Hello Natalie! Welcome to planDisney!
Thank you for your question about advance
dining reservations for the dreamy
Blue Bayou Restaurant! This dining location is so special, with its perpetual twilight and views of those iconic Pirates of the Caribbean boats gliding by. I celebrated my 40th birthday at the Blue Bayou with my family and it's a memory I'll always cherish!
Let's get to your question! My extended family (of 14!) also had our hearts set on dining experiences at Disneyland and realized, when we were trying to make our advance dining reservations, that the maximum party for one reservation is 8 Guests per account. My suggestion to you, Natalie, is to make two separate dining reservations, from two different
Disney Accounts. One person in your party will make a reservation for 5 Guests and another person will make a reservation for 4 Guests, including those babies, for the same date and time. Then, at check-in for your dining reservation, let the host know that your two groups are together. Cast Members may not be able to seat everyone at the same table but will do their very best to accommodate your group so you're sitting close!
My recommendation to snag tough-to-get dining reservations, like the Blue Bayou, is for you and the other "reservation helper" to be logged into your accounts on the Disneyland website a few minutes before 6am PST, exactly 60 days out from the date you're wanting to visit - and make a wish!
If you're already within 60 days of your visit, which you may be, Natalie, keep checking for availability! I've been lucky enough to get a dining reservation all the way up to two hours before the time I was hoping for, especially at Blue Bayou. It's not guaranteed, especially for a large group, but magic does happen sometimes!
However, I'll let you in on a little secret, Natalie: You don't have to have dining reservations at Disneyland to enjoy incredible eats and sweets! My family loves the
Plaza Inn on Main Street (no reservations needed!) because there's something for everyone, it's nostalgic (Walt Disney himself dined here!), it's got plenty of seating (views of Sleeping Beauty Castle!), and the food just feels good in your tummy - especially the Fried Chicken Platter. I dream about this meal. It's quintessential Disneyland and definitely sharable!
Now I've got a rumbly in my tumbly. But luckily your magical day is coming up soon, Natalie! I hope this has been helpful for you in your planning, and that you and your party have so much fun immersed in the Disneyland magic. If you have any other questions or would like some tips on visiting Disneyland with a large group or little babes, don't hesitate to
reach out to us again anytime. We're happy to help!
Cheers,
McCayla