There are a ton of great places to dine while visiting Disneyland Resort. Whether you are looking for a light snack, a quick meal, or a full sit-down experience, there is something for everyone. Disneyland offers a wide variety of food, from classic Disney treats like Mickey pretzels, DOLE Whips, and Mickey Premium Bars to more substantial things like specialty hot dogs, Naples-style pizza, or complete Cajun meals. Disney doesn’t have a huge number of sit-down restaurants, but the ones that are there are incredibly popular.
One of the most popular sit-down restaurants on all of Disneyland Resort property can be found in the New Orleans Square area of Disneyland Park — Blue Bayou. Blue Bayou is perhaps most well-known because of its location, which is right next to Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests enter the restaurant from the outside, but once they are escorted in, they are led to an area that is right in the heart of the bayou, and they can see the Pirates of the Caribbean ride vehicles glide by.
Typically, it is very difficult to get a reservation at Blue Bayou and times will be booked weeks or months in advance. However, that is not the case right now. Both Blue Bayou and Pirates of the Caribbean have been closed as Pirates undergoes a huge refurbishment. The attraction remains closed, but Blue Bayou has opened up, and they are doing something not done in the past. The restaurant is not currently taking reservations, but walk-ups only! Guests can join the walk-up waitlist from the Disneyland mobile app, or they can walk up to the restaurant when they get to the Park and see what is available.
Disney Parks shared the exciting news.
Exciting news! Blue Bayou Restaurant is now accepting walk-ins for lunch and dinner on the @Disneyland mobile app or at the podium.Reservations will be available at a later date. (Subject to availability. See a Cast Member for more details.)
Exciting news! Blue Bayou Restaurant is now accepting walk-ins for lunch and dinner on the @Disneyland mobile app or at the podium.🍴Reservations will be available at a later date. (Subject to availability. See a Cast Member for more details.) pic.twitter.com/nKoYVvzPpK
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) June 3, 2022
Blue Bayou only taking walk-up reservations at this time is great for those Guests who have always wanted to eat there but could never get a reservation. It is also perfect for those who have eaten there and want to go back, but also couldn’t get a reservation. It’s perfect for everyone, so be sure to take advantage of it while it lasts.
Here is more information on Blue Bayou from the Disneyland Resort website:
Dine Down on the Bayou
Step into perpetual twilight as the nighttime ambiance of the watery setting surrounds you. Spot Guests embarking on a Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, as you enjoy an authentic New Orleans-inspired lunch or dinner. It’s a truly unique setting where the bayou is, literally, by you!
A New Orleans Square Classic
Blue Bayou has been a must-visit destination for many Disneyland Resort Guests since its opening in 1967. Its mystical setting takes you into the heart of the South—overhead strings of colorful balloon lanterns cast an enchanting glow, dotting the darkness while crickets chirp, frogs croak and fireflies wink in the dark.
Big Tastes from the Big Easy
Kick off your memorable meal with Southern-inspired starters. Next, choose from a selection of authentic entrées—including signature dishes such as Jambalaya and Plant-based Fava Bean & Pistachio Pesto Pasta.
Favorite dishes include the Monte Cristo and Seasonal Salad… and don’t forget the nonalcoholic mint juleps.
New additions to the restaurant’s menu include a New Orleans-inspired signature Hurricane cocktail, along with select wines and beers. Kids can also take part in the Bayou spirit by creating their own meals, including delicious entrées and sides that cater to every taste.
Be sure to save some room for dessert—and don’t miss the best crème brûlée in New Orleans Square!
Disney has not said when it will bring back the traditional reservation system. It is possible that the restaurant will remain walk-up only until Pirates of the Caribbean reopens — which is scheduled to happen on June 30.