Carthay or Blue Bayou?

[TinkSassy]

I can only afford to splurge on one and am trying to decide. Food reviews seem better at Carthay but I've never eaten at Blue Bayou. Which should I choose?

 

[Jerry Horne]

Blue Bayou for sure, especially if you've never been there before. The service at CC is iffy at best.

 

[dragonflycurls]

I have not been to CC, and have been to Blue Bayou a handful of times.

This trip we are going to celebrate my 30th birthday and we wanted to find somewhere to celebrate. I thought we would do 33 but after a connection fell through we decided on Blue Bayou. We've never had a bad meal there and I personally think it's just SO.COOL. I love the ambiance of it there and the food has always been good!

 

[Cinderpamela]

We love them both but for different reasons.

Blue Bayou is such a Disney experience, being able to dine inside the PoC ride is a must do at least once for every Disney fan, we love to go for lunch and get the classic Monte Christo -with a split plate fee.

CC is beautiful and full of great Walt Disney memorabilia. It is more of a fine dining establishment and while we enjoyed it immensely if I was forced to choose and I had never been to either I would go BB.

Even if you don't dine at CC you should go in and check out the lobby if you are a Walt Disney fan.

 

[Midnightred]

Blue Bayou! We thought the food was excellent, and we're foodies! I want to try CC next time we go, but BB is just so special.

Midnightred

 

[crystal1313]

My DH and I debated this on our last solo trip too. We are not adventurous eaters. There was only one thing on the CC menu we would both eat, lol. So BB it was! We hadn't been in over 5 years and it well surpassed my expectations! Much better then before! Service was amazing. Food was super yummy! Ambiance, cannot beat! I had the surf and turf and it was delicious....we also debated Steakhouse 55, another restaurant we LOVE, but choose BB because the sides came with the entree instead of a la carte like at Steakhouse 55. I do however, plan on having at least a cocktail at CC our next solo trip =)

 

[gregtheshark]

My DW and I always do CC one night and BB another. Two similar but very different experiences.

CC has a classier feel to it and is generally a more upscale experience.

BB is pure Disneyland and since its in Pirates its is definitely a must try experience. If we had to choose one, it would be BB. Signature Disney.

Shark

 

[HootDad]

On my last trip with my DL buddy we went to CC and the time before that we went to BB. While I think the food at BB leave a lot to be desired, as a pure DL experience you can't beat it. If you are looking for really good food the clear choice is CC IMO.

 

[Swtonscrappn]

We at at BB in 2009 and didnt think the money was worth the food...however, the atmosphere was amazing. So I took my mom again this March and the food was EXTREMELY good. IDK what it was, but I was so happy I gave it another chance.

 

[whoever]

The food was a major letdown at CC. I felt cheated actually. BB blew them away in terms of quality of food, taste, execution, and service.

 

[OKW Lover]

There is certainly something about the BB setting that makes the food seem better. However, in terms of a good foodie experience you can't beat CC. Really good food, well prepared and served.

 

[figment_jii]

I also like both, but they're different experiences. I would give BB the edge, just because of the atmosphere.

Food: I liked some of what I've had at Carthy Circle. The biscuits were my favorite item, but the salads are also pretty good. The BB short ribs were amazing. Surprisingly, I also really liked the gumbo that comes as the starter. I'd be happy to eat at either location.

Service: I've had good service at both restaurants. The servers were very polite and came around frequently enough that drink glasses remained full(ish) and dishes were cleared.

Atmosphere: BB is inside PotC (albeit at the beginning), but that's pretty hard to beat. CC is very pretty looking, but it's not inside a ride.

Price: Both are pricey...

 

[DisneylandPlanner]

I LOVE BOTH!!!
We have had great meals, service, and experiences at both. I will say the HUGE price increase at BB has stopped us from going. With entress over $30 (except the veggie option at 29.99) I just could not do it this year. At CC with the entrees a little less expensive (starting at $25) getting to chose appetizers and have a drink. This has been our choice for a splurge.

 

[JenaRuns]

We had dinner at CC last weekend. It was the best meal and the best service we've ever had at Disneyland. That includes BB, Napa Rose, and even Club 33. The food was flavorful and not too fancy. Love BB for the ambience, but for the food, it's CC. (Kind of expensive, though.)

 

[pirate_smiles]

I have eaten at both places

BB wins for atmosphere. A true Disney experience IMO

And CC is more upscale with better food.

 

[Susie63]

No high end meals for us on this quick trip but I would love to do CC and have a couple appetizers and a drink. Can we do this with our DD 11 and what are the recommended appetizers?

 

[disneyobsessed808]

I actually loved Carthay Circle restaurant in terms of food, but since you've never been to either, I would say that you should definitely do Blue Bayou on this trip. I haven't had anything amazing there, besides the Monte Cristo, but the atmosphere can't be beat. When I think of Disney dining experiences, BB is where I immediately think of.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

No high end meals for us on this quick trip but I would love to do CC and have a couple appetizers and a drink. Can we do this with our DD 11 and what are the recommended appetizers?

Yes you can do this. I would definitely suggest the fried stuffed biscuits, which are amazing.

Another thing you can do is eat in the lounge on the first floor which has a limited small plates menu.