California Grill - smart casual?

[buddy&wooz]

I just made a PS for dinner at the California Grill and the CM said dress is "smart casual." I asked what she meant and she read off the screen no bathing suits or bathing suit type-wear, no tank tops. It also said "resort casual". Now, to me, resort casual is a lot dressier than just no tank tops! Has anyone been there lately who knows what they really mean? My only concern really is footwear- we'll be monorailing over from MK for early dinner then back for Spectro and the fireworks and I really don't want to worry about getting into CG in my sneakers! I can always carry a couple nice shirts in the backpack for dh and I, but I don't want to lug shoes around too!

Thanks!

 

[MHopkins2]

b&w - You'll see people dining in CG in anything from jeanshorts and a t-shirt to a suit and tie. I think nice shirts with shorts and sneakers would be fine, assuming your sneakers are relatively clean and not the 6 inch tall with blinking red lights version!

 

[tkldisney]

Tennis shoes are fine. Just no flip flop type of sandals.

 

[Uncleromulus]

One person on the boards has already reported being able to get in wearing flip-flops.

Don't worry-theme park casual will be just fine. It's how we always go when eating at CG--which we did last December and this past May.

 

[Pa@okw95]

California Grill is my favorite restaurant at WDW. This a place to go where you plan on spending the evening having a excellent meal. I would give yourself an hour and a half to eat there. Now while what you are planning to do is ok, you will get in, CG is not the place to run to from MK as a rule. Next to Victoria & Alberts is the finest restaurant in the area.
Please forgive me but it sounds like you just want a place to have a quick meal between MK and some parade. If I were you I would plan on going to CG when you had more time to savor the moment. Just a thought.

 

[buddy&wooz]

Pa@okw95, I know what you're saying. Our situation is a bit different than what you suspected, tho .

It will only be dh and I. We don't have a huge list of must-do's at MK, so we won't be rushing around. My PS is for 5:30, and MK is open till 8 that night. We just plan to get back for Spectro and the fireworks, maybe a ride or two after dinner.

If I was with my kids no way would I do this, but dh and I are really looking forward to a nice meal at CG! In fact I think for us it will be the main focus of the evening, even if we don't get back to MK, we won't mind so much.

 

[Pa@okw95]

That sounds good to me. Sometimes when we write things or when we read things it doesn't always seem to be taken the writer intended. It just sounded to me that you were going to be on the run but that is not the case. Certainly eating at 5:30 will give you plenty of time to enjoy. By the way 5:30 is the time I always get when we eat there. As you probably know that is when they open. You can arrive earlier and have a drink at the bar if you like while waiting, that is usually what we do. I love the place and will be eating there in about one month. Eating excellent meals is something I enjoy. Have a great time there.

 

[ducklite]

Smart casual/business casual/resort casual are all basically the same thing, chino's and a golf shirt with loafers for him, and a casual dress, casual pant suit, or even capris and a nice top for her. Wear some comfortable flat sandals, you'll be fine for the little bit of walking you'll have to do afterwards.

I LIVE in sandals. In fact my sneakers have never touched anything but the gym's carpeted floor. For years have told DH that they were more comfy than sneakers at WDW. This summer he finally tried it. And now he's hooked and agrees.

I just ate at CG a couple weeks ago, most people were in resort casual, had left the parks, gone back to their resort and cleaned up and changed before dinner. I've eaten there many times, and the majority of people are generally dressed in resort/business casual.

Anne

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I've always worn a polo shirt and dressy shorts (spring/summer/fall) or dress shirt and tie (winter) to the CA Grill. It seemed like I was in the majority, although I did notice a lot guys in the winter (the exact date was December 29) wore a suit and tie.

Enjoy your dinner!

 

[CaptHook]

I've eaten there several times (it is my absolute favorite restaurant in WDW) and dress has never been an issue. Sandals/Sneakers and shorts with clean shirts are absolutely fine, you'll see people dressed in slacks and blazers and dresses, but many of the guests wear whatever they had on at the parks. The dress code at CG is not nearly as strict as Victoria and Alberts, although that dress code seems to be bendable as well.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Absolutely!! The code is very "bendable"-in fact, not a code at all, but more of a "suggested attire".
We've done the CG about 6 times now (and go again on 9/28) and are always in theme park casual. My experience has been that the style of dress has been pretty evenly divided--lots of folks like us, lots like Ducklite and California Dreaming describe.
Main point is--dress however you feel comfortable and don't worry--you WILL be able to get in, and at a busy spot like CG, no one will even notice what you are wearing.

 

[Beejayjay]

We are planning to eat at the Grille on Friday Sept 27 at 8.30 pm - my PS request is in.

I´m wondering if there is a way I can be sure what time we need to be there to catch the fireworks while we eat - am I already on the money, do I need to go earlier ??

Any advice would be good, thanks !

 

[Uncleromulus]

Not sure what time fireworks start that nite--but if at 9:00, then 8:30 should be OK--provided you get seated at 8:30!! At our CG meal in May, we waited 1 hour and 15 minutes to get seated--with a PS.
And don't forget-unless you have one of the few window tables, you really can't see the fireworks all that well-you'll need to stand up and walk over to a window, or go out on the observation deck. And if you DO have a window table, then expect a large crowd around your table while the fireworks are taking place!!