The Monte Cristo....

[Disney Dreams]

We paid a visit to the BB on most our trips in 2008. I suggest going there once, just to say you've been there, but it isn't what it is knocked up to be.

I'd suggest reading reviews: at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...03-Reviews-Blue_Bayou-Anaheim_California.html

They are generally unfavorable. Of the 8 or so times we visited in 2008, about 6 of the times we encountered a fairly poor waitstaff. On one occasion, we had to request a different waiter.

This place is 90% atmosphere, 8% food, and 2% service. As long as you go into the place with these expectations, you'll be fine.

Aww, I'm sorry you have had bad experiences more than good at the Blue Bayou. I personally recommend it to anyone who is looking for a unique atmosphere, dining location. The food is good - not incredible, but the ambiance just can't be beat.

As for price, I think people must remember it is a nice dining experience inside of Disneyland. If a hot dog at Coke Refreshment on Main Street is $6, a full sit down, table service meal in DL's most popular, unique restaurant is going to be a little more than a usual meal. For the setting, it's not bad, in my opinion.

I personally have never had any waitstaff short of wonderful. I agree that the BB is mostly about atmosphere, but must respectfully disagree with you on the service. I have always had great service at the Blue Bayou.

- Dreams

 

[lntsmom]

Another option would be to just go for dessert. That is what we do. It is very expensive to have lunch so having just dessert is a good compromise.

We love the Flying Dutchman! It is wonderful (warm chocolate chip brownie with vanilla ice cream, caramel and chocolate sauce) and is easily shared for 2 people. They also have creme brule and key lime pie which are both yummy too.

That way you get to enjoy the atmosphere and have a wonderful treat too!

Just an idea.

Oooh...that's a good idea! If you looked at my family you'd think we could really pack it away. In reality, other than my 13 year old who at times can consume huge quanitities, we aren't big eaters. From the photo, I think the sandwich would be more than enough for my younger son and I to share...if it is cool out!

Most of the time when we travel we only eat 2 meals a day. Last year at WDW the temps were in the mid to high-90s and none of us really felt like eating. I know CA is cooler...so maybe I'll make a ressy for the last lunch seating and if we feel like eating we can.

If we don't, we can do as you suggested and share a treat!

Thanks for the great idea!

 

[nunzia]

We've also had some great waitstaff..we had a little meltdown with 2 yo DGD and the server brought a handful of 'magic coins' that would make her happy (they were the chocolate coins and it worked!) The food is ok (short ribs and gumbo are great) but the atmosphere is the best..especially if you can score a waterside table.
It's certainly worth doing once..splitting plates is a good idea also.

 

[Lynzer Torte]

I thought only ordering dessert was frowned upon?

Is there still a split plate charge? When we were there last Feb, DH & I were able to split the ribs for $4 more each, I believe. We each got our own salad and plate of food- you could barely tell we had split it.

 

[pixiewings71]

Oooh...that's a good idea! If you looked at my family you'd think we could really pack it away. In reality, other than my 13 year old who at times can consume huge quanitities, we aren't big eaters. From the photo, I think the sandwich would be more than enough for my younger son and I to share...if it is cool out!

Most of the time when we travel we only eat 2 meals a day. Last year at WDW the temps were in the mid to high-90s and none of us really felt like eating. I know CA is cooler...so maybe I'll make a ressy for the last lunch seating and if we feel like eating we can.

If we don't, we can do as you suggested and share a treat!

Thanks for the great idea!

Well it can get pretty hot in CA. But it's a different heat, it's not humid like it is in FL. But you're going in May/June right? So you should be OK, it will warm up pretty good in the afternoon but it should be really nice when you're there.

I thought only ordering dessert was frowned upon?

Is there still a split plate charge? When we were there last Feb, DH & I were able to split the ribs for $4 more each, I believe. We each got our own salad and plate of food- you could barely tell we had split it.

When we were there the split plate charge was $5.99. And sure ordering just dessert may be frowned upon but what are they going to do? I mean you can go to any restaurant and just order dessert, they can't force you to order full meals. kwim?

 

[Disney Mystic]

Here's some of the recent problems we've had:

1) The waiter was unwilling to let us order an EXTRA salad for one of our young children who'd already ordered off the kid's menu. Spoke with a manager, and once again, a rude response, despite the fact we're spending over $200 for a dinner, apparently buying an extra salad is too difficult to do. They ended up bringing him a salad, except mine was noticeably cut in half. Clever.

2) My wife and oldest son got food poisoning from the last visit we had. Attempts to reach the manager at BB have been unsuccessful. No returned phone calls.

3) On one visit, the waiter, who we could barely communicate with due to a language barrier, almost went bananas when we tried to order a kids meal for our then-12 year old. At reached a point where we had to say: "Look, charge the full 30something dollar price for this, but the kid wants macaroni.". The guy couldn't understand this, and it took a new waiter before we could get it ironed out.


