California Grill Dress Code?!?

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I dress immaculately as always. Casual strides and a nice fresh crisp long sleeved shirt, tasteful fluorescent socks and well shined brogues.

I do not let the tolerance of Disney or the lack of standards of some diners influence my clothing choice.

 

[stlbobby]

I totally agree with embracing the dress code, but if you are low on space or want be comfortable at the parks all day and then head straight to the restaurant you just need to avoid cut-offs, tank tops, and flip flops--these are automatic refusals. If you are clean and neat a t-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes will get you in. They realize many people are combining their meal with a day at the parks and as long as you are presentable they understand.

 

[tink65]

We went to Cali Grill for the first time in Sept '09. We followed dress code policy, DH even wore khaki slacks with polo shirt and loafers. I was so disappointed to see so many people that apparently had either not read the dress code policy or just didn't care. To me, Cali Grill is a lot more of a special dining experience and something that contributes to that feeling of something special is dressing up a little for it! If it were me, I'd make the room in my suitcase for something a little nicer!

 

[durangojim]

We went to Cali Grill for the first time in Sept '09. We followed dress code policy, DH even wore khaki slacks with polo shirt and loafers. I was so disappointed to see so many people that apparently had either not read the dress code policy or just didn't care. To me, Cali Grill is a lot more of a special dining experience and something that contributes to that feeling of something special is dressing up a little for it! If it were me, I'd make the room in my suitcase for something a little nicer!

I agree. One of the recent times we ate there, there was a party of 6 or 8 that looked like they had just come from the parks in their tshirts and shorts, sandles and tennis shoes. One of the guys had his shirt untucked and had sweat stains around his neck and arm pits. I don't mind that at a buffet, or counter service restaurant, but there a few restaurants, especially at the hotels themselves, where Disney should really enforce the dress code. I know it doesn't matter for some people, but for many of us, it's nice to get a little more dressed up and take our significan other out for a nice evening. If I'm spending a couple hundred on dinner for two, I don't feel like I need to see the same people that I do at McDonalds. (and yes, I have eaten while sweaty and wearing shorts and a tshirt, just not at any fine restuarants although the Brown Derby might be an exception).

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Based on the guidelines it does sound like flip flops are allowed. While I would wear pool show flip flops to the restaurant I do think that if it is summer a nice pair of flip flops can be appropriate over a pair of sneakers.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

You can try and get away with flip flops I have seen many people wear them but have been the fancy ones!![/QUOTE]
Not exactly sure what "fancy" flip flops are but I'd go with something nicer than that, like boat shoes or something along those lines. You know, still casual but not too dressy either.

 

[tigsmom]

Based on the guidelines it does sound like flip flops are allowed. While I would wear pool show flip flops to the restaurant I do think that if it is summer a nice pair of flip flops can be appropriate over a pair of sneakers.

You can try and get away with flip flops I have seen many people wear them but have been the fancy ones!!
Not exactly sure what "fancy" flip flops are but I'd go with something nicer than that, like boat shoes or something along those lines. You know, still casual but not too dressy either.

Flip flops = rubber pool sandals/not acceptable
leather dress thong sandals = OK

Flip flop is the sound the rubber shoes make when wet and you walk in them, since then all thong type sandals have been called flip flops.

Dress sandals of any sort are ok with Disney business casual dress codes.

 

[Sloan]

Elegant dining experience

The California Grill is a really nice restaurant, and one worth dressing up for. Instead of trying to figure out how to squeak by on the dress code, just embrace it, go all out, and make dining there an experience.

It might seem like a bit of a drag to have to pack an extra pair of shoes and a sportcoat, but I think if you're planning on visiting an upscale restaurant, you need to factor in the appropriate clothing.

I totally agree with Wolf359 - while you might be able to 'get away' with some dress-code liberties - particularly during the summer, when things are a bit more lax, I encourage you to dress appropriately for the elegant setting and meal that you are going to be paying to enjoy. Its a very pretty dining room, the staff is very professional, and the food is spectacular, so even though its a vacation meal, squeeze in something appropriate for the occasion.

I may be in the minority, getting 'dressed up' for meals at Disney, but if I've gone to the trouble of getting a reservation for a prime Signature Dining location, and will be spending the extra money associated with it, I really don't mind.

 

[unkadug]

Now, I'm probably not going to do this... but I have a really NICE 1940'ish dress Fedora I've always wondered how the Grill would handle that one....

Hats should NEVER be worn while dining. Just old traditional good manners. :shrug:

 

[Jimmy Thick]

Um, I eat there every trip, I usually wear a tee-shirt and blue jean shorts with tennis shoes. My wife wear shorts, sandals and assorted tops, nothing revealing, and we have never had a problem, or have we ever been told to leave.

I knew there was a dress code, but unless your half naked, Iam sure they will let you in.




Jimmy Thick- I do look good in a tee-shirt.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Hats should NEVER be worn while dining. Just old traditional good manners. :shrug:

With a nicer hat like he was referring to I'm sure it's something you wear to the restaurant but take off when entering the dining area. I think he was wondering what kind of reaction he would get if he checked in at the podium with it.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Its good to see the Cali Grill cater for those who cant handle solids.

 

[TP2000]

Um, I eat there every trip, I usually wear a tee-shirt and blue jean shorts with tennis shoes.

1994 was a very good year, wasn't it?

 

[unkadug]

1994 was a very good year, wasn't it?

:ROFLOL:


Unless they were hip-huggers, then we could go back to the 70's.

 

[drossjr]

Hi folks, dining in Cali Grill for the first time in 2 weeks and just wondering about the dress code!

Will i be ok with dress shorts, a t shirt and flip flops??

You wouldnt be following the dress code with this outfit, try dress shorts, polo shirt, or something with a collar and sandals

Thats what I did last week during our honeymoon, we got the best seat in the house, mouse confetti and a special dessert it was awesome! :sohappy:

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Flip flops = rubber pool sandals/not acceptable
leather dress thong sandals = OK

Flip flop is the sound the rubber shoes make when wet and you walk in them, since then all thong type sandals have been called flip flops.

Dress sandals of any sort are ok with Disney business casual dress codes.

Ok...this is good news to hear. My family is eating there in August and I was planning on wearing a button down shirt with dress shorts since I am planning on going to the MK for EMH right afterward. My concern was with the footwear since I do want to look nice to go along with the dress code. I felt my sneakers would look somewhat ridiculous and I can't wear better shoes unless I wear pants. My nicer "flip flops" seem like they will be ok.

I could be a girl with all the attention I am giving to this...haha.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I could be a girl with all the attention I am giving to this...haha.

If you were the practicality of your chosen footwear wouldnt be a point of discussion.

 

[janoimagine]

1994 was a very good year, wasn't it?

:lol: I was thinking the same thing myself ... way to date yourself, I didn't think they still made jean shorts for men.

 

[drossjr]

:lol: I was thinking the same thing myself ... way to date yourself, I didn't think they still made jean shorts for men.

:ROFLOL:maybe at Walmart!!!! :lol:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I guess Jimmy was lucky going buy his picture here. Not sure they quite comply.