Disappointed in Blue Bayou

[pindecisive]

Okay so I made ADR's for Blue Bayou and I just have to say, it SO wasn't worth it.

It was my first time eating there and an almost dream of mine and basically what happened was this,

I showed up 15 minutes early for my reservation, but still waited for ten minutes past my reservation time even though I was a party of one.

The waiting room was very crowded and architecturally not well thought out for seating. So finally I was called and I asked for a water seat. The woman tells me it'll be a longer wait. By that time I'm starving and it's been a hellish day (the worst day in Disneyland I've ever had) and I don't want to wait 20 minutes for better seating.

So I mistakenly say that it was fine.

And am ceremoniously seated in the farthest corner from the water, next to a potted plant at the WORST seat in the house. I'm not kidding. Look for it if you go there, it's next to the white washed gates. Not only cant you not see anything, you can't even hear anything because that corner is where the waiters go to talk to each other.

So I decide to make the best of it and look at the menu, which after a few questions to the waiter has very little on it I can eat. So I choose the one dish that looked the best while looking at the menu online and in front of the restaurant, the crab legs.

I also had the gumbo and spinach, both of which were wonderful.

The crab legs on the first bite were good, but after a few bites the sauce that was practically dripping off every inch of them got to taste a little funny and very rich. Truthfully I thought I might get sick right there at the table.

All in all for one of the most expensive dishes in the house and the worst seat, I payed way too much. I would have rather had a churro and a lemonade while standing in line for Astro Blasters. It just capped off the bad day I was having.

I was so disappointed. And I think I really still am. Hopefully if I ever go back with others it'll be for lunch and I'll ask for water seating beforehand.

 

[wilma-bride]

What a shame you had such a disappointing experience. We've never been to DL but, if we do, I will bear in mind what you say about water seating

 

[hjohnson6]

I am sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy it. The Blue Bayou is one of my favorite places to eat.

 

[BCV23]

I think we had the same table that you had when we had lunch there this Feb.

The CM at the podium was unfriendly which did not bode well. But our server was great. And then the rest of the trip when we rode Pirates, our son loved pointing out where we ate. That almost made it worthwhile.

Now Cafe Orleans we loved!! The salmon salad was so light and fresh tasting. The Monte Cristo was just as decadent and tasted better in the daylight!

 

[quiltymom]

Sorry that you had such a bad experience. Was this the first time you had eaten there?

I've rarely been seated on time at the BB. Why? Everyone loves eating there so much that they don't want to leave. You can't make people leave if they don't want to.

As I was reading your post, the first thing that went through my mind when you said you asked for a water seat after your name was called was "Uh-oh". I just knew what was coming next! I'm sorry that this had to happen to you - it's unfortunate.

So, for everyone out there in DISland and who have never been to the BB & you want a water seat you will always have to wait longer, and you must ask for it when you check in. Make sure to remember that tip!

We always go at lunch - have a late lunch (3:30). It's easier to get seated by the water. And I love the jambayala (which you can also get at the French Market). So, try lunch next time. It is cheaper, and it also has a few different menu items.

 

[Minniespal]

What a shame you didn't enjoy your meal. We had a lovely meal at Blue Bayou last year.

 

[extremesoccermom]

I am also very sorry you were disappointed with your whole experience. We are regulars (1 or 2 time a year) at WDW. We made our first trip to DL spring break March 07 and had a wonderful meal there. On our first day in the park we realized what a nice looking place it was and decieded to make ADR for a couple of days later. We are glad we did. Although we did have a little wait we got a nice table (not by the water but we could still see the man sitting on the porch of the shack). While we were there Eric Estrada came in with a fairly large party so that was exciting but did not interfere with our great food and company.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We have only eaten at BB a few times, but loved it each time.
I do know locals in the area that don't care for it at all though. So it could be they have off times.

 

[JPoppins]

Recently my DF and I took our DS (16) and his friend out of school on a Wednesday in February - Best day I have ever had DL in my life and I have been 20+ times! - I have been wanting to have dinner at the BB for years, but something always came up, but this time I was determined to eat there!
And you know what, I wasn't impressed. We did have a lovely table on the water (that was really nice) but the food was so-so. It wasn't bad, just way overpriced for what it was. The atmosphere was nice, but it did get a little loud a times.

 

[chasgoose]

I have always felt that the Blue Bayou was completely overpriced for what you get. Even when you get a water table, the food itself is no better than what can be had at Cafe Orleans (or even the bread bowl gumbo CS place) outside. I do think that eating there is an experience worth doing ONCE, but don't expect to feel like you get what you paid for in terms of food.