The staff WILL get snooty if someone there isn't ordering a plate. Don't expect them to go out of their way for any special needs. I know there are some exceptions to this, we've had 2 extremely wonderful waiters, but 2 out of 8 isn't a good batting average.

If your dining standards are that of places such as Chili's and Applebee's, then Blue Bayou will appear to be flawless in both food and service. However if the bar is a little higher than that, then you will likely be disappointed. Given that Disney caters to people from all walks of life, some will find the BB a fine experience from start to finish.

We're heading down to Disneyland in a few hours, and sadly, we're skipping BB this time. I've always loved the atmosphere, but it has gotten so bad that even my younger kids don't even want to return. (Kids saving their parents money, who woulda thought!)

 

[pixiewings71]

Here's some of the recent problems we've had:

1) The waiter was unwilling to let us order an EXTRA salad for one of our young children who'd already ordered off the kid's menu. Spoke with a manager, and once again, a rude response, despite the fact we're spending over $200 for a dinner, apparently buying an extra salad is too difficult to do. They ended up bringing him a salad, except mine was noticeably cut in half. Clever.

2) My wife and oldest son got food poisoning from the last visit we had. Attempts to reach the manager at BB have been unsuccessful. No returned phone calls.

3) On one visit, the waiter, who we could barely communicate with due to a language barrier, almost went bananas when we tried to order a kids meal for our then-12 year old. At reached a point where we had to say: "Look, charge the full 30something dollar price for this, but the kid wants macaroni.". The guy couldn't understand this, and it took a new waiter before we could get it ironed out.


The staff WILL get snooty if someone there isn't ordering a plate. Don't expect them to go out of their way for any special needs. I know there are some exceptions to this, we've had 2 extremely wonderful waiters, but 2 out of 8 isn't a good batting average.

If your dining standards are that of places such as Chili's and Applebee's, then Blue Bayou will appear to be flawless in both food and service. However if the bar is a little higher than that, then you will likely be disappointed. Given that Disney caters to people from all walks of life, some will find the BB a fine experience from start to finish.

We're heading down to Disneyland in a few hours, and sadly, we're skipping BB this time. I've always loved the atmosphere, but it has gotten so bad that even my younger kids don't even want to return. (Kids saving their parents money, who woulda thought!)

Oh I didn't doubt you! I hope you know that. And my standards are a bit higher than just Applebees and I don't really like Chili's that much. I don't eat at high end restaurants often but I do sometimes. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time there, and I'm really disappointed that no one returned your calls after the food poisoning. I hope you have a great trip!!

 

[AmericanItGirl]

The second time I went to BB was better than the first, probably because I had a different waiter. What's nice is that they don't rush you, despite the popularity of the place (thank goodness for reservations), and the second waiter that I had was accommodating when I ordered just gumbo and dessert (he did say not to mention ordering just gumbo instead of the full plate to anyone because it isn't encouraged, but that he was fine with arranging that for me).

 

[BCholly]

Here's some of the recent problems we've had:


2) My wife and oldest son got food poisoning from the last visit we had. Attempts to reach the manager at BB have been unsuccessful. No returned phone calls.

What did you eat!!!!! Oh my gosh now I don't want to go!

 

[fairycat]

I only had one issue ever with service at BB, and it was with the front Hostess, she was so rude I complained to the manager. I told the manager I wanted nothing more then her to get a stern talking to, so she would think twice about being so rude.

The manager went way out of his way and offered us free dessert, which was the only thing we were going for and told him. The manager was great!

DisneyMystic- Sadly reporting anything after you leave the park seems to get no one anywhere. It seems the only way to get Disney to really listen to an issue is at the time. Which is not very realistic sometimes, it's sad really.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...Don't expect them to go out of their way for any special needs....

I have been on an extremely strict food plan 3 times that I have eaten at the Blue Bayou. EVERY time, not only were my needs met, but my meal was served as if it was right off the menu so as not to make a big "to do" and make me feel self-conscious about my special meal. In my experience, the BB wait staff is just plain wonderful.

I'm sorry you have had negative experiences,
Dreams

 

[Bunless]

Twice we've had a waiter who was flawless.

Twice we've had a waitress who excelled at being bad. She wasn't overtly rude, just in a sort of passive agressive way. And even if she wasn't being just rude, she had bad technique if I may say. This is going to sound picky, but imagine yourselve sitting there.

Normally a waiter puts down the hot plate with the steak on it before or after they set down the steak knife. I have never had anyone hold the hot plate and sharp knife in the same hand and put them down...with the knife sticking out at odd angles feeling like they're about to go in my eye. I was sort of afraid. Especially at a round table that looks like it's for four adults but has six crammed around it.

And I don't feel that it's a bad thing to ask what drinks they have other than sodas...I think it merits a response other than 'we don't have alcohol' without a follow up. Although, a glass of wine would be great, especially if I'm having to deal with you, missy.

