Attire in MDRs

[pontikes67]

That's because the "formal" night on the 3 & 4 night cruises is actually a "Dress Up Optional" night. On a 7 night cruise it's actually called a "formal" or "semi-formal" night.

well they're all 'optional' according to the text. I just know on other cruise lines while it's optional to go semi or formal...you may not eat in the dining rooms if you opt not to dress for the evening.

 

[Adreyer]

But they made sure to include "OPTIONAL" in there. We haven't done 7 nights yet. Do people come to dinner on formal night in shorts and tees? I will say that even at Palo brunch, many were void of following the dress code. I know its not a big deal to some, but for me, there's a certain atmosphere created by a place where everyone is expected to dress and behave a particular way - it feels more special and why I'm okay paying more for it. It sucks the wind out of my sails when people don't follow the rules in those cases. Agree with the PP... if you can't dress the part, go to Cabanas or order room service.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Do people come to dinner on formal night in shorts and tees?

Yes... yes they do.

 

[pontikes67]

Yes... yes they do.

I think that's wrong. I was disappointed the night they turned away for dinner because I was in Jeans on formal night (on another line) but I totally understood their policy. I ate pizza on the pool deck (it was good

 

[TXDCLfan]

The last one that we went on they had severely relaxed the dress code...saw multiple guys in tank tops and even a girl in a bathing suit with just a cover up over it. My DH had his khakis and collared shirts...I agree that it would be nice for people to take the time to dress properly for dinner!

SAD

 

[asunutgirl]

We don't dress as formal on DCL as we have on other lines but we do enjoy dressing up for dinner. I usually wear a dress as do my teens. DH usually wears a collared shirt and nice pants. Next cruise is a 7 night so he'll bring a jacket for the formal night.

 

[squirk]

I admit that I initially turn my nose up ever so slightly when I see someone in the MDR dressed like a slob.

Then I remember that they're on vacation, they are within DCL's stated dress code, and their money is just as green as mine. If I am going to let someone else's attire detract from my dining experience, the problem is more with me than them.

And then I feel better and enjoy my dinner.

 

[MSPeeler]

I have a feeling I'll be the "shunned" one at the party, HA! Oh well *shrug*. I won't be in a bathing suit or tank top, but I may wear jeans with a dressy top and some wedges....

 

[Uncleromulus]

As has been noted several times, the operative word for dress on formal night is "OPTIONAL"....

 

[truck1]

As I noted earlier, I did not know that Disney had 'relaxed' their dress code as we were always under the impression khakis or slacks were required under the "cruise casual" dress code. Personally, I think if shorts are acceptable, khakis are great and sadly, the fact that he is considered 'over dressed' is disappointing. While I don't want to have to be in a tux for every meal, it'd be nice if people took the time to dress for dinner. Cabanas is an option for those that feel getting "dressed up"(if Khaki shorts and a collared shirt are too much trouble) is a hassle, but I'd like to see the MDR's ask for a little more from guests regarding dinner attire.

Unfortunately this is becoming the norm for Disney. It's easier to ignore there own rules, then to enforce them and offend someone. Several years ago, I surprised my wife with a stay at the Grand Floridian. While she was at work, I went over to check us in. I figured I'd be under dressed with a Polo shirt and khaki pants. After all it is the flagship resort in Fl. Turns out I was over dressed. Way over dressed. People checking in were in wife beaters and torn shorts. Not designer torn shorts. Work/wear torn. The days of dressing to impress and follow the rules are pretty much over. It's now the day of I'll do what I want on my vacation and I don't care who it affects are here.

I completely understand that there are some people that for 1 reason or another can not wear certain pieces of clothing to dinner. Whether it's surgery, medical condition etc. Not a problem. But for the vast majority there really is no excuse. It's just today's reality. Not very many people are willing to take responsibility for their actions.

 

[DitkaFan]

Here we go again... Love me some heated "whats acceptable to wear" threads ...

 

[DCLDVC1]

Do people come to dinner on formal night in shorts and tees?

Yes I do, wearing flip-flops.

 

[CScott095]

We don't dress as formal on DCL as we have on other lines but we do enjoy dressing up for dinner. I usually wear a dress as do my teens. DH usually wears a collared shirt and nice pants. Next cruise is a 7 night so he'll bring a jacket for the formal night.

We always wear more formal attire and take advantage of the "professional" photography they have set up. The pictures are usually our Christmas cards and it is really teh only time we are all together for a "sitting".

 

[JJsmama]

This is disappointing. I soent last week shopping for and buying a formal dress. Was very excited. Now wondering whats the point...? I Too think they should have stuck to the earlier,moderate collared shirts/ no shorts dress code.

 

[hanscarlet]

I am not a huge fan of t-shirt for dinner but whatever, it's their vacation too... the bathsuit cover up should be not allowed, blech, how lazy can you be to not go to the stateroom and change into a pair of shorts and a t shirt

I think the casual attire is acceptable but forunately enough people dress really nicely on all nights and so there's something to be said about dressing up for dinner. I am going to wear jean skirts and dressy shirt on non dress up nights... I wore black shorts and a dressy shirt on our last cruise and I looked at photos and wish I dressed a bit dressier

 

[jahber]

This is disappointing. I soent last week shopping for and buying a formal dress. Was very excited. Now wondering whats the point...? I Too think they should have stuck to the earlier,moderate collared shirts/ no shorts dress code.

Don't worry. You can still wear your dress. I chose not to dress formally on my last two cruises because I don't have a gown that is convenient for breastfeeding. I certainly hope no one was disappointed by my decision to be able to feed my child comfortably. They probably would have been much more uncomfortable if I had just pulled the whole shebang down to nurse. So, wear your dress, look lovely, and don't worry about what everyone else is wearing. Some of us just can't make formal wear work, for whatever reason.

 

[hanscarlet]

to add my girls wear dresses each night, they love dressing up

on our first cruise this 8 year old dressed in a beautiful princess dress with hair to match every single night, she was just beautiful, we complimented her every night, super adorable

 

[DisneyNurse19]

This is disappointing. I soent last week shopping for and buying a formal dress. Was very excited. Now wondering whats the point...? I Too think they should have stuck to the earlier,moderate collared shirts/ no shorts dress code.

Enjoy wearing it. My daughter and i both have to wear uniforms at work so we enjoy dressing up, we actually wear a long dress each night (all bought in sales). To me it is having pride in the way you look and respect for others.

 

[Shelley Chiarats]

As to the original question about sneakers - My husband had foot surgery and he will wear 100% black sneakers. He even wears those at work with his suit when he needs to. More recently we found a pair that looks like dress shoes but the inside was built like a pair of sneakers (I think they were Skechers - we got them at Shoe Carnival). He even wore those with a pair of Khakis and a button down with a tie for Palo Brunch.

 

[FindMeAFishingSpot]

As to the original question about sneakers - My husband had foot surgery and he will wear 100% black sneakers. He even wears those at work with his suit when he needs to. More recently we found a pair that looks like dress shoes but the inside was built like a pair of sneakers (I think they were Skechers - we got them at Shoe Carnival). He even wore those with a pair of Khakis and a button down with a tie for Palo Brunch.

I also wear sneakers everywhere as they are the only footwear that will comfortably fit my braces. It was a tough transition, especially in my early 20s, to accept that I will never be the girl in the cute strappy sandals and dress...but once I got over that and realized that I have way more fun when I'm comfortable and who cares what anyone else thinks - it's gotten easier! I have been the maid of honor in formal gown and sneakers