California Grill Attire

[pirate]

My husband and I will be eating at the CG for the first time in a couple of weeks. My question is how dressed up do you need to be? Is park attire fine, or should you dress up a bit more? Husband says some khaki shorts and a Mickey tee are fine, I'm not so sure. So for those of you that have been, let me know what you think! Thanks!!

 

[TDC Nala]

Here is Disney's list of items that should not be worn at Signature restaurants:

Swimwear
Tank tops or hats (men)
Torn clothing or cutoff shorts
Tee shirts with "objectionable" slogans or graphics

 

[Goofy4]

Even when t-shirts were technically not permitted, plenty of people did so. I don't think they will find Mickey "objectionable".

 

[*Debi Potter*]

So, it doesn't matter what type of footwear you wear @ Cali Grill? For example, would flip flops with a dress be fine?

 

[figmentfan0724]

when we eat at CG, we always bring a nice outfit and head home early from a park to freshsen up before heading out for dinner. the best thing i can say is dress it up a little bit, dressier flip flops with a dress will be fine

 

[MrsLS]

The shorts will be fine, although I wouldn't wear shorts to one of the signatures. Some people will wear shorts but a lot will be in pants. The mickey t isn't really appropriate. I don't think i've ever really seen anyone in the signatures in "park" gear. I would have him wear a polo shirt, short sleeve dress shirt or even a plain nice t-shirt if you don't want to go back and change.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Last time we were there I had on a cotton dress and nice sandals, DH wore beige shorts and a polo...we cleaned up nice ha ha! Probably wear similar clothes when we go back in Nov

 

[Pakey]

So, it doesn't matter what type of footwear you wear @ Cali Grill? For example, would flip flops with a dress be fine?

Yes, I wear flip flops with skirts to the signatures.

 

[TDC Nala]

Tee shirts ARE allowed if they are not "objectionable." This is according to Disney's own list of items prohibited from signature restaurants.

Flip flops are fine if they are not obviously pool shoes. Not sure who you might encounter at the podium and whether they will be sticklers for rules or not, but footwear that appears meant for pool wear might fall into the "swimwear" category.

 

[Katesdad]

My husband and I will be eating at the CG for the first time in a couple of weeks. My question is how dressed up do you need to be?

CG, Narcoossee's, Flying Fish, Jiko, Artist Point, Yachtman Steakhouse, are places where my wife and I go to the room, clean up, put on something "nice" and go to have an enjoyable dinner out. That's us. If you and your husband want to dress down a little, that's up to you. I've seen it all in these restaurants and believe me, the wait staff will still serve you with their usual politeness and efficiency. You are at WDW to enjoy yourself. Don't get hung up on what you are wearing or what others deem appropriate for the occasion. Just my thought on the subject. Only suggestion is to try to stay within the suggested guidelines if you can.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

"Business Casual" is the preferred attire.

We always get dressed for dinner at CG. Khaki shorts & polo or button shirts for the men, sundress or capris/nice top & sandals for me.

While I know the dress code is not enforced, I really wish it was

 

[Jeanieblue114]

I was just there Aug. 1st.
I actually made a point of changing my spaghetti strap dressy top out for a top with sleeves because I was concerned with the dress code and wasn't sure how strictly it was enforced.

I was pretty surprised when I arrived. I saw several people in suits and very dressed up, which I expected.
But I also saw even more people in what I would definitely consider 'park attire'....tank tops, various t-shirts, shorts, flip flops, even some pretty sweaty looking sleeveless tube tops like they just got there from the park.

All of the CM's were gracious to everyone and no fuss was made about what anyone was wearing at all.
I didn't mind that people were dressed that way. I understand the 'rush' of a disney trip and that some people aren't aware of what is preferred and appropriate.
I would have enjoyed the dress code being enforced on one hand to make the experience feel a bit more special. But on the other hand, if it was enforced, I would have had to listen to countless people fighting with the CM's about wanting to stay regardless of how their clothing looked.

I'd rather just let them be a bit underdressed and not hear all the confusion.
I had a window seat and beautiful view of the castle and never really turned around to look at what anyone else was wearing once I was seated for dinner.

(I was more distracted by the children who were in the table next to me crawling all over the table, chair, and kicking my chair, and screaming everything they wanted to say....btw, they were VERY well dressed.)

 

[MickeyWatch]

If you are going to spend $50 or more per person for dinner wouldn't you want to get dressed up a little? We always shower and change to our best resort wear clothing (summer dresses, khaki's, polo or tropical shirt with collar) for CG. But I have seen people obviously just in from the parks: gym shoes, baggy shorts and t-shirts, etc. I always wonder if they feel a little out of place because the majority of diners do dress up a bit for CG.

 

[kidrericha]

"Business Casual" is the preferred attire.

We always get dressed for dinner at CG. Khaki shorts & polo or button shirts for the men, sundress or capris/nice top & sandals for me.

While I know the dress code is not enforced, I really wish it was

Totally agree with you. We dined at CG last year and it takes away from the atmosphere when the guy at the table next to you is wearing sandals, denim shorts and a Steelers t-shirt.

Maybe I am building it up too much in my own mind, but I envisioned a night out in our Sunday best at a sophisticated eating establishment and attire like that drained some class out of the experience.

Still, with Narcoossee's, one of the best meals we had there and set to visit again next month.

 

[honeymo78]

We are in the not dress up category. We never wear anything on the prohibited list but shorts and crocs are part my attire. I honestly do not consider CG to warrant dressing up more than disney requires, which isn't anywhere near dressed up. Until the atmosphere becomes closer to V&A, there is no reason to treat it other than higher priced Disney dining.

 

[jeffwwalters]

I don't mind dressing a little above park attire, but come on my money spends the same whether I'm in a suit or cut offs

 

[7165red]

Did anyone notice if there is check room near the restaurant or in the hotel? I would like to change my shoes and check them.

 

[TDC Nala]

There aren't any check rooms that I'm aware of.

 

[pirate]

Thanks to all for your various opinions and comments. I'm sure no matter what we wear, we will have a great time and enjoy some fantastic food!

 

[DW2010]

Our group of 5 is probably going to look pretty darn awkward. Dh, myself and our DD will be dressing up. BUT, my dad and step-mom swear there coming straight from the park. My dad often wears football t-shirts and jean shorts, my step-mom will probably have a t-shirt with capris. As long as it's accepted, I don't mind. My step-mom saw my dress today and thought it was "fancy"...lol. I never dress up so I thought this would be a good time to do it.