News Paradise Pier Becoming Pixar Pier

[Deleted member 107043]

The problem with the Cove bar was the problem with most of DCA 1.0, it just looked and felt like a cheap after thought.

Funny I liked the Cove Bar from the beginning, even the less detailed Wolfgang Puck version circa 2001. I remember my first visit to DCA in February of that year and enjoying sushi at the bar while marveling at Paradise Bay and what had been a parking lot just a few years before. There were probably less than 20 people there. The explosive popularity of DCA 2.0 and growth of APs sure did ruin that place. On my last visit there was a 45+ minute wait for table or a spot at the bar, so we ended up skipping it.

Looks like the Lounge will be able to accommodate more day-drinking guests than Cove Bar could ever hope to, but given the demand I'm not sure it will help. Assuming accessibility will be less of an issue the only remaining downside will be the territorial APs lingering around all afternoon, especially on the weekends.

 

[disneyC97]

Why oh why can't they fully replace the 2001 carousel topper with a proper structure? I mean, local regional parks can afford a wooden carousel structure. I would accept the giant Jessie more if they at least did that!

 

[Disney Lover Addie]

As the official “Guinea Pig” for Lamplight Lounge, I’ll report on it soon.

 

[Disney Irish]

Why oh why can't they fully replace the 2001 carousel topper with a proper structure? I mean, local regional parks can afford a wooden carousel structure. I would accept the giant Jessie more if they at least did that!

Isn't the new topper suppose to be a topper to make it look like a wooden top. That's the way I took from the concept art.

 

[Disney Lover Addie]

Why oh why can't they fully replace the 2001 carousel topper with a proper structure? I mean, local regional parks can afford a wooden carousel structure. I would accept the giant Jessie more if they at least did that!

Isn't the new topper suppose to be a topper to make it look like a wooden top. That's the way I took from the concept art.

Concept Art: I feel like the decor is all over the place. Like this is a cowgirl’s lost and found.

 

[mickEblu]

Isn't the ball marble? Can marble keep such bright colors without fading?

I’m not sure what material it is but that could be a good explanation.

 

[Disney Lover Addie]

I’m not sure what material it is but that could be a good explanation.

It looks very aged, and it hasn’t even been there for long.

 

[Disney Irish]

Concept Art: I feel like the decor is all over the place. Like this is a cowgirl’s lost and found.
View attachment 291333

The original concept art had Jessie's rope going to the top of the topper. This is why I was thinking its suppose to be like a wooden top, where the rope is like a pull string.

 

[Disney Lover Addie]

The original concept art had Jessie's rope going to the top of the topper. This is why I was thinking its suppose to be like a wooden top, where the rope is like a pull string.

Yeah I’ve seen that concept art too. Why not just take the carousel out, and replace it with a better attraction?

 

[Professortango1]

When did you eat at Blue Bayou and what did you eat exactly? Restaurants are very fickle and quality can not only change from year to year but night to night. I was there I believe 2-3 years ago and found the filet mignon and lobster tail to be tasty. Not the best I’ve had of either of course but tasty. Just about the best food you can find inside the parks for dinner. The atmosphere, especially on the water, takes the experience to the next level. Also, I don’t think anyone is expecting world class dining inside the parks. At the hotels maybe but inside the parks I think a good dinner at Blue Bayou is about as good as it gets when you consider overall experience.

As far as price, Cove Bar / Lamplight and Blue Bayou are get comparable after the recent price increases. The fact that the OP is traveling to DLR for 9 days and staying onsite makes me believe they the not worried about spending another $10-$15 for a better meal/ experience.

So if someone from the other side of the world was going to DLR for the first and last time for one night and asked you if they should eat at Blue Bayou or Lamplight for dinner which restaurant would recommend? If you say the latter you re lying.

I wouldn't recommend Blue Bayou to anyone. I'd say grab the same food at Cafe Orleans, then ride POTC. You'll save some money and a long wait. And if you want a nice dinner, go outside of Disneyland to DTD or DCA so you can have a glass of wine or a cocktail. Lamplight isn't luxurious, but it looks like a relaxing atmosphere with decent food and drinks. Now that the whole restaurant will be used and not just the top corner, I know I'll be grabbing a bite there far more often.

If I were suggesting Disneyland restaurants, I'd probably suggest Rancho De Zoloco or Cafe Orleans as a place to get a properly priced meal with a nice atmosphere. After that would be The French Market and Carnation Cafe. With the price vs food quality of Blue Bayou, I just can't recommend it.

 

[Disney Irish]

Yeah I’ve seen that concept art too. Why not just take the carousel out, and replace it with a better attraction?

