Originally Posted By darrinv I've seen a couple of other topics talking about the Blue Bayou and the recent changes, but it didn’t sink in until last week when I went for lunch and about died. I really enjoy (or should I say enjoyed) eating at the Blue Bayou each time we go to Disneyland. I’ve never spent more than $100 for my family of 5 and that was with dessert, and the clam chowder (which they don’t serve anymore) and sodas for everyone. However this time I decided to treat my father in law (so we had a total of 6 people) and with no deserts, only two (sodas), and a kids meal it set me back $182.00. Come on!!!!!! I think that’s asinine. Sure I like Disneyland, and I really like the Blue Bayou, and I don’t mind spending a lot for good food. But almost $200.00 for a theme park restaurant. Is it just me or did any body else get complete sticker shock? The Monte Cristo sandwich is still the cheapest at $19.00 and then it jumps to two items at $25.00, 2 items at $26.00, 2 items at $27.00, 1 item at $28.00, and 1 item at $30.00. Desserts at $8 and $9 a piece, and appetizers are $10 and $12. The main difference now is the price of the entrees includes a salad or gumbo and your choice of potatoes, vegetables or spinich (which they weren't serving last week, and the potatoes really were not that good). Good food YES!!!! Worth the new price NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally Posted By gaston lives Oy! I guess I'll never get to eat there...I hate the way the prices keep going up faster than the rate of inflation.
Originally Posted By DlandJB I won't rush back. We went once with the new menu and while the food is fine, it doesn't come close to Napa Rose, which would cost about the same. If we are going to splurge in the park now, I'd rather go to Cafe Orleans.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss The BB is arguably _the_ premium theme park restaurant experience in the world, or at least the most famous (Club 33 and resort hotel restaurants aside.) Are there ever empty tables there? I don't know for a fact, but I am guessing not. As such, Disney charges what the market will bear, because they are in business to make money. It's no different than Disney's pricing for theme park tickets... they charge $60+ now, for what used to cost less than $40 not so long ago. There doesn't seem to be any shortage of buyers lining up at the gates to come in.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I agree it's completely asinine. Even if I can afford it, I refuse to pay those prices based on principle alone.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Funny, I still think it is quite reasonable. I took my parents out to dinner for their anniversary a few weeks ago. They wanted to go to TGI's, so there were 4 adults, 3 teens, a toddler and a baby. We all had coffee and soft drinks, 2 entrees, 3 burgers, 2 steaks, ribs, fajitas, and a kids meal, then 2 deserts. It was $400. So I think you still got a pretty good deal at the BB in comparison. I know where I would rather go.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<We went once with the new menu and while the food is fine, it doesn't come close to Napa Rose, which would cost about the same. If we are going to splurge in the park now, I'd rather go to Cafe Orleans.>> That another good point. You have the choice to not dine at BB. It's not like you don't see the prices up-front. There are plenty of less expensive options in the park, and even less expensive options across the street!
Originally Posted By darrinv <It's not like you don't see the prices up-front.> Were do you see the prices at? The menu upfront doesn't give prices. At least the one outside by the desk, that I looked at, because I did so trying to get an idea what the changes where.
Originally Posted By Park Hopper Trekkeruss, It's a bit early to say what the market will bear. These price increases are all fairly recent. We'll see what happens by the end of next summer.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess >> We all had coffee and soft drinks, 2 entrees, 3 burgers, 2 steaks, ribs, fajitas, and a kids meal, then 2 deserts. It was $400. << Holy cow! Think of how many groceries $400 could buy!!! And I'm hardly a penny pincher, LOL.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well our grocery bill for 2 adults and 2 little ones is about $150 - $200 a week.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<It's a bit early to say what the market will bear. These price increases are all fairly recent. We'll see what happens by the end of next summer.>> Perhaps, but has Disney ever lowered the prices of anything, other than merchandise that goes on sale or is clearance priced? FWIW, I think BB is priced high. That's why I almost never eat there (that, and I never thought the food was all that good for the money.) I can't even remember the last time i've been there. But I realize why it's more expensive. It's not just about the food. You're paying for the experience and ambiance as well.... to be able to say "I ate the famous BB at DL," and sit under he faux bayou moon watching PotC boats float past.
Originally Posted By cstephens I enjoyed our lunch there, and I do want to do dinner there. Is it expensive? Yeah, to some extent. But I thoroughly enjoyed our experience. If others don't feel it's worth it, that's fine, and they can enjoy dining at other locations. /cs
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 My bf had never been there until last year so we went at Christmas time. He couldnt believe how expensive it was and in his opinion it wasnt worth the price. All in all, he said it was worth the experiance but he probably wouldnt pay to go there again. Even though I've been many times, I sort of see his point.
Originally Posted By Mr Snappy Simple economics folks. One of the first things they teach you in Business School is that you charge what the market will bear. Ever see the lines for the BB? Lines like that are evidence that the market will bear higher prices. The trick is to price the meals at their maximum while still keeping the tables filled. Until you start seeing empty tables, expect the prices to continue to go up. Does it suck? Yup. Will they still pack the place? Yup. Remember, as much as people hear loathe to say it, Disneyland is a business FIRST and must adhere to the profit motive.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder FWIW, my wife and I are two professionals, no kids, and we have chosen not to eat there. Sincerely not bragging or anything here, but we could afford to eat there and don't. We eat at any number of places in Downtown Disney instead. IF we want the POTC atmosphere, we go on the ride.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo BTW - I hope no one was thinking I was bragging. I just try to get my head around cost of living differences between the US and UK. Also, I wonder how much BB costs compare to a relatively nice restaurant elsewhere in the US?
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I guess it would depend on what you consider a relatively nice restaurant. One with cloth napkins and fancier meals, or a moderately-priced chain? I would say at most popular restaurants (Outback, Olive Garden, that sort of thing), you can get a dinner for about $12-$20 per person... and about $7 or under for a child. We spend around $200/week on groceries & eating out, too, for our family of 4 -- so that's why that one $400 meal blew me away! I didn't mean to sound judgmental or anything, but I was picturing all the shopping (ok, let's get real - on clothes, not food, LOL!) I could do with that amount of money. That's all! I didn't take it as bragging at all, btw.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Mom of Princess. It was their 20th Wedding Anniversary and I wanted to do something special. I asked them where they wanted to go and said we could go anywhere. They asked to go to TGI's. That said, I think restaurants are more expensive in the UK. As many know, I travel a lot for work, and dinner regularly costs me $40 - $60 for 2 courses and soft drinks (no free refills in the UK as a rule). Many of these are chains.
