Thoughts on Blue Bayou

[crystal1313]

We ate at BB last month and really enjoyed it. We had an amazing server Linda, who was super attentive. We hadn’t dined there in years and I had read a lot of disappointing reviews, so we went in not expecting a lot. We tried the new hurricane and my husband was thrilled to have a beer with dinner. He tried the gumbo and loved it, and wished it was a bit bigger. I got the salad and loved it as well. He got the chicken dish and I got the jambalaya. Both were really tasty and great portion size. Then we got the creme brûlée that was amazing. Was it the best meal I’ve ever had, no. But it surpassed our expectations. We would go back. Not every trip. But maybe a once in awhile. Gotta love the ambiance in BB.

 

[KippyKip]

I agree with the many that it depends on your 3 y.o. BB is really for the ambiance and not the food. If I wanted better food, I would go to Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55 in the past.
For the last couple of years, the only reason I go to BB is for the Fantasmic package so we can get a better view.
Couple of years ago when my child was 3 y.o., we did character breakfast which she enjoyed way more even though she only ate Frosted Flakes because she refused to eat everything else.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

We ate at Blue Bayou yesterday, and we had an enjoyable experience. Details for those who are curious:

Our reservation was for 11:10. I checked in on my phone when prompted (just before 11), and then walked up and requested a waterside table. They told us that they would try to accommodate that, but couldn't just let you wait for a waterside table like they used to, so they couldn't make any promises. I got the phone alert that our table was ready before 11:15, and we did indeed get a waterside table.

The ambiance was as lovely as ever, and service was rather slow but very friendly and warm.

We all enjoyed our food. I got the jambalaya, my husband got the Monte Cristo, and my daughter got the "beef special." None of it was spectacular, but it was all tasty.

I got the sparkling wine, and my husband got a beer. We both felt it added to the experience and felt a little more luxurious and special.

We enjoy Blue Bayou for something that feels special and celebratory, so we'll probably continue to go once every year or two.

 

[Mulan's Ma]

I have booked BB for Thanksgiving. How accommodating will they be with respect to my picky daughter and her boyfriend? Can they order just steak or an adult portion of the mac and cheese?

 

[AndrewC]

I have booked BB for Thanksgiving. How accommodating will they be with respect to my picky daughter and her boyfriend? Can they order just steak or an adult portion of the mac and cheese?

Likely not.... If they had steak on the menu then they probably could order that and request any sauce or seasoning to be left off, but otherwise I'm not sure they can just make up a steak in the back. They probably could order the petite filet and lobster and just give you the lobster... but from my understanding the filet is really small, like four ounces small or something.

The market fish might not be anything too crazy.... possibly they could ask for the chicken and have the demi left off....

You might also need to kick those kids in gear and suggest (politely demand) that they at least try something different from time to time, and if they don't like it afterwards they can just go grab a burger somewhere. They should be able to not go hungry by having a house salad and something to drink and maybe dessert.

I think the Mac and Cheese is basically Craft... except maybe even worse since it's like "food service" Craft

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I have booked BB for Thanksgiving. How accommodating will they be with respect to my picky daughter and her boyfriend? Can they order just steak or an adult portion of the mac and cheese?

They are super accommodating. They've let us have adult mac and cheese or made me something from scratch (I'm a vegetarian.) Last time we ate there they made me just a basic pasta/spaghetti deal with veggies. Just ask, they'll work with you.

 

[l4dyj8]

Blue Bayou has always been about the ambience and not the food. We are going again in December as our youngest has never been. Our only complaint has been that for the money spent, we could have a far more enjoyable meal at Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55 or whatever Downtown Disney restaurant. (To be frank, I also have an issue on the cost of buffets... being more expensive than a nice dinner at the listed restaurants.)

But we fully accept that it's all about the atmosphere and have a lovely time. Our last visit was in 2014. Prior to that it was 2009. And then numerous times when we'd get free DL tickets while in college. To us, it was a fun and good splurge. It was amazing meal then. ha.

 

[Mulan's Ma]

Blue Bayou has always been about the ambience and not the food. We are going again in December as our youngest has never been. Our only complaint has been that for the money spent, we could have a far more enjoyable meal at Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55 or whatever Downtown Disney restaurant. (To be frank, I also have an issue on the cost of buffets... being more expensive than a nice dinner at the listed restaurants.)

But we fully accept that it's all about the atmosphere and have a lovely time. Our last visit was in 2014. Prior to that it was 2009. And then numerous times when we'd get free DL tickets while in college. To us, it was a fun and good splurge. It was amazing meal then. ha.

We are indeed going for the ambience but would love to be able to have everyone at the table be able to find something they'd like to eat. At this point, I am fully prepared to have the "kids" sit with.us and then go find food elsewhere.

 

[twodogs]

I am not sure how accommodating they are right now. We dined there in July, and they aren't even doing the free bread service "due to COVID causing the bakery area to be overwhelmed". I thought that was a terrible excuse, and it certainly saves Disney money to cut out the free bread for all of the tables... So unless it is an allergy, be prepared for them to say that what is on the menu is what is on offer. I hope it is otherwise when you get there.

 

[Gypsybear]

Carnation Cafe isn't open right now.

Carnation Cafe is open now. I have 2 upcoming reservations. We do breakfast there every trip to DL (it's like a tradition with us now). Lunch is decent too.

 

[DizMe]

For us, BB is a favorite. I've had wonderful meals, I've had bad meals, but mostly (and I've gone too many times to count) I've gotten good to very good meals there. The setting makes it special and I love the anticipation when you're taken back through the doors and onto the "evening patio". The price is high but not horribly high for what you get, and by that I mean the atmosphere included. But I'm not a big eater and I usually go with someone like me and we do a split plate. They charge a fee for that (as opposed to just sharing) but you each get your own sides and they plate it in the kitchen.

