Lunch in the Bayou

You can’t talk about classic Disneyland dining without talking about the Blue Bayou. I’d heard about it for years—the restaurant famously located inside the opening scene of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. For my big park lunch, I decided to try my luck at getting a reservation.

The vibe is the main event here. You’re seated on a patio under a canopy of faux trees strung with glowing, colorful lanterns, forever locked in a perfect, cool twilight. The best part is watching the boats full of people starting their Pirates adventure float by just a few feet away. I couldn’t see them too well from my table, but it was such a unique experience. It’s one of the most immersive and unique restaurant settings I’ve experienced.

My server was great and pointed me in the right direction for my drink and appetizer, and I’m glad I took the recommendations. I started with a Hurricane—a solid choice for a midday park cocktail—and a bowl of the Chicken Gumbo. The gumbo was rich and flavorful, packed with meat and veggies, making it a perfect starter.

For the main course, I had to go with the legend: the Monte Cristo. What arrived was a plate of three massive, golden-fried sandwiches, generously dusted with powdered sugar and served with delicious potato chips. Is it an absurdly decadent and heavy choice for lunch in the middle of a park day? Absolutely. Was it 100% worth it? You bet!

The only hiccup in an otherwise great meal was getting the check, which took a surprisingly long time to arrive. Honestly, though, it ended up being an accidental, prolonged break from the California heat, so it was hard to be too upset about lingering in the cool, dark bayou for a little longer.

So, what’s the verdict? The Blue Bayou is one of those places you just have to do. The food is great (especially that Monte Cristo), but you’re really paying for the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s an experience I’d absolutely recommend.