Daily Photo Tour - The Sweet Smell of the Blue Bayou

You all know exactly what I am talking about. There are many smells in Disneyland. I'm sure most of you could name your favorites. And maybe some not so favorites, but that's an entirely different blog. Let me get back on topic. I'm talking about that sweet savory aroma that seems to surround the Blue Bayou. I find it almost irresistible. It's almost impossible to leave the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean without getting knocked over by the sweet smells. If you've never eaten here you probably have always wanted to. Funny thing is most people believe that you have to make a reservation to eat here. It's definitely recommended, but not required. If you're ever in the mood for some down right amazing cuisine, you gotta check out the Blue Bayou. It will knock your socks off. And then you'll have to go buy new ones, or find your old ones, which could be a rather precarious adventure. Tip: Wear sandals while dining at the Blue Bayou Restaurant. Yeah. Do that.

Daily Photo Tour - Lunch on the Bayou

This was taken as we were having lunch one afternoon at the Blue Bayou. It was the first meal the three of us had together here. This was for good reason, as we were waiting for a special occasion coming up. Our plan however changed when we were invited to lunch by Dave of Daveland. It was our first time meeting and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable days we've had at the park. I think I can speak for us all when I say that the things we value most with our blogging and photography endeavors are the people that we continually have the opportunity to meet. People that seem to fit seamlessly into our lives as if we've known them for years. It's really what makes life worth while.

Daily Photo Tour - A Night on the Bayou

Whether you're fine dining or sailing through on your way to adventure, the Blue Bayou is one of the most magical, immersive places in Disneyland. You can't help but get lost with wonder, creating fanciful stories of its inhabitants. I took this picture very late at night and there were no people left at the tables behind me in the restaurant. The uncrowded boats intermittently passing through provided the only pauses from near silence, the faint sound of a banjo in the distance. Moments like these at Disneyland are the best. They are the memories that stand out even amongst the rest. Some people say they don't "get" Disneyland. I think maybe they just haven't had a quiet moment like this one.

A Night in New Orleans

New Orleans Square has just about all the charm a person could hope to handle in an evening. Late at night, when the crowds from Fantasmic! have cleared, you can stroll down alleyways you have all to yourself. You may not be able to grab a bite at the Bayou, but you're likely to find a few well fed patrons making their way from Club 33. We like to take times like these, when you have a spot in the Park all to yourself, to dream and recharge. About the only thing that could make it any better is if you could still grab a mint julep and listen to some jazz.

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Sleepy Time on Royal Street

The Fragrant Night Air

Daily Photo Tour - The Blue Bayou

The Blue Bayou opened on this day, forty-four years ago. Alongside Pirates of the Caribbean, it changed New Orleans Square and Disneyland. Not only does it offer fine dining in a theme park, but it does so in the atmosphere and presence of one of greatest rides of all time for a truly unique and magical experience. Happy anniversary Blue Bayou!

Daily Photo Tour - Blue Bayou Lobby

The Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square is a seriously delicious place for a meal at Disneyland. While other restaurants around the park also feature intricate theming, the Blue Bayou offers an ambiance on par with its culinary caterings. We were walking past late one night, on our way out of New Orleans Square, when we noticed that the doors were still open and the lobby empty. We asked a cast member if we could step inside and take some pictures and to our delight were approved.