Originally Posted By davewasbaloo It's a different world I think. It took some really getting used to when we moved here 20 years ago. Anyway, back on thread, I would expect to pay for a meal in the BB a similar amount to a meal at a RFC or Hard Rock I suppose, maybe a tad more.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, and for comparison, at DLP we will have at the sit downs, 2 three course meals, one children's meal, a bottle of relatively cheap wine and a bottle of water. This often comes to about $100 for us. One of the many reasons we go over to DL or WDW rather than DLP (or this year we are lucky with 5 days DLP and 11 days WDW).
Originally Posted By trekkeruss FWIW, when I was on vacation in Cape Cod last week, we ate at a number of nicer restaurants, as many dinners were included in the tour price. We all had three courses; no wine. For five people, we were averaging around $340 a check... $68/head.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Well, since I haven't eaten at the BB in ages, so with regards to the quality of the food I cannot say. But IMO the restaurants we dined at were aimed at the same market: the upscale tourist.
Originally Posted By dltraveler Yeah, it's expensive. We used to go the the Blue Bayou once for each trip to Disneyland (about 2 times a year), but no more. I always figured I was paying for the atmosphere rather than the food as I didn't think the food was worth the prices they charged. Now though, with the price increases, it's just not worth it to me anymore. Yet, I don't see the point in complaining. Disney is a business, and if they can fill the tables at those prices, why not? Sure it sucks for those of us who liked things the way they were, but Disney exists to make money. It's a pity though, I'll sure miss eating under the fake moonlight sky.
Originally Posted By Kathi K We treated ourselves to the BB last month and I am still enjoying the memory of the prime rib. The best I have ever had so worth the almost $30 price. Won't go there on every trip but certainly will go there again.
Originally Posted By cstephens I disagree that Blue Bayou's prices should be similar to comparable nice restaurants in other locations. First, there's going to be the captive audience mark-up - you're going to pay more for food at a theme park, sports stadium, or other similar location where it's a lot more hassle to go outside the venue. Second, the fact that the restaurant is inside a ride is going to add a cost as well because it's not an ordinary experience. And even with regard to just food, I wouldn't put Rainforest Cafe or Hard Rock at the same level as Blue Bayou. One place that I don't care for at all is Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. Others have expressed their fondness for it, but when we went for dinner, the dinner was just ok, and the food was even more just ok - not what I expected for the prices I was paying. I'd much rather spend that money elsewhere, and I've recommended against Jazz Kitchen since our visit. Other friends made a visit and liked it, so if forced, I would be willing to give them one more chance, but it's not a choice I'd ever make on my own. /cs
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>Second, the fact that the restaurant is inside a ride is going to add a cost as well because it's not an ordinary experience.<< I think that you meant that it will add value. The cost of the bayou itself is part of the ride, I would think.
Originally Posted By fkurucz ^^The reason I mention this is that the cost of providing a product or service is only a secondary factor in determining what you will charge your customers for said product or service. It is the value provided that really determines what a customer will be willing to pay, which is why people will pay more for a Toyota than a comparable Kia.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 Haven't been to the BB in several years; on my last couple of visits (probably 2001 and 2003), I thought the food was only so-so. Since we don't get to DLR often, it was worth the splurge for the atmosphere, but the food was fairly unimpressive. Wasn't the food supposed to have gotten better in the recent upgrade, though? I'd rather pay 27-30 bucks for a really good entree than 20-24 for so-so. So did the food quality go up recently or not? If not, the price hike would not make me happy. If it did, I think it would be a net gain.
Originally Posted By cstephens fkurucz wrote: > I think that you meant that it will add value. The cost of the bayou itself is part of the ride, I would think. I didn't mean it literally costs more to run the restaurant because it's inside the ride, but that the added experience is going to mean they can charge more for the experience, kinda like why Club 33 charges more than normal restaurants. /cs
Originally Posted By DlandJB 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. <>> I do think that is unfair -- especially to families with small children. If we only got to the park once a year or so, I would enjoy a splurge at the BB. I love the atmosphere. But being locals, I feel like I've done it and I don't need to go again until they make other changes that are worth checking out. I'll leave a table free for someone who is there for a special visit.
Originally Posted By cstephens It's just as easy to ask to see a menu - I've done that in regular restaurants where I'm not sure of what's on the menu or where I want to know what the price point is. /cs
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder "If we only got to the park once a year or so, I would enjoy a splurge at the BB. I love the atmosphere. But being locals, I feel like I've done it and I don't need to go again until they make other changes that are worth checking out. I'll leave a table free for someone who is there for a special visit." I think that's a good way to sum it up. We got to Dl for my wife's birthday every year, aand most years either lunch or dinner is at Blue Bayou. When we're not there due to an occasion, we pass it by.
Originally Posted By skywilliams In response to Dabob2: the food has gotten better, in my opinion. I have always gone every trip (that it was open) mostly for the experience because I too was not all that impressed with the food. This last trip my wife got the Monte Cristo and I got the Buccaneers Beef Short Ribs. First off, my entree was fantastic! It was the best ribs I have ever eaten! I let my wife try some and she was blown away. The Monte Cristo has, in the past, been not so appealing to me. I had it once and thought it was too greasy and heavy and almost thought it wasn't cooked thoroughly. But even that has changed and tastes so much better. Plus the food portions are bigger now and they also give you your choice of gumbo, soup, or salad to go with your meal. With the price hike we paid an additional $20 (for two entrees and two kids meals and sodas for everyone) and the final bill came to about $65.00. At first the price hike made me choke but after eating there I feel it is worth it. Plus, it seems like they have removed some tables (or possibly re-arranged them) because it doesn't seem so crowded this last time. When I sat I had plenty of room around me without worrying about another guest or blocking an aisle. I will definitely be back.
Originally Posted By SleepingBeauty82 You know, I was thinking...if you REALLY want the atmosphere without the price, why not make am evening reservation and just have coffee and a dessert?
Originally Posted By liveforvacations I didn't know that you could just go for dessert and coffee! I don't know why but I always assumed that you had to order a full entree. That really appeals to me because although I am not a total vegeterian, I eat chicken but not usually in restaurantsout and therefore I find that the BB menu is very limited.
Originally Posted By ni_teach If you think that the Blue Bayou Prices are bad then you better never go to club 33. That would give you a heart attack. ;-)
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess ^^^ You're right; it would. I might only be 38, but I wasn't raised by Depression-era folks for nothin'. ;-)
