Late lunch vs. Early dinner at Blue Bayou

[debdreamsofdis]

We are going to Disneyland to celebrate our anniversary (leaving the kids at home- Yay!) We are planning to eat a meal at Blue Bayou (my first time eating there-another yay!) and currently have a 2:30 reservation. I'm just wondering if we should maybe change it to a 4:30 reservation. Is it more romantic during dinner? I'd love to get a waterside table, but it's not a dealbreaker if we don't. We had planned on taking a break midday since we're staying at the GC (another first-triple Yay!) so if we have BB lunch, we'll take a break after lunch, if we have dinner our break will be right before our ressie. Which time seems like it would be less crowded?

Now what to eat?? Looking at the differences in menu on allears I notice there is no Monte Cristo sandwich at dinner. I've had it times before at Cafe Orleans though, the first 2 times were great, 3rd, not so much. There is a filet at dinner, but I don't know if it's worth the $43 price. I'm debating between the tesoro island chicken and slow roasted beef strip loin. Any suggestions?

 

[dragonflycurls]

I don't think there is an ambience difference between lunch and dinner. I've usually gone at lunchtime for an escape from the sun and heat

 

[figment_jii]

I generally agree that the atmosphere of the restaurant is not going to markedly change between a late lunch and an early dinner. The restaurant is inside the PotC building and dimly lit regardless of the meal. I think the crowds are likely to be similar at both times because you're either after the lunch crowd or before the dinner rush.

In terms of getting a waterside table, the only time it's really easy to get one is at opening. Pretty much all groups with an opening time reservation get a waterside table. Other than that, the CMs will allow you request and wait for a waterside table. They'll usually say the wait is somewhere around 45 minutes, but it's usuallyless than that. For me, the waterside table (or at least a table on the inner half of the dining area is pretty important. If you're to close to the entrance, it can be bright/noisy and will lessen the ambiance.

As you noted, the Monte Cristo is only on the lunch menu. So if you wanted it, you would have to have the lunch reservation. Most reports indicate that they will not make it at dinner time.

 

[MichaelaF]

Personally, we do BB at lunch just to save money. We love it there, but it's definitely a lot cheaper at lunch. The ambiance is really no different, and all the tables will be full no matter what. I agree that waterside table is wonderful! We got there 30 mins before our reservation and requested a waterside table. We waited 20 mins or so and got a table, no problem.

 

[Carolynleanne]

We are going to Disneyland to celebrate our anniversary (leaving the kids at home- Yay!) We are planning to eat a meal at Blue Bayou (my first time eating there-another yay!) and currently have a 2:30 reservation. I'm just wondering if we should maybe change it to a 4:30 reservation. Is it more romantic during dinner? I'd love to get a waterside table, but it's not a dealbreaker if we don't. We had planned on taking a break midday since we're staying at the GC (another first-triple Yay!) so if we have BB lunch, we'll take a break after lunch, if we have dinner our break will be right before our ressie. Which time seems like it would be less crowded?

Now what to eat?? Looking at the differences in menu on allears I notice there is no Monte Cristo sandwich at dinner. I've had it times before at Cafe Orleans though, the first 2 times were great, 3rd, not so much. There is a filet at dinner, but I don't know if it's worth the $43 price. I'm debating between the tesoro island chicken and slow roasted beef strip loin. Any suggestions?

We had a 430 reservation last week and it was lovely!

 

[krispin41]

Also if you really want the Monte Cristo sandwich, it is only available at lunchtime.

I have enjoyed it both times I have been there at lunch or dinner.

 

[rentayenta]

I *think* I would be more apt to arrive to the parks for MM or rope drop, go go go all morning, and then break for an early lunch at 11:30 and try for a waterside table. Waterside is awesome! Then, nice and full, you can head back to the GCH for your midday break.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I think BB's dinner menu is really overpriced, especially since there's no change in ambiance from lunch. Waterside is atmospheric, but given BB's kind of fast and impersonal service, but I wouldn't call the waterside experience romantic, either. I'd opt for lunch and maybe splurge for dinner at Carthay Circle or somewhere similar.

 

[Nosepass]

Is it more romantic during dinner?

I've only tried lunch, so I'm not sure. It's certainly romantic at lunch though

I'd love to get a waterside table, but it's not a dealbreaker if we don't.

A waterside table is well worth the wait, IMO.

but given BB's kind of fast and impersonal service, but I wouldn't call the waterside experience romantic, either.

I'm happy to report this hasn't been my experience at all.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I've only tried lunch, so I'm not sure. It's certainly romantic at lunch though



A waterside table is well worth the wait, IMO.



I'm happy to report this hasn't been my experience at all.

Have to agree with you, have never been rushed or has it been impersonal. We have eaten there more time than I can out and it always has been outstanding.

Jack

 

[Midnightred]

I would go to the later reservation and make it your last meal of the day. Don't order based on price, it's going to be really expensive anyway, so pay a little bit more and get what you really want. I like dinner also because you can get the Surf 'n Turf. I think the food is good there, but to me a filet or other type of steak is really hard to mess up, so it's always a safe bet!

Midnightred

 

[gerilyne]

we have only gone at dinner time (just DH and myself) and have waited for the waterside table both times. I thought, and I know others here disagree, that it was very romantic and we just knew to budget for what we were ordering. We have always gone around 4-4:30ish in the summer so while it was blazing hot and sunny out, it was cool and very delightful inside the restaurant.

I think part of it will come down to what it is you want to eat there. There are some items (i.e. the monte cristo sandwich) that are only available at lunch and some only at dinner (surf and turf- the only thing I've ordered there).

I say look over the menu for lunch and dinner and decide which selections you both prefer.

Just my 2 cents though.... regardless of which you chose I hope you have a lovely and enjoyable meal!!!!

 

[SusanMatt]

What time does the menu switch over from lunch to dinner?

 

[Gisele]

What time does the menu switch over from lunch to dinner?

Lunch: 11:30 AM - 3:55 PM

Dinner: 4:00 PM - 10:15 PM


* * *
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/blue-bayou-restaurant/

 

[shelemm]

I'd go at lunch for the monte cristo. Get that and a different dish to share. The monte cristo is too rich and filling for one person. If you can afford the time, wait for a waterside table. It's a unique experience.

 

[Kristina4109]

I'd go at lunch for the monte cristo. Get that and a different dish to share. The monte cristo is too rich and filling for one person. If you can afford the time, wait for a waterside table. It's a unique experience.

I totally agree. It's also nice and air conditioned, so it's nice to escape into the cool darkness when the sun is really beating down outside.

 

[DizMe]

Actually, there is no difference between dinner prices and lunch prices. The items offered at both are the same price whether it's lunch or dinner.

At lunch, you can order the following items that are not found on the dinner menu: Monte Cristo and Buccaneer Beef Short Ribs.

At dinner, you can order these items not found on the lunch menu: Filet Mignon, Surf and Turf, or Rack of Lamb.

I'd choose to go whenever you can have what you want and the time you like best.

 

[debdreamsofdis]

Thank you everyone! I truly appreciate and value your insights and opinions, both pro and con. After considering a few things, we will keep our late lunch reservation after all. I'm planning on checking a little earlier though and requesting a waterside table. Wish me luck!

 

[shelemm]

Request a table and be prepared to wait for it. It probably won't be nearly as long a wait as they tell you.