I don't disagree with that. But replace it with what? The space is not that large, so you can't put much in that area. I guess if they took out the restrooms they'd have a bigger footprint.

 

[180º]

I wouldn't recommend Blue Bayou to anyone. I'd say grab the same food at Cafe Orleans, then ride POTC. You'll save some money and a long wait. And if you want a nice dinner, go outside of Disneyland to DTD or DCA so you can have a glass of wine or a cocktail. Lamplight isn't luxurious, but it looks like a relaxing atmosphere with decent food and drinks. Now that the whole restaurant will be used and not just the top corner, I know I'll be grabbing a bite there far more often.

If I were suggesting Disneyland restaurants, I'd probably suggest Rancho De Zoloco or Cafe Orleans as a place to get a properly priced meal with a nice atmosphere. After that would be The French Market and Carnation Cafe. With the price vs food quality of Blue Bayou, I just can't recommend it.

This may sound snarky but trust me when I say it’s not: Just curious of how many times you’ve dined at Blue Bayou. I eat there and at Café Orleans a few times a year each and, while I enjoy both, I find the quality of food and service is noticeably better at Blue Bayou.

I totally agree with you about your other recommendations. Rancho Del Zocalo is another personal favorite of mine.

On Pixar Pier: Incredicoaster entrance looks great.

 

[Disney Lover Addie]

I don't disagree with that. But replace it with what? The space is not that large, so you can't put much in that area. I guess if they took out the restrooms they'd have a bigger footprint.

Good point. Maybe something like the Slinky Dog Zig Zag Spin in Disneyland Paris. They could just make the queue different.

Video of the ride:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&sou...aw0wG-dY_SyYvRLO-Ls6La26&ust=1529631101543665

 

[mickEblu]

I wouldn't recommend Blue Bayou to anyone. I'd say grab the same food at Cafe Orleans, then ride POTC. You'll save some money and a long wait. And if you want a nice dinner, go outside of Disneyland to DTD or DCA so you can have a glass of wine or a cocktail. Lamplight isn't luxurious, but it looks like a relaxing atmosphere with decent food and drinks. Now that the whole restaurant will be used and not just the top corner, I know I'll be grabbing a bite there far more often.

If I were suggesting Disneyland restaurants, I'd probably suggest Rancho De Zoloco or Cafe Orleans as a place to get a properly priced meal with a nice atmosphere. After that would be The French Market and Carnation Cafe. With the price vs food quality of Blue Bayou, I just can't recommend it.

You avoided the question.

 

[Disney Lover Addie]

This may sound snarky but trust me when I say it’s not: Just curious of how many times you’ve dined at Blue Bayou. I eat there and at Café Orleans a few times a year each and, while I enjoy both, I find the quality of food and service is noticeably better at Blue Bayou.

I totally agree with you about your other recommendations. Rancho Del Zocalo is another personal favorite of mine.

On Pixar Pier: Incredicoaster entrance looks great.

Thanks for all these recommendations. I think I will still have lunch at Lamplight Lounge though. I’ll give it a try, and a review!

 

[Disney Irish]

Good point. Maybe something like the Slinky Dog Zig Zag Spin in Disneyland Paris. They could just make the queue different.
View attachment 291341

Video of the ride:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjKnf27zuPbAhUlx1kKHVn0DjQQjhx6BAgBEAI&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kjyVSseY4M&psig=AOvVaw0wG-dY_SyYvRLO-Ls6La26&ust=1529631101543665

In my opinion DCA doesn't need another spinner.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

This may sound snarky but trust me when I say it’s not: Just curious of how many times you’ve dined at Blue Bayou. I eat there and at Café Orleans a few times a year each and, while I enjoy both, I find the quality of food and service is noticeably better at Blue Bayou.

I totally agree with you about your other recommendations. Rancho Del Zocalo is another personal favorite of mine.

On Pixar Pier: Incredicoaster entrance looks great.

How's the Plaza Inn these days? I always thought it was decent and a low key alternative to some of the others. Plus it's beautiful inside.

 

[mickEblu]

Thanks for all these recommendations. I think I will still have lunch at Lamplight Lounge though. I’ll give it a try, and a review!

Of course. You definitely should with a full week at the resort. You can and should do everything that interests you.

 

[mickEblu]

How's the Plaza In these days? I always thought it was decent and a low key alternative to some of the others. Plus it's beautiful inside.

I still love it. The fried chicken is pretty good although quality can be hit or miss and sometimes it’s too salty. I love the ambiance inside and outside.

 

[Deleted member 107043]

More media coverage on the WSJ article about dynamic pricing and the Pixar Pier preview.

Disneyland Tests Premium, Per-Hour Pricing

I'd love to read the full WSJ article. If someone knows how to access it please let me know!