Nine Irish Chains

 

When it opened in 1967, Blue Bayou was the only restaurant INSIDE a theme park ride. Pirates of the Caribbean runs alongside and even UNDER the restaurant. Immediately after boarding boats in Pirates, riders find themselves floating along a lazy river at night, past what looks like a backyard soirée at a stately southern mansion. There are paper lanterns gently swaying in the evening breeze, and the aroma of Cajun cooking fills the air. Diners near the “river” watch the boats drifting by. They’re also treated to fireflies, chirping crickets, and a lone banjo. Walt originally planned for diners to be entertained by a band of roving pirates. Later, he decided the food should be the star of this show. We haven’t eaten here in a long, long time, and it may be even longer before we go back. Between social distancing and staffing shortages, reservations have become next to impossible. Maybe we should just ride Pirates, and cook our own Cajun.