Blue Bayou

Savor down-home, Louisiana-inspired cooking and full table service in moonlit ambience as Pirates of the Caribbean passenger boats drift past. This popular restaurant serves a range of delectable dishes for lunch and dinner. One of the favorite restaurants in Disneyland Park is the Blue Bayou. Since opening in 1967, it has become a family tradition for many Guests to dine on the delicious Cajun- and Creole-style food in a truly unique setting. Inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, Guests at the Blue Bayou sit "outdoors" in perpetual twilight, surrounded by winking fireflies and the soothing sounds of the bayou's crickets and frogs, while boats filled with Guests heading into pirate-filled Caribbean waters drift past.

Lunch and dinner menus feature Louisiana classics like Tesora Island chicken, jambalaya and the famous Monte Cristo sandwich. After your meal, relax in the tranquil setting and savor a specialty dessert like fresh-baked pecan pie or creme brulee.

The restaurant is built within the same show building that houses part of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, with parts of the ride even taking place beneath the restaurant. Although seated in a large, enclosed building, diners experience the illusion of eating in an outdoor restaurant at nighttime. This effect is achieved through the use of a dark and distant ceiling, air conditioning, and carefully coordinated lighting. The theming is intensified by the sounds of crickets and frogs, the meandering glow of fireflies, and projection effects above that imitate the night sky. The restaurant is also popular for offering a view of the beginning portion of Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests can see the riders floating by in their boats, and the riders can see the festive nighttime lighting of the restaurant as they pass by.

The Disneyland outlet opened March 18, 1967. It was intended to respond to criticisms of the quality of food service in the park since its opening. Originally the restaurant was to feature live entertainment but Disney historian Jim Korkis reported after a dress rehearsal and trial dinner in 1966 Walt Disney declared "In this restaurant, the food is going to be the show, along with the atmosphere".

Touring Tips

• Let's face it: In just about every regard, Napa Rose is a "better" restaurant than Blue Bayou. (So, for that matter is Steakhouse 55.) But located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, Blue Bayou is so utterly unique and such a Disneyland classic, it easily outscored Napa Rose and every other eatery in the resort to nab the top spot in our travel writers' survey.
• Entrees include New Orleans-inspired dishes such as jambalaya and the famous Monte Cristo sandwich. (The first few bites of a Monte Cristo taste great, but the deep-fried concoction is quite filling and can become a chore to finish.) The food is leagues above standard theme park fare, but it is often hit-or-miss. And service at the Blue Bayou is generally rushed. The emphasis seems to be on turning over the tables at the wildly popular restaurant rather than doting on the guests. Still, with the crickets chirping, the lanterns flickering, and the boats gently passing by, there's no denying its charm and its legendary status.
• Guests wishing to dine at the restaurant are advised to make reservations at least a day in advance. At Disneyland, particularly during the 4:00pm to 8:00pm dinner rush, reservations 1 week in advance are advisable. Reservations are recommended. Call Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463.

Hidden Mickeys

• Just inside the Blue Bayou's lobby, the intricate stained glass features a collection of three circles, that seem to create a Classic Hidden Mickey.