Business Casual Dress

[thestevied]

I've just made a reservation for dinner at Shulas Steakhouse in the Dolphin Hotel. The lady on the phone told me the dress code here is business casual. I'm not 100% sure what this means. Coming from England I don't really want to have to bring a whole smart outfit in my suitcase as space is quite a big issue considering all the souvenirs we're likely to buy!

I would probably plan on wearing jeans and a shirt, but would that be acceptable? I don't want to get there and then be turned away! The other issue is the shoes. Again, with space being an issue, can anyone tell me if trainers (or sneakers) would be ok, or if I'd need to take shoes? Being a size 13 that would be more valuable suitcase space taken up! Or what about sandals?

Please help!! Just 79 days left to plan!!

 

[ChloroFiend]

To me, business casual entails khakis, a collared shirt (polo or button up), and nicer leather shoes (not sneakers/trainers).

 

[thestevied]

Just found this on the Disneyworld website. Clears up the jeans issue, just need to know about shoes / sneakers now!

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.

NOT permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While t-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics are not acceptable.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It should be noted, though, that as a non-Disney-owned restaurant (in a non-Disney-owned on-site resort), Shula's definition of 'business casual' may be stricter than Disney's. If you have a pair of khakis, or something similar, bring those.

Footwear - as long as they're presentable, I would think your sneakers are fine. Walking sandals - footwear that's comfortable for a day of park touring - should be fine as long as, again, they're presentable (and I know that's a subjective call ) Not beach-type sandals, like flip-flops/thongs or whatever you call them in England - flat rubber sole with a V-shaped strap with a little 'post' kind of thing that fits between your first two toes to keep the shoe on.

For that matter, most styles of Crocs would be acceptable - at least IMO, and just to give you an idea what footwear might be allowed.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As you can see, Shula's code is no different than Disneys:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/dress-code.htm#Restaurant

Jeans and sneakers should be just fine. In fact, no restaurant employee at Shula's will even look at your feet.
We've seen people in cargo shorts and T-shirts at both IL MUlino and Blue Zoo, both non-Disney signature restaurants at the SWan/Dolphin.

 

[GailT]

I have no clue what business casual is but after a day at the park there is no way I am hiking back to the hotel to change for dinner, I would go in what I am wearing. For me it would be jeans and a shirt and sneakers.

 

[Lmichele]

I have to disagree. We have a Shula's near me and I would never wear jeans and sneakers there. I mean you are paying close to $40 to $50 for a steak, this is an upscale steak house, not the local Outback or Texas Roadhouse.

Maybe because it's Disney people get more relaxed . If she made it a point to tell you over the phone the dress code, that only leads me to believe not many customers follow it and they need to remind everyone.

Just my opinion.

 

[thestevied]

Just found this on the Disneyworld website. Clears up the jeans issue, just need to know about shoes / sneakers now!

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.

NOT permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While t-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics are not acceptable.

This was actually on the shulas steakhouse page on the official WDW website, so clearly jeans are acceptable. From what I can make out sneakers should also be fine. Lots of people seem to be saying they wear them to the higher class restaurants. I think as long as no tank tops or swimwear is worn you'll be let in. Thanks for all the help everyone

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, first, I defer to Uncleromulus and other, very experienced Disney diners like him in matters like this.

Now, of course, standing at the podium and saying, "But Uncleromulus said I could dress this way!" might not work - but printing out that page with the Orlando Shula's dress code information and having it in your wallet in case of emergency might help.

 

[thestevied]

Now, of course, standing at the podium and saying, "But Uncleromulus said I could dress this way!" might not work

but printing out that page with the Orlando Shula's dress code information and having it in your wallet in case of emergency might help.

LOL, you never know, he might be Disneywide famous amongst cast members and known as the guy who gives everyone wrong advice!! But that is a great idea about printing off the dress code information. In the unlikely event of getting turned away that would be pretty useful to have as back up. I could just take shoes but really want to keep my suitcase as empty as poss so I can fill up as much as poss whilst I'm here...

 

[Becx N Gav]

This was actually on the shulas steakhouse page on the official WDW website, so clearly jeans are acceptable. From what I can make out sneakers should also be fine. Lots of people seem to be saying they wear them to the higher class restaurants. I think as long as no tank tops or swimwear is worn you'll be let in. Thanks for all the help everyone

Just in case you don't know a 'tank top' is a srappy vest top - not a sweater vest as Chandler from Friends would wear
In the UK a tank top is what old men wear to keep warm

 

[BCV23]

LOL, you never know, he might be Disneywide famous amongst cast members and known as the guy who gives everyone wrong advice!! But that is a great idea about printing off the dress code information. In the unlikely event of getting turned away that would be pretty useful to have as back up. I could just take shoes but really want to keep my suitcase as empty as poss so I can fill up as much as poss whilst I'm here...

Actually, he's the guy who gives great advice. He's well known for it on the DIS!

 

[Diddy]

Personally, whenever I have a question about business casual I turn to the blog at bizcazblues.wordpress com

it's sort of like my business casual bible.

Cheers!