Recently, I shared that a lifelong dream came to fruition when I visited Walt Disney World Resort for the first time. Just before summer, my family embarked on the trip of a lifetime, and one we won’t soon forget. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see how Disney World felt compared to Disneyland. Growing up in Southern California, living in close vicinity to Disneyland for almost four decades, I was an Annual Passholder for the majority of my adult life. From the time I got my driver’s license up until our recent move to the Pacific Northwest, the Happiest Place on Earth was like a second home to me. So, upon our trip to Disney World, one of the aspects I was most excited about exploring was the differences between duplicate rides. I shared my thoughts in a previous article.
As I’ve stated before, to me, it’s an entirely subjective issue. There’s no right or wrong, when it comes to comparisons. It simply boils down to personal preference. Disney fans can appreciate both resorts for what they have to offer and cultivate their own opinions and preferences. With that out of the way, another facet I was excited about exploring on our trip, is how the food compares. I could do an entire article on Disney World vs. Disneyland dining in general, but today, let’s hone in on the Blue Bayou and San Angel Inn, two water-side dining options located inside an attraction at each resort!
The Rich History of Blue Bayou Restaurant
Blue Bayou Restaurant is my favorite place to enjoy a deluxe meal at the Disneyland Resort. My family has visited on several occasions over the years, typically for special events such as Mother’s/Father’s Day, birthdays, and just-because-we-want-to day!
Undoubtedly, the biggest draw of this restaurant is location, location, location! Nestled within the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, there’s a lot to enjoy in the way of ambiance.
If you’re a visual person like me, this restaurant is a feast for senses and provides a totally immersive experience. The Blue Bayou opened along with Pirates of the Caribbean on March 18, 1967. Located near the mysterious old Club 33 entrance, Blue Bayou’s exterior is somewhat misleading.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once you enter, its appeal is obvious. A dark atmosphere is brought to life with colorful lanterns and the sounds of the bayou, drawing you into the magic.
But, the pièce de résistance is the fact that the seating area is located alongside the Pirates of the Caribbean bayou, enabling you to enjoy part of the ride, while you dine on your Louisiana-inspired cuisine!
Beginner’s Guide to San Angel Inn Restaurante
On a fundamental level, San Angel Inn Restaurante is basically Walt Disney World’s Blue Bayou. Before our Florida trip, we mapped out some of the places we wanted to eat, as one does. Truth be told, the options can be overwhelming. There were too many places we wanted to visit, but not enough time to experience more than a few. So, we had to be picky and really narrow it down. Due to my love for a good themed restaurant, and a desire to see how it compares with my favorite Disneyland eatery, San Angel Inn made the top of our list. Located in the Mexico Pavilion in EPCOT, it bears several similarities to the Blue Bayou.
San Angel Inn Restaurante opened along with EPCOT on October 1, 1982.
Similar to the Blue Bayou, its atmosphere is marked by a twilight environment, only here, it immerses you in Mayan ruins, as opposed to a bayou setting.
Like its predecessor, the seating area offers views of a water attraction, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.
In true Blue Bayou fashion, you can watch the boats drift by as you munch on your Mexican fare.
Now that you’ve got a general feel of the vibe for each Disney dining location, let’s take a look at how the restaurants compare when it comes to the nitty gritty – atmosphere, food, and overall experience.
Atmosphere: Blue Bayou vs. San Angel Inn
Regarding ambiance, both Blue Bayou and San Angel Inn offer a similar, highly enjoyable, immersive experience. Suffice it to say, for many Disney fans, it doesn’t get much better than sitting down for a meal within the confines of a ride. It’s definitely a standout feature of both. Blue Bayou is contained in a small environment, with the dining area not far from the outdoor entrance.
If you’re sitting near the door, and it’s open, it taints the experience a bit. Seeing swarms of people walk by/walk up does not lend well to its sense of escapism. Pro Tip: Ask for a table near the water. You may have to wait a bit longer, but it will be worth it if they can accommodate you.
In comparison, San Angel Inn fully envelopes you in its environment. Due to its location within the Mexico Pavilion, it truly feels like you’re in another place entirely.
