At the time that film and television producer Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim in 1955, what would eventually evolve into a theme park empire had just 35 main rides and attractions.
Classic rides like “Peter Pan’s Flight” and “Mark Twain Riverboat” still operate today in different parks around the world while other classics like “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” were replaced by more modern experiences over the decades.
As the first California park continued to expand throughout the 1960s, some visitors began bringing up that the only available food options were casual. As the park’s first full-service restaurant, The Blue Bayou Restaurant opened in response to the criticism in 1967. Walt Disney, who at that time was still actively involved in the planning of the park up until his death in 1966, described his vision of the restaurant as a place where “the food is going to be the show along with the atmosphere.”
Blue Bayou Restaurant, Pirates ride in Disneyland close down for spring
The restaurant serving loosely Cajun and Louisiana dishes in the New Orleans Square themed land had been operating continuously for almost 60 years but, this May, is closed down indefinitely as the nearby “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride also undergoes refurbishment.
The current timeframe published on the Disney website promises a reopening “in late May” although, as the ride remains closed for a longer period, the restaurant will offer a limited menu and seating options given that many of the views of the ride’s lagoon are cut off by construction.
Related: Classic Disney World restaurant closing down forever
Contrary to the typical movie-ride timeline, the beloved “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride has been operating since 1967 and came before the films that were inspired by the ride nearly 40 years later.
“The restaurant will offer a modified dining experience while Pirates of the Caribbean is also under refurbishment, as views will be obstructed and Guests may hear some refurbishment noise,” Disney writes.
The same version of the restaurant has been open at the Tokyo Disney Resort since 1983 and will remain open to guests even as the one in California is not. Specifics on what changes the California location will undergo have not been released by the theme park.
Disney
When the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean ride will reopen
“Spot guests embarking on a Pirates of the Caribbean adventure, as you enjoy an authentic New Orleans-inspired lunch or dinner,” Disney writes in its description of the eatery. “[…] Its mystical setting takes you into the heart of the South — overhead strings of colorful balloon lanterns cast an enchanting glow, dotting the darkness while crickets chirp, frogs croak and fireflies wink in the dark.”
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Over in Disneyland Paris, longtime staple Annette’s Diner is also currently closed down for renovations to modernize the look of a 1950s-style American diner that became particularly popular with European Disney visitors.
The main dining area will get new bar stools made to look like vintage cars in bright pink, green and yellow colors while the front of the restaurant will also be reworked to light up in neon to mimic the vibe of the rock-and-roll era.
Related: Two iconic Disney World restaurants face extended shutdowns
