The Blue Bayou at Disneyland has long been a guest favorite, primarily due to the low-lit, waterfront atmosphere. The ambiance is entirely magical, and it’s a neat experience to feel as though you are out in the bayou (of course, without the pesky mosquitos, alligators, etc.). The entire restaurant has a soft glow from the flickering tabletop candles and the soft-glowing lanterns that hang above the tables. The crickets chirp softly, frogs croak, fireflies twinkle, and you can hear the soft glide of the Pirate boats as they pass by. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and arguably one of the coolest spots to dine at Disneyland.
While the ambiance is unique, the food has been a hit and a miss with guests, especially over the last few years, as the menu has slowly changed, portion sizes have been sized down, and prices have gone up. Pre-COVID, I had dined here several times since childhood, and it has always been a great experience. I was able to dine at the Blue Bayou this past weekend for the first time post-COVID. It’s no secret it’s tough to get a reservation here, as the seating area is relatively small and intimate and is always in popular demand. I was ecstatic to dine here for the first time in years, finally, as I was eager to see what has changed and share my experience with you all!
Upon check-in, I requested waterfront seating to have the best experience possible. I was told the wait would be an extra 20-minutes which I did not find a big deal. Once seated, our server was attentive and took my order immediately. Their menu prices have gone up quite a bit since last I ate there, as have the menu items. One significant change is they now serve alcohol! Being a Louisiana-inspired restaurant, they now serve the famous Hurricanes, an extremely popular drink New Orleans is known for. I had my first Hurricane drink in New Orleans several years ago and absolutely loved the fruity concoction, so I was eager to try one here.
I, unfortunately, was not a huge fan of the Hurricane at Blue Bayou. It was super sugary and just tasted like a super sugary lemonade. This drink features Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit Purée, Grenadine and Lime Juice, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, and an Orange garnish. I may have just gotten one that was not well-made, so if you’re looking to try a New Orleans favorite, it doesn’t hurt to try one yourself!
For my meal, I ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich. Growing up, I would always come to Blue Bayou with my parents, and they would order one of these, and they would come with a plate of sandwiches. These are so thick, rich, and filling that a family of four could easily share one plate. Now, the portion sizes have decreased. This plate now comes with three, but this is still shareable for two people as they are still very rich and filling! The Monte Cristo sandwich features Battered and Fried Turkey, Ham, and Swiss cheese and is topped with powdered sugar and served with Raspberry Jam. It also is served with a side Market Fruit Salad. The salad dressing was a bit tangy and weird, and I recommend the Blue Bayou salad instead (it’s also a good idea to get another side salad if you plan on sharing the Monte Cristo entree!).
I usually get dessert, but because the Monte Cristo sandwich is so heavy and sweet, I decided I had had dinner and dessert all at the same time and couldn’t fit anymore in! Other menu items at Blue Bayou include Filet Mignon, Chicken Jambalaya, Sustainable Market Fish, and more! Other food items I have heard mixed reviews on; more often than not, I hear nothing but good things about the Monte Cristo, and it’s always my favorite go-to, classic item here. They are a bit more on the pricey side, but if you can swing it, I highly recommend dining here at least once to experience the mystical and enchanting ambiance!
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