Rarely do I run into someone that makes me want to be rude right back, but that one waitress does...and we've had her twice...and complained about her twice. I don't want anyone to loose their job, but come on, improve some why don't you.

Why am I venting so much? gah. I'm really not this negative. I do feel, however, that this waitress would be bad even at Chillis. It's truly an example of how the cast member can make or break an experience. That same night my mom was asked to do a close roomed survey on the foot at the Disneyland resort that day. Apparently, she went off long and hard about that waitress.

I just hope they get her to improve, I hate that other families would get the same treatment that we did.

 

[bumbershoot]

I thought only ordering dessert was frowned upon?

There were some reports of some staff saying you couldn't order dessert. Someone from mouseplanet was trying to get in touch with her contact there to find out officially...I never saw that the answer was given officially.

I would never tell the Dining people, or the host/ess that you weren't ordering a full meal, but when we had a long and in-depth conversation with our server in May, she encouraged us to order whatever we wanted. That their job was to serve what we ordered, not dictate what we ordered, and if a server ever said otherwise, to talk to the manager right then.

We only order the vegetarian dish there, and we split it. Both times we've gotten two portobello caps EACH, a big portion of couscous, and last time we were offered, given, and not charged for an extra veggie as well. That is ALL we were getting, no drinks, no appetizer. It was DS's birthday, and all he wanted (as he wouldn't even touch their neon-orange mac and cheese in Sept '07) was ice cream, and that was free b/c of his birthday. She told us that if the caps had been bigger, we might not have gotten two each, but they want to make the plate big and lovely (they do use smaller round plates, instead of the oval platters when you split). We got two salads both times we've been there, and the second time we went was after all the kerfluffle of some people NOT being given a salad/soup each when splitting.

The staff WILL get snooty if someone there isn't ordering a plate.

Not our experience last May. See above.



Now, we don't like the food enough to continue going there. Scratch that, we love the salad (without sausage), but the portobello dish just isn't good enough to continue to go back, and unless I have an ingredient list for the dutchman we won't be ordering that. But the service we've experienced was terrific, open, and honest.

 

[fairykin]

Like AudraBolster.. we eat the monte cristo at Cafe Orleans. It's very kid friendly, a nice sit down resturant with indoor and outdoor seatings. Make your reservation through priority seatting. And we always share the sandwich it's too rich to eat a whole one..but too delicious not to get one to share.

 

[pixiewings71]

What did you eat!!!!! Oh my gosh now I don't want to go!

I've eaten there numerous times and I've never had food poisoning from BB or anywhere in DL. I absolutely do not doubt the OP but my experiences have been very different. We have eaten there probably 6 times since July of 07. That may not sound like a lot but we didn't have APs from July 08 until just this month, we got new ones on the 3rd of Jan. so we had a good break in there.

 

[Leshaface]

Omgosh the monte cristo is soooo bomb!!! =)

 

[Leshaface]

We've had good waiters there, too. The food, on the other hand, aside from the wedge salad (which we have without the sausage), is "meh". Then again, it's hard to pay $25 for portobello mushrooms and couscous anyway, so the cost definitely gets in the way for us.


However, if there's nothing on the kid's menu that would interest him, you could feed him beforehand and just order dessert for him.

Warning on the MC! My brother, who runs daily and is a marathoner and CAN eat like a horse, could not even finish that sandwich. he didn't fill up with salad or anything, as green veggies are disliked by him. He had half and ate some of the meat out of the other half, but he absolutely couldn't finish it. Might consider a split plate with someone else at the table, since you're not big eaters to begin with.

Wow...kind of embarrassed about this, but I always finish my sandwich! LOL! And I'm 5'5 125 lb!!!!

lol!

 

[AmericanItGirl]

What did you eat!!!!! Oh my gosh now I don't want to go!

Ehn, food poisoning can really happen just about anywhere, so unless it's a consistent issue with the restaurant then it shouldn't stop you.

That's the sad thing about Disney. Unless you're physically there to make a stink and drive out business of people who are happily shelling out money for the same thing, then they don't make an effort to appease you because they figure that for every person that complains to their friends, there's another person raving about the restaurant (or hotel, store, etc.) to their friends so they're not going to lose business.

 

[stampinshauna]

I love the MC! I think 3/4 of a sandwich would be perfect. I want a little more than 1/2, but a whole one is more than I want (but I can eat it if I want to). Last trip I had no problem eating a whole one--but I was pregnant then. This trip we're going to get MCs at Cafe Orleans because it seems a little more baby friendly--faster and lighter. I'll probably get my own because it doesn't come with the sides there (except a little fruit). The pic that is posted earlier in the thread is from Cafe Orleans.

 

[Teki]

My friend ordered it once, it didnt have jam, it was like a ham and cheese that had been fried is how Id describe it. It did have powdered sugar though. We've taken my younger sister several times to the BB, she was 10 the youngest time. shell eat anything though.