Need Quick Advice: Surf's Up, Blue Bayou OR Celebration BBQ?

[sasha]

We're leaving early tomorrow morning to stay at PPH concierge because we want to take advantage of the pool all day, but Monday we're going to be at DL & CA. We have reservations at the Surf's Up Character Breakfast, but we're thinking of changing it to lunch at Blue Bayou since continental breakfast is included in concierge. However, now that I'm looking at the menus I'm wondering if we should do the Celebration Roundup BBQ for lunch. They'll all be around the same price - $100 (ouch).

Which one would YOU choose?

Also, anyone know if they have toddler meals at Blue Bayou? Our little one is under 3 and doesn't eat that much.

TIA!

 

[jdb in AZ]

My first choice would be the Blue Bayou because it's the "signature" restaurant for all of Disneyland. It's as close as most of us mere mortals will ever get to Disney's Club 33. Last time we were at BB they did have a child's menu, or you could just share part of your lunch. But don't ask the waitress to split the portion onto a separate plate because they'll charge you for that.

 

[Eeee-va]

I might be remembering wrong, but I thought kids under 3 ate free? I could've sworn someone said they got a toddler-sized portion of a meal at Ariel's Grotto for free.

If you already have breakfast (of sorts) provided, I wouldn't do the Surf's Up breakfast. Of your choices I think I'd choose Blue Bayou, but if the weather is delightful and you adore barbecue (and/or your family just eats a whole lot! ) the BBQ might be a good idea. Blue Bayou is really more about the ambiance than the food, which many find to be not very good at all.

I've heard Blue Bayou reservations can fill up (though I've also heard someone say they don't!) so if you choose them I'd personally change today.

Have a great trip!

 

[skiingfast]

I would try to find a site with the children's menu at Blue Bayou. It isn't a very typical list of kids stuff like, burgers and pizza. I recall it being fancier.

Big Thunder Ranch BBQ(previously called Celebration Roundup) does NOT have a kids menu, it's all family style.

I'm not sure if either have a "secret" toddler menu.

 

[Eeee-va]

Blue Bayou's menu for ages 3-9 is at http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/men_bayk.htm -- it looks like it has macaroni and cheese (and yes, a lot of crazy fancy stuff, LOL). Since it says 3-9, I wonder if they really would bring that free toddler entree for a 2-year-old....

 

[sasha]

Blue Bayou's menu for ages 3-9 is at http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/men_bayk.htm -- it looks like it has macaroni and cheese (and yes, a lot of crazy fancy stuff, LOL). Since it says 3-9, I wonder if they really would bring that free toddler entree for a 2-year-old....

That's exactly what I was wondering because it has specific ages. You know, why wouldn't it just say "9 & under". Hmmm......

 

[skiingfast]

That's exactly what I was wondering because it has specific ages. You know, why wouldn't it just say "9 & under". Hmmm......

I think it is either spotty where they have this, or there is little experience with this.

In general anyone under 3 is allowed to dine off another's plate. But some people report(this is infrequently reported) that they recieved a special plate of food for thier toddler who is under 3.

 

[DisneyMomof2inSLC]

I've ate at Blue Bayou 3 times with kids under 3, and was never given free food for them.

 

[DizNee Luver]

If you were hoping to get some great character interaction, then I'd do Surf's Up. This is the only meal with Mickey & Stitch. Since it's a smaller venue.....you get to see the characters multiple times during your meal.

You can always order a child's meal for a child under 3, but you most likely will be charged for it. Most under 3 eat this & that off of everyone's plates. We had food allergies, so our toddler was given a special plate to meet those needs & was never charged but that was special circumstances.

Blue Bayou is very good, great ambience....but not all little ones will like sitting in the dark.....something to consider.

The BBQ is fabulous & it's all you can eat.....so you definitely get your money's worth in food.

Good luck in your decision.....all 3 choices are delicious!!!

 

[kikiq]

This is what you get at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ for lunch. We were there in July.

Entertainment

The petting area next door

 

[Eeee-va]

Here is the post I read that mentioned a free toddler meal. I have NO idea if it holds true with other places, or even if it's still true at Ariel's Grotto.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40508059&highlight=ariel+s+toddler#post40508059

 

[sasha]

This is what you get at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ for lunch. We were there in July.

Entertainment

The petting area next door

Wow! Those are great pics! Thanks!!! I seriously don't know if I, or our 3 girls could eat that much. My DH would love it though! I just don't know if it would be worth the money since my girls won't eat ribs, coleslaw or beans.

Here is the post I read that mentioned a free toddler meal. I have NO idea if it holds true with other places, or even if it's still true at Ariel's Grotto.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40508059&highlight=ariel+s+toddler#post40508059

Thanks for the link! I think my best bet is to NOT EXPECT to get a free toddler's meal, but if it happens, then great!

It looks like our choice will be Blue Bayou. I already switched our reservations. I think our girls will be thrilled because every time we're on Pirates, they comment on how cool it would be to eat there. I just wish it wasn't so expensive! We've done plenty of character meals in the past, plus we recently went on a Disney Cruise, so I think they've had enough character interaction to last awhile. LOL!

Thanks again!

 

[Eeee-va]

It looks like our choice will be Blue Bayou. I already switched our reservations. I think our girls will be thrilled because every time we're on Pirates, they comment on how cool it would be to eat there.

In that case, it's a PERFECT choice! Are you going to tell them you're going in advance? I wonder if it'd be fun to take them on Pirates timed to ride like 30 minutes before your reservation time and then get off and go right to the Blue Bayou? LOL.

(My only concern is that I've VERY RARELY heard about people having to be evacuated from Pirates, which could take a long time and make you miss your window. That's gotta be a less than 1/1000 shot though, and I like to think they'd accommodate your reservation if you were stuck in a ride like that...)

 

[TeddiBarra]

The "under three get free food" only applies at the places that charge per person (IE the character dining- THOUGH I don't know if WOC dining packages may be included to). At Ariel's, yes, they will be a plate for the littles. At the buffets - the little ones can have or share a plate with an adult. They don't won't bring you a free toddler meal at the BB. I never tried ordering- but why don't you ask if they have a toddler meal option (perhaps instead of being $10 it may be something they can actually charge for less? Never hurts to ask)

 

[alyssa810]

I have to say I was really impressed with the BBQ last year! We had planned on having lunch at Blue Bayou for DS's birthday, but it's going to be closed when we're there. After looking over the menu (again, and again and again) I also wasn't crazy about the prices or the selection, but especially the prices. We will very likely be dining at the BBQ again.

 

[isisisme]

We did the BBQ last year. While I had to wait longer for my vegetarian option (it was very tasty!), it was still great. They kept bringing out food, and when we said no more, they brought out togo containers. So, we took the left overs back to our room to have later in the trip.
My husband was in BBQ meat heaven.
That actually was surprising for us.

 

[stubby]

We did Blue Bayou 2 weeks ago Monday and Big Thunder BBQ 2 weeks ago Tuesday. They are different eggs...lol. Loved Blue Bayou for the ambience. The food was really good also. Big Thunders food was awesome. If you like BBQ'd ribs you will love it. The baked beans were great too. The cole slaw not so much. Big Thunder is outside...so if it's gonna be warm I would opt for Blue Bayou.