What do you wear to dinner?

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

We were our park clothes to most dinners. However if we are eating at a signature restaurant outside of the parks, we always dress up.
They do have a dress code, even though many ignore it, we still like the idea of getting dressed up.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Sans V&A which places actually enforce a dress code?

We have eaten at V&As and almost all of the signature restaurants, and only V&As strictly enforces the dress code. We prefer to dress up for dinner. We were sitting near 2 sets of older adults in the CG once, and the guys had swimming trunks with t-shirts on! At least the ladies had nicer cover-ups that looked more like sun dresses. Obviously, the management was more interested in the money than the dress code. And we have seen similar dress at other places as well.

 

[psukardi]

We have eaten at V&As and almost all of the signature restaurants, and only V&As strictly enforces the dress code. We prefer to dress up for dinner. We were sitting near 2 sets of older adults in the CG once, and the guys had swimming trunks with t-shirts on! At least the ladies had nicer cover-ups that looked more like sun dresses. Obviously, the management was more interested in the money than the dress code. And we have seen similar dress at other places as well.

Right, so minus V&A there is no dress code. After seeing a different poster mention www.fourseasons.com/orlando/dining/restaurants/capa/ I'm inclined to give it a shot as well & see how it goes. This is the first time in a long time I'm not doing any sort of dining plan. There are a ton of places outside the park to eat & during F&W Fest I can just eat tapas style

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

We have eaten at V&As and almost all of the signature restaurants, and only V&As strictly enforces the dress code. We prefer to dress up for dinner. We were sitting near 2 sets of older adults in the CG once, and the guys had swimming trunks with t-shirts on! At least the ladies had nicer cover-ups that looked more like sun dresses. Obviously, the management was more interested in the money than the dress code. And we have seen similar dress at other places as well.

I mentioned this before on other threads, but we once witnessed a group of 8 (2 adults, and 6 teen age children about 13 to 17 years old) show up to Yachtsman Steakhouse and all 6 kids were in pajamas It was just weird.

 

[Hockey89]

You'd think a CM would explain there is a dress code - but then the patron would just throw a bit and demand to speak to a manager and somehow walk away with a free dinner. So now it's the wild west out there. Show up in board shorts & flip flops & a tank top. Forgot to shower? Who cares - not your fault. Screaming toddler? It's just a cute child with boundary issues. Yay diversity!

Can't go wrong with the 4 seasons.... Looked at pics and it i something else.... Having my wedding there next spring

 

[Gomer]

You'd think a CM would explain there is a dress code - but then the patron would just throw a bit and demand to speak to a manager and somehow walk away with a free dinner. So now it's the wild west out there. Show up in board shorts & flip flops & a tank top. Forgot to shower? Who cares - not your fault. Screaming toddler? It's just a cute child with boundary issues. Yay diversity!

Maybe I’m alone on this, but I kind of like that there’s a place in the world where people can eat at a nice restaurant without being held to the same arbitrary social standards that are customary out in the real world. Disney World seems as good a place as any for that. Out in the real world, people may not be able to get to a decent place like Yachtsman or Le Celier with that “toddler with boundary issues”. Or, if they are going out for fine dining at home may have the time to dedicate to cleaning themselves up so that they can pass judgment by the standards of fellow diners.

How others dress or behave have no impact on my enjoyment of my food, so I don’t mind a place that is already consciously removing itself from the “real world” abiding by its own social customs built on the preferences of its guests as opposed to the norms of the outside world.

 

[Phonedave]

In park dining, it is usually what I was wearing in the park (most of the time shorts and a T-Shirt/polo/bowling type shirt - plain T shirts, no phrases or things like that)

If I am in a resort restaruant that is an "upscale" like California Grill or Artist Point I will wear golf shorts (not cargo shorts) or pant, boat shoes, and a shirt with a collar (polo, bowling, etc)

-dave

 

[Hockey89]

How others dress or behave have no impact on my enjoyment of my food, so I don’t mind a place that is already consciously removing itself from the “real world” abiding by its own social customs built on the preferences of its guests as opposed to the norms of the outside world.