 

[mv1175]

Is the view from the waterside really that great(also I wonder how I can enjoy it with a 1yo and 4yo)? I beggining to wonder if maybe I should cancel my reservation and just go to cafe orleans instead. Any insights would be great.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[lulubelle]

Since they raised their prices about 30% last year, we never eat there anymore. I didn't think it was really worth it before, and now...no way. Cafe Orleans is our new fav! The food is fabulous and the atmosphere and view wonderful. I am sorry you had a bad experience. It seems like a party of one doesn't get the same treatment. (I have dined alone at DL myself).

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I'm sorry you had a bad experience at the BB. We went there last week for lunch and were seated right on time. Since we had arrived 10 minutes early, the host was asking us disney trivia questions. Then, although we did not ask for it, we were seated at a table right next to the water.

The food was very expensive, but we thought it was great. Everyone enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience, the seating and the food you had sounds pretty lousey!

Guess the lesson here is to really make sure and ask for the water table up front, and be willing to wait for it if need be. I know for the prices not getting a table by the water wouldn't be worth it for us either.

We will be there next Friday for dinner, and plan on having the steak. I sure hope that is good!

 

[pittypat]

We made ADRs about 30 days before our arrival and were told at that time to arrive about 15-30 minutes early to request a water-side table. Our actual reservation time was 11:30, but we checked in at 11:00 and the hostess pulled our card and said she'd "take care of us". We were seated at exactly 11:30 and had a water table. Food was pricey, but we knew that ahead of time and had planned for that. We also thought the food was excellent, tho we are not really particular eaters. It is always interesting to me how different people can have such different experiences at the same place. That tells me that it is so much dictated by who you end up dealing with. We just got lucky and had a terrific hostess and a good waiter that day. Sorry you did not have such luck.

 

[fairycat]

I am an DL AP and I have to admit after doing it for a long time I decided to switch to Jazz Kitchen. I think the atmosphere (if you get a water table) is totally worth the time to do it once. I am happy I did.

On the food they have had a lot of change lately and it has caused some food not to be as good as before, some to be the same and some to be better.

I personally was disapointed to not see the Portabello Mushrooms with Black eyed peas and garlic mash potatos not on the menu anymore. They were always perfect and amzing and lovely for a vegetarian. Especially since their veggy pasta isn't that good (though it has been years since I had it).

My sister swears by the Monte Cristo she has never had a bad one and it always pleases. The crab cakes use to always be good now they are more hit and miss. My family also all had the pork and said it was perfect.

To be honest I always suggest the Monte Cristo cause I know so many people who have loved it! Otherwise ask your server for suggestions because the good ones will be able to tell you what really is good that day.

If you are still worried switch ADR's over to Ariel's Grotto at CA they have great food, charectors and a great view. Also drinks for the grownups!

 

[sterlingbird11]

I used to be an AP about 4 years ago, and back then, Blue Bayou used to be a great place to eat. Loved the crab cakes. We now have APs again, and now the food is just so-so. We've been a few times, and have decided not to go back. It's just too expensive for the lack of quality. The only thing I have found to be consistently good is the Monte Cristo, and I can get that next door.

We've had the prime rib, the jambalaya, the pork chop, and the short ribs. None of which were better than if we had got it from Denny's, and a few of them even worse.

 

[alicenwonder99]

I kinda look at eating at the Blue Bayou like eating at Cinderella's castle in WDW. Cindy's cost so much, and the food is just mediocre, but you HAVE to experience it.

 

[mytwotinks]

I kinda look at eating at the Blue Bayou like eating at Cinderella's castle in WDW. Cindy's cost so much, and the food is just mediocre, but you HAVE to experience it.

This is how I am going into it. We will be in DL for the first time ever on Saturday and eating at BB Sunday! I am planning on checking in plenty early to get a water side table. I don't really care what the food tastes like. It will be the end of our first full day of vacation, so I will be in a terrific mood!

 

[eatmypixiedust]

I'm sorry to hear your first dining experience at BB was so poor. My bf and I were seated at that corner table last year. We didn't like sitting there at all. Our server forgot about us too since it's in the corner.

I wish the menu prices didn't change. It was nice to be able to dine there for lunch at a lower cost. I do dine at BB occassionally and I always order the prime rib with potatoes au grautin. My bf likes the Monte Cristo.

I hope you give BB another try in the future. It sounds like they were just too busy and didn't handle it too well. Hopefully your next experience there will be a happy one.