In preparation for one of my upcoming trips to the Orlando area, I asked my spouse which of the Disney Springs restaurants she wanted to visit. Since we will be staying at the B Resort, located in the Disney Spring/Hotel Plaza area, those restaurants would be easiest for us to visit. The walk from those hotels to Disney Springs works as very relaxing and helps burn off calories from too many Everglazed Doughnuts.

Unsurprisingly, she desired to dine at places that reservations will be needed. As expected, she wanted to eat at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. She has never dined there. I, of course, have visited there several times (see reviews of chicken biscuits, fried chicken salad, and deviled eggs). I have a few more reviews of menu items there planned for upcoming weeks. Also, my talented spouse requested to dine at Raglan Road. Ironically, I have never eaten there. Of course, I made a reservation with the assistance of MouseDining for a 7pm seating there. She also asked to see the inside of The Edison.

Yet, the one dining request that surprised me was to dine at the House of Blues. I have visited the House of Blues in Orlando before. Being a theme park food blogger with a request from their spouse, I quickly tried to make a reservation there. I knew I was within the magical sixty-day window at Walt Disney World for advance dining reservations. I went to book a table only to see there were no timeslots available fifty days in advance.

Based on my recent partnership with MouseDining, an expert in getting advance dining reservations at Disney theme parks, a failure would look tragic. Sure, I acquired reservations for Raglan Road, Homecomin, “Skipper’s Canteen”, and The Boathouse already. Yet, I could not figure out why a less difficult reservation to acquire would derail my spouse’s plans.

For full disclosure, since I started working on this article/review, I got a reservation at Ohana. Sorry, House of Blues loses to Ohana. Thanks to MouseDining reservation alerts for finding that reservation at a time I wanted 13 days after the magic 60-day window. However, inquiring minds needed to know the reason no reservations were available. Did House of Blues have a big event happening? Did this place become far more popular without my knowledge? Was all the data showing the most sought-after reservations wrong? I could understand if I wanted a reservation for the weekend brunch, but I just wanted a table during the week.

If you have made it this far in this article, you probably want to know also. Showing my ignorance, the reason for the lack of reservations available was obvious. House of Blues Orlando does not take reservations more than 30 days in advance. As of time of writing, I cannot book a reservation there because my August trip is still more than 30 days away. Just so you know, I have been confirming this 30-day rule with the restaurant via phone and checking reservation availability each day.

So, what does this mean for you? First, if you want the jambalaya at House of Blues, my go-to order there, the reservation window will open later than other Disney Springs places. In addition, reservation availability historically will last longer here. Second, if you put in a reservation alert for this with MouseDining.com, expect plenty of options 30 days in advance. Third, many people interested in going here might assume no reservations are available when they check around 60 days in advance. Now, walk-up availability functions as more likely here. Yet, if someone in your group must eat here, get a reservation.

So, what should I order here? I suggest the jambalaya. Some people always order shrimp and grits if it is on the menu. Some always order chicken parmigiana wherever they go. Of course, some people just get the burger or the chicken. I always order the jambalaya if it is on menu (and currently not assigned to review something else). The jambalaya here costs $21. The menu description tells us to expect sautéed chicken, andouille sausage, onion, bell pepper, and celery. This comes served with Cajun style rice. Guests may add Cajun shrimp for $7 more.

Would I classify this jambalaya are one of best I have ever enjoyed? I cannot say that. Did the chicken and sausage taste tender and well-seasoned? That gets a positive response. The overall flavor of this menu item lives up to the theme of deep southern USA cooking. The spice level rates higher than normal at Walt Disney World but nothing overwhelming. I would prefer more spice in fact. The portion size meets standard expectations for a sit-down restaurant at a theme park resort. Of course, this potion size matches the size at the other locations of this chain.

The jambalaya here provides exactly what guests should expect for their money. Still, this will not rank as a must-do entrée for most people. Would I order it again? Well, yes, I have already ordered it more than once. Remember, I am the person who selects jambalaya. However, if this place falls back on my dining schedule, I might select a burger or the pulled pork sandwich next time. The menu even offers some great salads with some of the best tasting dressing you have ever enjoyed.

House of Blues offers quality food. The food here cannot compete with the heavy hitters of Disney Springs. However, it easily defeats the lower quality table service options in Disney Springs. When you factor in the quality level and the weekend brunch options, this place merits consideration. However, a meal at Ohana won out in my case. For your trip, things may be different. As always, eat like you mean it!