What I find a waste of money is a buffet, and I actively dislike character meals (with the exception of the old princess meals they used to have in Ariel's Grotto), but kids tend to love them and so do some adults so to each his own. It's difficult to place a value on something for someone else, but for me, the value of BB is not just the atmosphere but also the experience and food, which I generally like very much.

Edited to add that my very last meal there was shortly before the Covid closure, and I ordered the surf and turf (filet mignon and lobster tail). I have to say that it was terrible. It was overcooked and the lobster was so tough and stringy it was completely inedible. I do hope that was a one-time thing and it will be great again next time I order it because it was always one of my favorites.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

For us, BB is a favorite. I've had wonderful meals, I've had bad meals, but mostly (and I've gone too many times to count) I've gotten good to very good meals there. The setting makes it special and I love the anticipation when you're taken back through the doors and onto the "evening patio". The price is high but not horribly high for what you get, and by that I mean the atmosphere included. But I'm not a big eater and I usually go with someone like me and we do a split plate. They charge a fee for that (as opposed to just sharing) but you each get your own sides and they plate it in the kitchen.

What I find a waste of money is a buffet, and I actively dislike character meals (with the exception of the old princess meals they used to have in Ariel's Grotto), but kids tend to love them and so do some adults so to each his own. It's difficult to place a value on something for someone else, but for me, the value of BB is not just the atmosphere but also the experience and food, which I generally like very much.

Edited to add that my very last meal there was shortly before the Covid closure, and I ordered the surf and turf (filet mignon and lobster tail). I have to say that it was terrible. It was overcooked and the lobster was so tough and stringy it was completely inedible. I do hope that was a one-time thing and it will be great again next time I order it because it was always one of my favorites.

Curious what the split plate fee is?

Also, I had the surf and turf in August and I thought it was very good! Was it the best steak and lobster I’ve ever had? Not by a long shot, but it was cooked and seasoned well and very tasty, especially since I was eating it in the middle of a theme park.

 

[avalon451]

We were there Sept 13th for lunch. I had the Cajun Cauliflower-- I'm not vegetarian, but it sounded pretty good. It WAS pretty good- not fabulous... but I do miss their formerly expanded menu. They used to have really fantastic short ribs. Also, years ago back before we were gluten free, they had the "cookie boat" which was to die for.

I'm not amused at the loss of the bread service. They had really good gluten free dinner rolls.

 

[DizMe]

Curious what the split plate fee is?

It's when you share a meal, but rather than just bringing you an extra plate, they divide it in the kitchen onto separate plates and you each get your own whole helping of the sides. You used to be able to order different sides, but I don't know what they do now. For instance, one person could choose soup and the other salad.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

It's when you share a meal, but rather than just bringing you an extra plate, they divide it in the kitchen onto separate plates and you each get your own whole helping of the sides. You used to be able to order different sides, but I don't know what they do now. For instance, one person could choose soup and the other salad.

Sorry, I should have been more specific! Do you recall what the fee was for this? I wonder if they will still do it post-covid... I like to snack my way around the parks so I often want smaller meals.

 

[Didi8367]

We took our kids to Blue Bayou when they were 7 & 9 and they were pretty unimpressed. I mean, they liked it OK, but they didn’t LOVE it. To me, it’s the kind of place that’s more exciting/interesting for older kids/adults. Especially considering the cost. On the other hand, they’ve loved every character meal we’ve ever done, at both WDW and DLR over the years.

 

[DizMe]

Sorry, I should have been more specific! Do you recall what the fee was for this? I wonder if they will still do it post-covid... I like to snack my way around the parks so I often want smaller meals.

Oh, sorry!! You were actually pretty clear; I just didn't pay attention. Last time I went, which was almost 2 years ago, I think it was $13.

Editing to say that I'm not sure whether or not you order from a waitperson now. I read that they were having people order via phone/QR so if that is still the case, I would doubt they do split plate. I hadn't actually thought about that until just now.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Oh, sorry!! You were actually pretty clear; I just didn't pay attention. Last time I went, which was almost 2 years ago, I think it was $13.

Editing to say that I'm not sure whether or not you order from a waitperson now. I read that they were having people order via phone/QR so if that is still the case, I would doubt they do split plate. I hadn't actually thought about that until just now.

Thank you! I went in August. You definitely order from a person. You do scan the QR code for the menu, which you look at on your phone, but a human takes your order.

 

[deejdigsdis]

You do scan the QR code for the menu, which you look at on your phone, but a human takes your order.

This sentence made me laugh. I was just imagining if my 25-years-ago self read that sentence as a sneak peek into the future...what would I have thought? Is that for some up and coming space age restaurant in Tomorrowland? I also thought of my parents...my dad has passed but my mom is in her 80s. They started going to Disneyland in 1963 and they just couldn't do it the way things are now. I know a lot of older folks have jumped right into the technology of the times but my parents never did.

 

[DizMe]

This sentence made me laugh. I was just imagining if my 25-years-ago self read that sentence as a sneak peek into the future...what would I have thought? Is that for some up and coming space age restaurant in Tomorrowland? I also thought of my parents...my dad has passed but my mom is in her 80s. They started going to Disneyland in 1963 and they just couldn't do it the way things are now. I know a lot of older folks have jumped right into the technology of the times but my parents never did.

Same for my parents. My mom is going to be 90 in a couple of days and is still very active in most ways but technology? That's a big nope. We've tried every kind of senior cell phone out there but it's just not something she's able to do. My dad passed away 3 years ago and it was the same for him. My own kids exchange looks when they're discussing something they do on their phones and I say, "What's that?" so I'm not kidding myself that I'm just a hair away from it too .