You are missing the point of what the dress does.... It usually sets the tone how people act for the most part.... Dress up for a nice dinner at Per Se or V&A and it sets the tone and theme..... People wearing tank tops will set a different tone and the behavior suffers....

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

You'd think a CM would explain there is a dress code - but then the patron would just throw a bit and demand to speak to a manager and somehow walk away with a free dinner. So now it's the wild west out there. Show up in board shorts & flip flops & a tank top. Forgot to shower? Who cares - not your fault. Screaming toddler? It's just a cute child with boundary issues. Yay diversity!

Actually, they were seated for about 15 minutes when a waited came over and said something to them, next thing I know all 8 leave the restaurant. I heard the server mention Kouzzina to them but couldn't hear anything else.

But I absolutely wish they would enforce the dress codes more.

Maybe I’m alone on this, but I kind of like that there’s a place in the world where people can eat at a nice restaurant without being held to the same arbitrary social standards that are customary out in the real world. Disney World seems as good a place as any for that. Out in the real world, people may not be able to get to a decent place like Yachtsman or Le Celier with that “toddler with boundary issues”. Or, if they are going out for fine dining at home may have the time to dedicate to cleaning themselves up so that they can pass judgment by the standards of fellow diners.

How others dress or behave have no impact on my enjoyment of my food, so I don’t mind a place that is already consciously removing itself from the “real world” abiding by its own social customs built on the preferences of its guests as opposed to the norms of the outside world.

I respect how you feel but I have to disagree with you. If I wanted a casual atmosphere then I would stick to in park restaurants. I think resort restaurants should maintain dress codes. I feel like there are plenty of nice places in Disney to eat without dressing up: Hollywood Brown Derby, Le Cellier, Monsieur Paul, and even Fulton's & Wolfgang Puck are a little bit more laid back in terms of what you can wear.

It definitely takes away from the atmosphere for me at least. I don't mind when people bring kids to these places as long as they are well behaved.
As a matter of fact, the last time I was at Yachtsman, a little girl about 5/6 years old was at the table next to us in her princess outfit and she was adorable. Her parents were dressed nicely and I wouldn't have even noticed her had she not been seated in my direct view.
But when a family shows up in pjs, that is too casual for me.

 

[Gomer]

You are missing the point of what the dress does.... It usually sets the tone how people act for the most part.... Dress up for a nice dinner at Per Se or V&A and it sets the tone and theme..... People wearing tank tops will set a different tone and the behavior suffers....

I buy it at V&A. It is part of the theme there. But someplace like Yachtsman or Jiko? I don't see it as an objective negative to the experience. To me the experience IS Disney World, tank tops, wandering children and all. I don't need to dress it up. But again, just my opinion.

 

[Gomer]

I respect how you feel but I have to disagree with you. If I wanted a casual atmosphere then I would stick to in park restaurants. I think resort restaurants should maintain dress codes. I feel like there are plenty of nice places in Disney to eat without dressing up: Hollywood Brown Derby, Le Cellier, Monsieur Paul, and even Fulton's & Wolfgang Puck are a little bit more laid back in terms of what you can wear.

It definitely takes away from the atmosphere for me at least. I don't mind when people bring kids to these places as long as they are well behaved.
As a matter of fact, the last time I was at Yachtsman, a little girl about 5/6 years old was at the table next to us in her princess outfit and she was adorable. Her parents were dressed nicely and I wouldn't have even noticed her had she not been seated in my direct view.
But when a family shows up in pjs, that is too casual for me.

Thank you for the polite reply.

I get what you are saying. And as I initially said, I get that I'm probably in the minority. Seeing people relaxed in Disney World is what makes the experience for me. So many people, with so few cares. Making someone uncomfortable to fit my definition of what is acceptable just isn't worth it for me. There is no objective truth to correct dress codes. They change by culture and era. Most companies allow you to wear jeans and tee-shirts to work now, so why can't I wear a tee-shirt to Yachtsman?

