Hi, Dianna!
Welcome to planDisney. Celebrating your sweet daughter's birthday at Disneyland Resort sounds like an absolutely perfect day! Be sure to stop by City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park to pick up a complimentary
"I'm Celebrating" button! It gives other Guests and Cast Members the chance to wish her a happy birthday throughout your visit.
Blue Bayou Restaurant is my kids' favorite place to dine. Watching the Pirates of the Caribbean boats sail by while enjoying a delicious meal creates a memorable birthday experience! I'm sorry you haven't been able to secure a reservation yet. Blue Bayou Restaurant is both small and very popular, so reservations often disappear the moment they are released. I checked the availability calendar on the Disneyland website, and it currently shows no reservations for your date (which is different from the restaurant being closed). I have also noticed that it can be more challenging to book for larger groups, which is why I sometimes try for two smaller reservations, such as one for two Guests and another for four Guests, around the same time.
Cancellations happen frequently, so it is worth checking the Disneyland website several times a day to see if any openings appear. If that does not work, consider arriving at Blue Bayou Restaurant at least 30 to 45 minutes before they open, which is usually at 11:00 A.M., to ask about walk-up availability. You can also check the walk-up list in the
Disneyland app, although I have had the most success by speaking with a Cast Member in person.
In the meantime, it is a good idea to make a backup reservation. Most dining locations allow Guests to cancel up to two hours beforehand without a fee, but make sure to review the policy for your specific reservation. "Minnie & Friends - Breakfast in the Park" at
Plaza Inn would be a delightful birthday option!
Storytellers Cafe and
Wine Country Trattoria are also wonderful choices.
Dianna, I'm wishing upon a star that you can snag dining reservations at Blue Bayou Restaurant for your daughter's birthday! Please wish her a happy birthday from all of us at planDisney. Don't hesitate to contact us again if you have more questions.
Magic Happens!
Jen