On my most recent trip to Disneyland, there was one restaurant that I really wanted to dine at. It required planning in advance, but it was worth it. I didn’t fully understand why so many recommend Blue Bayou to eat at, but now I do. One thing is certain, it did not disappoint. Today I am sharing our experience and why you should eat at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland. Have you been?
A LITTLE RESTAURANT INSIDE THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN RIDE
PLANNING TO EAT AT THE BLUE BAYOU
The Blue Bayou is one of the most popular restaurants in Disneyland. It is wise to make a reservation as soon as possible if you are hoping to dine there. You can make a reservation online or over the phone 60 days out from when you wish to be there.
I made my reservation for Evie and me to celebrate our birthdays there right at the 60 day mark. I am glad I did because within the weeks after the reservations filled up quickly. I have heard rumors about how sometimes even if the restaurant is booked solid, you can try to walk up and see if something has opened up. It’s worth a try, but not something I wanted to risk when traveling over a holiday weekend and nearing busy season.
Before going, I also checked out the menus for the Blue Bayou. Disney has the menues for lunch, dinner, and kids available online. This helped me to budget for what we wanted to eat, as it is one of the more pricey restaurants in the parks. I was also able to go over the menu with my daughter and figure out what she may want to eat ahead of going.
THE ATMOSPHERE OF DINING “OUTSIDE” DURING TWILIGHT
I purposely booked our dining time for right at open, 11:30 am for lunch. After doing some research, I found out that it was best to arrive around 11 am and check in early if you want to request a waterside table. The restaurant is indoors and beside the start of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. If you are seated by the waterside you get to see guests sail past that are on the ride.
We were taken to our table by a cast member. My daughter couldn’t believe that we were eating “outside” and in the dark. We both loved that the Blue Bayou looks like a restaurant patio that is outside. There are crickets chirping, fireflies glowing, and stars twinkling in the sky. If you pay attention to the sky, you may even spot the shooting star!
The decor just adds to the whole experience. I wanted a special way to celebrate our birthdays and this was perfect. It has a lot of New Orleans charm, which is only fitting because it is tucked away in the New Orleans Square part of Disneyland. Give your eyes a little bit of time to adjust and take it all in.
FIGURING OUT WHAT TO EAT
Going over the menu ahead of time helped us to know what we wanted. Originally I was considering the Monte Cristo Sandwich, which according to many it is must have food item in Disneyland. I did not see it on the menu when we were seated and have since learned you need to request it off the menu. That was okay because the Tesoro Island Chicken Breast got my attention. My daughter surprised me and asked for the Seared Salmon from the kid’s menu.
I have a lot of food allergies, which is something you are asked about when you check-in at the entrance to the restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised when the chef came out to go over what I was wanting to order and to make sure it would contain nothing I was allergic to. He went above and beyond what I was expecting and what I have ever experienced in a restaurant.
After we had made our selection, the server brought out bread service for us and surprised me again by bringing out veggies and dip from my daughter’s order so that she could start eating right away. This was a huge help in keeping her happy and fed. The basket contained sourdough dinner rolls and sweet potato biscuits.
When you order a main dish, you also have a choice of Blue Bayou House Salad or a cup of New Orleans Gumbo. Unfortunately, these both contained items I could not have. If my husband had been on this trip, I know he would have happily enjoyed my portion.
OUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE AT THE BLUE BAYOU
We left the Blue Bayou having had an incredible time there. I was not sure what to expect but left with it being one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had in Disneyland. This had a lot to do with the cast members going above and beyond, plus the food was spectacular. I already have the Blue Bayou on my list of places to go to again on my next trip.
To add to the whole experience we celebrated our birthday with a special Disney treat at the end of our meal. A Mickey shaped chocolate mousse with a candle in it was brought out for us to enjoy. I will always remember how my daughter’s face lit up when she saw this and how special it was to sing happy birthday to hear while there.
If you love good food and are looking for a unique experience in Disneyland, consider going to the Blue Bayou. It is a bit more expensive, but in my books, it was well worth fitting it into my Disney dining budget for the trip. When we go to Disneyland next, I do hope to eat there again and try more food from the menu. I like the idea of everyone ordering something different and then sharing with everyone in our party.
Have you been to the Blue Bayou? What was your favourite thing to eat there?
I love this restaurant too! So many great memories with the kids here. Thank you for sharing!
Sounds like a great restaurant! We’ll be sure to check it out when we go to Disneyland!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I haven’t been to the Blue Bayou in years but you’re so right–it’s such a magical and unique dining experience!
what a cool looking place! I’ve never been to Disneyland but would love to go someday!
The food looks great! I really love their atmosphere too.
This looks like such a fun place to eat at! We’ve only gone to Disney World but if we ever head to Disneyland, we’ll definitely check it out!
That looks like an AWESOME place to dine out! If we ever get there, I definitely want to go!