why do some restaurants have a dress code...

[DizBelle]

If they aren't going to enforce it?

[labelo]

Just trying to keep people happy and avoid conflict, I guess?
I mean, I'd be pretty upset if I'd made an ADR months out and then got turned away at the door because I had a t-shirt on or something. But at the same time, I can also see how it would be upsetting to be on the other end and book a nice, romantic evening out at an expensive restaurant and have the mood be sorta spoiled by people in super casual attire.

I wouldn't be surprised if there eventually isn't a dress code at all at any restaurant (except maybe V&A) - they've been becoming more and more relaxed over the years, and especially with the dining plans bringing in the "masses"

[mfd25wife]

For some really higher end restaurants, I can see it. But, I figure Disney understands that many people want to stay in the parks as long as possible and really don't want to plan 30+ minutes to get back to the resort to spend an hour getting ready to spend more time to get to a restaurant(unless it's at the same resort). That's if the buses are on schedule. I'm not dogging the buses, don't misunderstand, but they are usually running in decent time. However, I've seen times where we didn't see one for our destination for 45 minutes. Then, people would be upset for being late. Even in their mind, I suspect they know that more time in the parks equals a greater chance of people spending money.

[sleepydog25]

Originally Posted by DizBelle

If they aren't going to enforce it?

It's an eternal question, and one I've often pondered myself. As my DF recently pointed out, however, would it get worse if the standards were officially dropped? Likely so. Personally, I've no issue with someone in reasonably tasteful park attire (yes, I know that's subjective) dining at an in-park restaurant. I do take some exception to those who show at the nicer resort eateries (CG, Jiko, AP, e.g.) in tank tops, slovenly shorts, etc. It's not hard to build time into one's schedule to dress as the code asks.

[reiella]

Originally Posted by labelo

Just trying to keep people happy and avoid conflict, I guess?
I mean, I'd be pretty upset if I'd made an ADR months out and then got turned away at the door because I had a t-shirt on or something. But at the same time, I can also see how it would be upsetting to be on the other end and book a nice, romantic evening out at an expensive restaurant and have the mood be sorta spoiled by people in super casual attire.

I wouldn't be surprised if there eventually isn't a dress code at all at any restaurant (except maybe V&A) - they've been becoming more and more relaxed over the years, and especially with the dining plans bringing in the "masses"

Except for V&A, I believe all the dining dress codes areas allow for t-shirts [just specifically].

It's mostly cut-offs and swimwear that are against the dresscode now. Well, and hats. [and I forgot the most likely violation, derp : tank tops ]

[Kay1]

Originally Posted by DizBelle

If they aren't going to enforce it?

Are these restaurants all in the resorts?

Thanks.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) The ONLY enforced dress code is V&A.
2) Other than that, wear what you want.
3) REGARDLESS of what is said about dress code.

NOTE: This is one of my pet peeves about WDW eateries. They
claim to have dress codes, but never enforce them. Nothing better
than spending big bucks in a Signature eatery, only to have people
dressed like bums. Really adds to the ambiance. Such as
. . . ball caps worn during dinner
. . . cut off shorts
. . . flip flops
. . . muscle t-shirts
(We won't even address how some of these folks act at dinner.)

[Uncleromulus]

Well--from all I've seen at the Signature restaurants (and those are almost the only restaurants where we eat dinner) , they DO enforce the code. Or more properly stated, I've never seen anyone in violation of the code.

And by code, I mean those very few items that are expressly prohibited..not allowed in the dining room.

ANYTHING ELSE is--presumably--"permitted".

You need to remember that all the stuff about dress shorts, sweaters, collared shirts ,dresses, etc etc is merely a SUGGESTED way to dress--how they'd like you to dress. But it's not mandatory and thus not "enforceable".

And unfortunately neither is slovenly, dirty or just poor taste.

[sleepydog25]

We ate at both CG and AP last week, and in both cases, there were patrons wearing all manners of shorts, jeans, and t-shirts. In fact, at AP a table sat down near us where both men were wearing gimme caps, though to be fair, they eventually removed them. However, they were obviously allowed to wear them into the dining area and seated by a hostess who said nothing. At a second table, a family of four were seated and all were in park-appropriate clothing. In particular, the two teens (approx. 17 and 14) had on baggy, silky, basketball-styled shorts, sandals, and t-shirts. So, even the signature restaurants aren't looking too closely at the code anymore.

[Herfnerd]

I find it somewhat humorous that the exact same issues are discussed on cruise vacation boards and the dress codes for the MDR......

[tianna26]

Maybe its me but i dont get how another persons attire affects your dinner unless its offensive

[Sugardimples]

Originally Posted by tianna26

Maybe its me but i dont get how another persons attire affects your dinner unless its offensive

Me, neither!

[disnut8]

Originally Posted by tianna26

Maybe its me but i dont get how another persons attire affects your dinner unless its offensive

I agree. Food is food is food is food. Now, if you want an "experience" and you find someone in your eyesight is what you consider "offensive", then by all means find the host(ess) and ask to be moved out of that sight line. But realize your definition of "offensive" is going to be different from mine or John Doe or Jane Citizen.

This is the policy -

For the Signature Dining Restaurants, a "Business Casual" dress code is in effect:

Men - Dress pants, jeans or dress shorts and a T-shirt or long sleeve shirt with collar is required. (Jackets optional.)

Women - Jeans, skirts or dress shorts and blouse, sweater or dress is required.

NOT PERMITTED: Tank tops, swim suits or swim cover ups, hats for gentlemen, cut offs or clothing with rips/tears are not allowed. T-shirts with offensive language/graphics will also not be permitted.

Now - what constitutes "dress shorts" and "offensive language/graphics" is up for interpretation. The old "I'll know it when I see it" is very different for each and everyone one of us.

[angelmom27]

Originally Posted by tianna26

Maybe its me but i dont get how another persons attire affects your dinner unless its offensive

I agree. And like a previous person mentioned you are at a theme park. And especially in this FL heat I don't see someone spending the day at the park in jeans. They want to be comfortable. I guess I better look over our anniversary trip ADRs to make sure we are good. Hubby wears a hat 24/7 but I will be sure he takes it off for this. Didn't realize there was a no hat rule but than again I didn't look at the dress code yet. Now I just need an excuse for him to get a nice hair cut so I don't spoil the surprise.

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Because of $$$$$$$.

I don't like it when people refuse dress codes but if the tables are open they will fill them in regardless.