Dress codes at restaurants (and in general) were created to keep the riff raff out of high society establishments. Created so you immediately spot someone who "doesn't belong". I kind of like the idea of everyone being on equal footing in Disney world without having to mark your pedigree. But again, I'm a strange guy with strange opinions. I don't expect all to agree.

 

[LondonGopher]

Newbies here. My husband and I (in our 40s) are bringing our 5 year old daughter. I have plenty of day time/keep cool in the sun clothes for us to wear, but trying what to bring to wear to dinner at night. From some pictures I've seen it seems many people are in their day clothes.

Our plan is to be in the parks until 1-2; be in the pool for the afternoon, then dinner and maybe an evening show/ride.

Generally I like my daughter and I to wear sundresses. We will be there for seven nights; I was thinking maybe bringing 3-4 dresses for us each, still wear comfortable shoes. Does this seem like a waste to bring? Will I feel "too" dressed up? I'm sure it varies by where you're eating dinner; we do have one reservation at Be Our Guest and one at Akershus.

My husband is planning on polo shirts and Hawaiian shirts for the more fancy places.

Your thoughts?

OK...this is going to sound shallow, BUT...one (of the many) reasons to dress up a bit is FOR THE PHOTOS! If you're going to Akershus and BOG...I'm sure you'd like some snaps of the family looking snazzy with Belle or The Beast, no? You're dining in a castle, dress for it!

As for me, I ALWAYS wear a frock to dinner if I'm dining outside the parks. DH and DS wear collared shirts and chinos/linen trousers. That's what WE prefer. But you must do what YOU prefer!

One more thing...you're a mother, you know that "dress clothes" = "dress behaviour".

 

[xdan0920]

Newbies here. My husband and I (in our 40s) are bringing our 5 year old daughter. I have plenty of day time/keep cool in the sun clothes for us to wear, but trying what to bring to wear to dinner at night. From some pictures I've seen it seems many people are in their day clothes.

Our plan is to be in the parks until 1-2; be in the pool for the afternoon, then dinner and maybe an evening show/ride.

Generally I like my daughter and I to wear sundresses. We will be there for seven nights; I was thinking maybe bringing 3-4 dresses for us each, still wear comfortable shoes. Does this seem like a waste to bring? Will I feel "too" dressed up? I'm sure it varies by where you're eating dinner; we do have one reservation at Be Our Guest and one at Akershus.

My husband is planning on polo shirts and Hawaiian shirts for the more fancy places.

Your thoughts?

You sound like you are good to go. Sundresses are A-Ok. Polo shirts are A-ok.

I spend most my time eating at cheap places but I've eaten at some nicer ones as well. A majority of people go in their normal clothes they wear during the day. I'll show up in cargo shorts and a tank top pretty much anywhere BUT thats just how I am. There certainly isn't a dress code anywhere.

Ah, but there are dress codes. Disney does a poor job of enforcing them though, much to my chagrin.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Thank you for the polite reply.

I get what you are saying. And as I initially said, I get that I'm probably in the minority. Seeing people relaxed in Disney World is what makes the experience for me. So many people, with so few cares. Making someone uncomfortable to fit my definition of what is acceptable just isn't worth it for me. There is no objective truth to correct dress codes. They change by culture and era. Most companies allow you to wear jeans and tee-shirts to work now, so why can't I wear a tee-shirt to Yachtsman?

Dress codes at restaurants (and in general) were created to keep the riff raff out of high society establishments. Created so you immediately spot someone who "doesn't belong". I kind of like the idea of everyone being on equal footing in Disney world without having to mark your pedigree. But again, I'm a strange guy with strange opinions. I don't expect all to agree.

We like it because we don't get to dress up for dinner often, so it works for us. I guess I'm opposite from you, lol.
I find it relaxing to get dressed up and spend a couple hours over dinner. We don't go all out, just a nice dress & sandals or casual shorts and button down or collared shirt is still nice but not too uncomfortable.
I'm a girl... I like doing my hair & make up, I'll never complain about that!
But I agree, not everyone feels the same way as I do. Not everyone will enjoy dressing up while on vacation. So I kind of like how the in park signatures are more casual and the resort signature more formal because it creates something for everyone.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

But they aren't even asking you to dress up. V&A is the only place that requires a jacket. People are just selfish and nose deaf to their surroundings. Instead of trying to have a nice experience & make it pleasant for all - they get defensive. They turn the restaurants into the equivalent of a modern day downtown Detroit. Instead of broken windows you get kids showing up in their pajamas. Instead of unkempt lawns you get people that haven't showered all day. But it's vacation! YAY VACATION!!!!

