Thoughts on Blue Bayou

[FeistyDisneyMom]

For a 3 yr old, I'd skip BB and go with Plaza Inn w/ characters for sure. BB has some really neat ambiance, but mainly for teens/adults or those who love PoTC.

For a culinary splurge, Napa Rose seems like the best bet.

 

[smartlabelprint]

For a 3 yr old, I'd skip BB and go with Plaza Inn w/ characters for sure. BB has some really neat ambiance, but mainly for teens/adults or those who love PoTC.

For a culinary splurge, Napa Rose seems like the best bet.

BB is dark and quiet. It actually helped my toddlers have a nice break from the park. I’m bringing my 2 yo if we choose this restaurant next trip.

 

[BriannaRuth]

We go every year, but I'd do something else with a three year-old.

 

[barb969]

I agree with others that a character meal would be better. We haven’t been there for several years. It was my favorite DL restaurant, but I don’t think it would appeal to a 3 yo.

 

[GeneralTso]

It's ALL about the atmosphere there. We request and wait for a waterside table otherwise what's the point?
We get seated at or very close to our reservation time every time. The wait is minimal.
If you're a Monte Cristo sandwich fan, I think it's a good place to get one.

My family is a big fan. I'm not but I go because it makes them so happy. I get the gumbo. And I love watching the Pirates boats go by.

 

[Pluto468]

I've been a number of times over the years and agree with previous posters about the food. It is all about the Ambience. I don't see anything wrong just going for dessert if you want to go for the experience. Even if your daughter is not very impressed with it, I bet you will be. It has such a unique atmosphere. Definitely wait for a waterside table if you go.

Plaza Inn breakfast would be a really fun treat, too, especially if your daughter likes characters.

 

[avalon451]

How is everyone scoring reservations to Blue Bayou? I have a visit in October to DL and I check every day, and nothing shows up for availability.

From the main Disneyland site, search Dining. From the results, click on Blue Bayou. When you get to page, where it says Check Availability, click on the calendar icon, and click on your desired date. If it says No times available, that means they haven’t released the hours and reservations yet. I see they haven’t released them past Sat Oct 2nd yet. Keep an eye on those hours- once they post them, often that means the reservations are dropping early the next day. Could be 3 am PST (the usual reported time here) could be 6, could be random. Don’t you just love Disney’s consistency?

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Avoid Lunch and go for Dinner.

Curious why?

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

How is everyone scoring reservations to Blue Bayou? I have a visit in October to DL and I check every day, and nothing shows up for availability.

There are some Blue Bayou reservations available right now for October 1 & 2.

 

[vacay77]

There are some Blue Bayou reservations available right now for October 1 & 2.

Thank you!! Are you finding those on the Blue Bayou website? Our first day there is October 11 so I'll keep checking!

 

[slykrab]

Curious why?

I’m also curious. I am a first timer and have a lunch reservation there next month.

 

[KateDrake]

I agree that Blue Bayou is very much about the ambiance, not the food. I've definitely had good meals there, but they have redone their menu and nothing particular appeals to me. And their deserts are mediocre at best. It is also a tough one for littles. I would definitely do the character meal instead if that is an option for you! I think she'll have a more magical birthday.

 

[DLRExpert]

Curious why?

Menu. I find lunch lacking in choices and taste. While dinner is quite good.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Menu. I find lunch lacking in choices and taste. While dinner is quite good.

Hmmmm... I think the menus are the same right now? I can't see a difference when I look. I booked a 2pm late lunch so we can get out of the heat and sit down in the dark after a commando morning.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

To the OP, I think it really depends on your 3 year old. I would not personally want to take my 2 year old for instance, but I did take my older son when he was 3.5. It was a little hard for him/less relaxing for me than if it was adults or older kids, but he LOVED it (especially the glow ice cube in his drink). I am taking him again this month. He is now 6.5 and a pro at sit-down restaurants so I expect this one will be even more enjoyable. Plus, alcohol. Lol.

All that said, for his third birthday to took him to Minnie and Friends character breakfast at the Plaza Inn and he absolutely loved it. I booked the latest seating so it was more like an early lunch.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Menu. I find lunch lacking in choices and taste. While dinner is quite good.

They’re the same menu currently.

Hmmmm... I think the menus are the same right now? I can't see a difference when I look. I booked a 2pm late lunch so we can get out of the heat and sit down in the dark after a commando morning.

They’re the same. Also let me know if it’s terrible so I can cancel mine.

Kinda bummed to not be getting the Passholder discount since we’re both going in that in-between 10 days…

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

They’re the same menu currently.



They’re the same. Also let me know if it’s terrible so I can cancel mine.

Kinda bummed to not be getting the Passholder discount since we’re both going in that in-between 10 days…

Oh you know I definitely will! And same girl, same. So sad to lose the Legacy Discount in between, why the lag Disney?

Edit: I just thought about it, but does the Disney Visa from Chase give you the 10% off on food or is that only march? Does it even apply in the parks? I've actually never used my Chase card for the discount since I've always had an AP.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

Edit: I just thought about it, but does the Disney Visa from Chase give you the 10% off on food or is that only march? Does it even apply in the parks? I've actually never used my Chase card for the discount since I've always had an AP.

You can get 10% off merch when you spend $50 or more. For restaurants, it only applies to a couple restaurants. In Disneyland it's only River Belle Terrace and French Market. There's a few more in DCA and the hotels, you can look it up and it'll give you a list.

ETA: Here's the list:

Discount valid at the following Disneyland® Resort restaurant locations: Disneyland® Park: French Market and River Belle Terrace; Disney California Adventure® Park: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Wine Country Trattoria, and Paradise Garden Grill; Disneyland® Resort Hotels: Steakhouse 55, Goofy’s Kitchen, Disney’s PCH Grill and Storytellers Café.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

You can get 10% off merch when you spend $50 or more. For restaurants, it only applies to a couple restaurants. In Disneyland it's only River Belle Terrace and French Market. There's a few more in DCA and the hotels, you can look it up and it'll give you a list.

ETA: Here's the list:

Discount valid at the following Disneyland® Resort restaurant locations: Disneyland® Park: French Market and River Belle Terrace; Disney California Adventure® Park: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, Wine Country Trattoria, and Paradise Garden Grill; Disneyland® Resort Hotels: Steakhouse 55, Goofy’s Kitchen, Disney’s PCH Grill and Storytellers Café.

Thank you so much!

 

[snakeyp23]

To be honest, I would try Blue Bayou once, and once you have had the experience, the meal isn't worth it. There are a lot of really cool dining options at Disneyland that you won't get at Disney World, and I feel like a lot of people get stuck really wanting Blue Bayou. Nothing against it at all, but to me it is a once or twice and done experience.