Hello John!
Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Looks like you’ve got a great taste in restaurants at the
Disneyland Resort!
Sharing a meal with family and friends is one of my favorite things to do at the parks. There are some unique offerings in the parks and the
Blue Bayou just might take the cake on the most unique dining setting. Where else can you dine by the Bayou as you watch guests embark on their Pirates of the Caribbean Adventure?
As you know, it's quite popular and reservations do go fast for this restaurant. Not too long ago I found myself in this same exact predicament. We were at the parks celebrating my son’s birthday and he says he’d really like to dine there for his birthday. Reservations were gone so we went to the restaurant well before it opened and asked the Cast Member at the check in station if they did walk ups. He said they usually reserve some tables right at opening but if they do have something you can't make any seating requests like by the water, etc. He also mentioned nothing is guaranteed and it will depend on how many people show up with reservations right at opening. So we came back about 20 minutes before they opened for the day and he took our name down. We didn’t wait much after they opened and were seating very quickly.
I would recommend you do the same thing. Head there first thing in the morning or when that check in station is open and then ask about walk ups. Be nice, patient and then come back early. When we came back 20 minutes before they opened, there were five other groups trying to do the same thing. If it’s really important to you come back maybe 30 minutes early. As far as cancellations go, keep checking the
Disneyland Mobile App from now until your trip as cancellations do happen- especially the day before.
Well John, I’m sending some major pixie dust your way and I hope that you and your family are able to make more incredible memories down by the Bayou.
Remember, always believe in the magic!
Andres