I understand and I agree. Which is why we have no problems following the dress code.
I love to wear dresses and my dfi is quite comfortable to dress shorts and a collared shirt.
I don't think they ask for much.

 

[Gomer]

We like it because we don't get to dress up for dinner often, so it works for us. I guess I'm opposite from you, lol.
I find it relaxing to get dressed up and spend a couple hours over dinner. We don't go all out, just a nice dress & sandals or casual shorts and button down or collared shirt is still nice but not too uncomfortable.
I'm a girl... I like doing my hair & make up, I'll never complain about that!
But I agree, not everyone feels the same way as I do. Not everyone will enjoy dressing up while on vacation. So I kind of like how the in park signatures are more casual and the resort signature more formal because it creates something for everyone.

I agree. Different people will look for different things out of their dining experience. If Disney was a bit more upfront about the difference between Signature in park and signature at resort, it might be a little easier to take. As it stands now, that’s really just an unwritten rule known by people like us who care enough about the restaurants to know the difference. But most guests won’t know those unwritten rules when making reservations. And if they booked Yachtsman 180 days out and didn’t bring any clothes that fit the bill, I would feel bad for them if they lost their reservation expecting the entirety of Disney World to be giant casual vacation experience.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I agree. Different people will look for different things out of their dining experience. If Disney was a bit more upfront about the difference between Signature in park and signature at resort, it might be a little easier to take. As it stands now, that’s really just an unwritten rule known by people like us who care enough about the restaurants to know the difference. But most guests won’t know those unwritten rules when making reservations. And if they booked Yachtsman 180 days out and didn’t bring any clothes that fit the bill, I would feel bad for them if they lost their reservation expecting the entirety of Disney World to be giant casual vacation experience.

You are right. It would be nice if they had a pop up when you make the reservation that says "Please be aware that this location is a signature location and requires a dress code. The following....blah blah blah."
I have heard of people being turned away at California Grill. I would feel bad but I guess it is also part of the planning.

 

[psukardi]

I agree. Different people will look for different things out of their dining experience. If Disney was a bit more upfront about the difference between Signature in park and signature at resort, it might be a little easier to take. As it stands now, that’s really just an unwritten rule known by people like us who care enough about the restaurants to know the difference. But most guests won’t know those unwritten rules when making reservations. And if they booked Yachtsman 180 days out and didn’t bring any clothes that fit the bill, I would feel bad for them if they lost their reservation expecting the entirety of Disney World to be giant casual vacation experience.

From Disney's site - which I found in 30 seconds using google:

At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code.

Men may wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.

Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts.

Not permitted are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.​

It's not some "unwritten rule". It's there plain as day

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

From Disney's site - which I found in 30 seconds using google:

At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code.

Men may wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.

Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts.

Not permitted are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.​

It's not some "unwritten rule". It's there plain as day

Disney's website actually only states the dress code for resort signatures. They no longer list it for in park signatures.

 

[xdan0920]

From Disney's site - which I found in 30 seconds using google:

At this Signature Dining experience, Guests are asked to adhere to the dress code.

Men may wear khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.

Women may wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans or dress shorts.

Not permitted are tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.​

It's not some "unwritten rule". It's there plain as day

While I may not agree with your delivery here, the message is sound.

There is a dress code. Disney even states it CLEARLY. Most places don't even bother to be so explicit. Disney does it to hopefully avoid having to show someone the door because they wore mesh shorts with a sleeveless shirt.

In the real world it's sort of common knowledge. You go to a nice place, you dress nicely. For some reason, at WDW, a lot of people don't want to be bothered with that. And despite Disney's clearly stated dress code, they don't bother to do anything about it.