In addition, outside the restaurant, but within the dark environment, is a marketplace, offering further immersion.
Both restaurants do a stellar job when it comes to visual appeal! Whether it be bayou or ruins themed, the dark atmosphere and glowing visuals envelop you in their story. However, Blue Bayou shines with more peaceful surroundings, immersive sound effects, and nature elements such as chirping crickets and fireflies.
Rides Within the Restaurants: Pirates of the Caribbean vs. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
It’s safe to say the Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most beloved and iconic rides at Disneyland.
Walt Disney had a personal hand in the development of the attraction, but sadly passed away shortly before he could see it opened to the public.
For me, the feelings of nostalgia exuding from Pirates of the Caribbean are part of what makes the Blue Bayou Restaurant experience so ideal.
The Gran Fiesta Tour replaced a former ride called El Rio del Tiempo, in 2007. If you’re measuring success by wait times, Gran Fiesta Tour is one of the least popular rides at EPCOT. It’s hidden away at the back of an indoor pavilion and doesn’t offer much in the way of thrills (Pirates at least has a drop). But it sure does make a pretty backdrop for the attached restaurant.
Food: Blue Bayou vs. San Angel Inn
Both Blue Bayou and San Angel Inn offer lunch and dinner. Blue Bayou’s overall pricing is more expensive, ranging from $35 to $60, while San Angel’s lineup ranges from $15 to $35. That being said, this makes sense based on what each restaurant serves. Unfortunately, both locations offer fairly limited options on their menus.
Blue Bayou
While Blue Bayou has less to choose from, the items are more upscale. Current entrées include ribeye and filet mignon, as well as chicken, fish, and plant-based options. There are also some fabulous dessert offerings, as well as special selections for kids. One thing I’ve always loved about the Blue Bayou, besides its fantastic food, is the yummy bread service. You can also add a delicious soup or salad to your meal. In my experience, the Blue Bayou has always been consistent in putting out quality food, both tasty and fulfilling. I’ve found the desserts to be unique and scrumptious as well. I used to love the fried cheesecake back in the day! But I’ll take a Monte Cristo and Crème brûlée any day!
San Angel Inn
While San Angel Inn Restaurante has more options than the Blue Bayou, you may not find some of your favorites on the menu. For example, my son was looking forward to ordering nachos only to find they weren’t on the menu (but they were available in the quick-service location outside, so he eventually got what he wanted). In addition, unlike in California, where you enjoy complimentary chips and salsa at basically every Mexican restaurant, that was not our experience in Florida. We went to several Mexican restaurants on our trip and always had to pay extra for chips and salsa. Items on the menu range from ribeye tacos and chicken enchiladas to chicken, fish, and kid’s options. The portions are incredibly small, and unfortunately, the quality of the food was not great. In addition, it was so dark inside that we could barely see what we were eating until we lit it up with the flash!
Side Note on Reservations
Although making reservations at both restaurants is ideal, we’ve been able to enjoy the Blue Bayou upon walkup on multiple occasions. We lucked out via walkup at San Angel Inn as well, and the wait time was minimal. That being said, if you can plan ahead, that’s always the safest way to go.
Final Thoughts
If I had to choose between Blue Bayou and San Angel Inn, Blue Bayou comes out on top due to history, incredible ambiance, and superior food quality. Fortunately, I don’t have to choose! The West Coast offers Disneyland’s Blue Bayou, while the East Coast offers Disney World’s San Angel Inn. Both are wonderful in their own way. With Blue Bayou, you get a delicious meal on top of the immersive environment. If you’re most interested in the atmosphere and don’t mind sacrificing when it comes to food quality, San Angel Inn is a delightful spot. This was the case for me. My top priority was the experience, so I’m happy to have paid it a visit. If food is of utmost importance to you, you may want to consider other options, as Disney World has many restaurants boasting immersive environments. But, for Disneyland fans experiencing Disney World for the first time, I’d say give it a go, at least once!
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What Do You Think?
Have you visited San Angel Inn Restaurante and 
Blue Bayou? Which is your favorite? We’d love to hear your take, so let us know in the comments and polls below!