Hello there Jennifer, from one Illinois resident to another! Welcome back to planDisney, we're so glad you're here!
I have been in your shoes too, and not been able to grab a reservation at the more popular spots such as
Blue Bayou Restaurant and
Lamplight Lounge. They are two of my favorite places, and we do try to dine at them each time we are at the parks.
The
Mobile Dine Walk-Up list is a great alternative if you're unable to snag a
dining reservation prior to your trip, and the availability truly does vary by day. My advice for Blue Bayou Restaurant is to head there first thing in the morning to speak with the Cast Member about availability for that day, since it is a tough dining reservation to get. A great alternative if you are not able to grab a dining reservation is
Cafe Orleans in New Orleans Square. You can still get the delicious Louisiana flavors with favorites such as the famous Monte Cristo sandwich and Chicken Gumbo!
For Lamplight Lounge, if there is no Mobile Dine Walk-Up availability that day, I would also check to see if there is availability at
Lamplight Lounge - Boardwalk Dining which is the upstairs outdoor patio, and only walk-up is available, no reservations are taken. That could be a great alternative for a sunny California day, and you'll still get the same beautiful views of Pixar Pier!
If the
Disneyland app is not showing availability earlier in the day for both locations, I would definitely still check the app for both last-minute dining reservations as well as walk-up availability since Guest plans do change frequently! I have been lucky to snag some reservations on the same day, so I would not give up hope if they aren't available prior to your trip.
I hope this information is helpful for your upcoming trip Jennifer! I'm sending you some Midwest pixie dust that you're able to snag your dining reservations, and if you have any other questions, please
come back and ask!
Have a magical day!
Melissa