restaurant might not be right at this age.

 

[geergirl]

I see previous posters mentioning it and want to repeat it that the time matters. We purposely booked the earliest possible lunch reservation on only the second day of our trip. We know our kids do not manage being tired and/or hungry well so planned around that. They did great at 11:30 but 1:30 would have been a mess. Basically, unless your kids are wild in restaurants you should be okay if you do a few things to manage the situation - timing, something to occupy them at the table, knowing there is something they will eat. It's a great experience!

 

[ktlm]

Kids are everywhere at DL. I wouldn't think twice about bringing her. My only reservation would be if she is scared of the dark, even if there are a ton of people around her. BB is very dark. If you can get a table by the water, she could be entertained watching the boats go by. She can wave at the people. I think my DD was 4 the first time she had dinner at BB. She loved the fact that it was outside inside. She loved the place, BUT one thing I will warn you about dinner in there is that because it was so dark, and because we had been going since rope drop, she fell asleep on the table. She was totally out cold. Gave her a nice little nap before we went out and did more evening stuff, but wasn't real helpful in getting her to actually eat her dinner. (She actually has done that on at least 2 of her BB visits). I would think that would not be a problem at lunch. If you are second guessing it, I will say that while atmosphere wise, BB is terrific, we do prefer the food at Café Orleans. If BB is something you really want to do, I would not skip it just because of your DD's age.

 

[calilou]

Most 3 year olds will probably not enjoy the experience. Even well-behaved and not bothering people, there's still the factor of the child's enjoyment and the pacing at BB is frequently very leisurely. It's dark, it's slow, there are interesting things going on *just* out of sight but the tables are too close together to make it reasonable to go look... it's just not a good time for your average pre-schooler.

I totally disagree. My grandfather started taking my sister and I to Blue Bayou on our annual Disneyland trips when we were toddlers and it's one of the first memories I have, let alone first Disneyland memories. There's something extra magical about that place IMO that is not lost on young children. My daughter who is now 8 still talks about the first time she remembers eating at BB (she was probably 4) and not believing us that were actually inside a building made to look like the nighttime outside rather than actually being outside.

I admit that it may not be interesting for some children, but most 3 year olds capable of dining out are going to get a kick out of it IMO.

 

[Gisele]

I totally disagree. My grandfather started taking my sister and I to Blue Bayou on our annual Disneyland trips when we were toddlers and it's one of the first memories I have, let alone first Disneyland memories. There's something extra magical about that place IMO that is not lost on young children. My daughter who is now 8 still talks about the first time she remembers eating at BB (she was probably 4) and not believing us that were actually inside a building made to look like the nighttime outside rather than actually being outside.

I admit that it may not be interesting for some children, but most 3 year olds capable of dining out are going to get a kick out of it IMO.

What? Inside you say? Silly landlubbers! Actually one really is dining alfresco, during a cool, crisp early evening along the shores of the old bayou. Where the fire flies seem to mystically dance to their own internal music. And seeming to accompany the fireflies and other creatures of the night, is a plethora of crickets that are chirping to their own tune during twilight time. And if you listen real careful like now, you may just be able to hear, carried upon the soft winds, many a restless spirit, both very old and new of the bayou.
Now the question is, will one be brave enough to give ye spirits a listen?

​

Image from Flicker

 

[avalovesminnie]

We went for a 4:40 dinner with a 1, 3 and 5 year old. We did not feel remotely out of place. It's pretty loud. There was a wide range of people in there. There were coloring books, its hard to find dropped crayons! My 3 year old had a moment of asking repeatedly when we were leaving...saved by dessert though! My 5 year old kept asking if we were inside or outside, and found the ceiling vent...so he said inside. If fussy a trip to the bathroom always saves us.

 

[707MickeyGirl]

It's an awesome place for kids! Get them a beverage with a glow cube and have them count the shooting stars that fly across the "night sky." We bring a tiny flashlight or use the cell phone screen to find dropped crayons.