Can my boys wear shorts to dinner?

[katboferguson]

I am taking my ds10, and my ds11 on the July 28 three day wonder cruise. I read that you are not supposed to wear shorts to dinner. Is this true for the kids as well? This is our first cruise and from reading about all the wonderful things for kids to do, it is going to be hard enough just getting my boys to dinner much less getting them changed into pants,etc beforehand. Also, I rather have to pack clothing items that we really aren't going to need.

 

[Mdtigger99]

Yes. I've been on 5 Disney cruises and there are always kids in shorts at dinner.

(flame suite on)

 

[katboferguson]

thank you I feel better now

 

[lbgraves]

Honestly IMO, younger boys are cute in their short outfits with ties or sweater vests but I think that 10 & 11 are past that stage. Even though they have relaxed the recommended dress code to allow jeans, they still ask for no shorts.

 

[aprilgail2]

I agree....at ages 3-5 shorts are fine in the dining room but at 10 and 11 I would have them dress in pants.

 

[donaldsgal]

The dress code requests no shorts.

 

[champagne27]

Can someone please tell me where this "dress code" is that all the attire threads refer too?

Much appreciated - thanks!

 

[Jsme]

My son when he was younger wore shorts but this past year he chose to wear long pants. He said he felt like he fit in a little better. Ultimately the decision is yours to make. There will be kids wearing shorts at dinner and some wearing the requested attire. It is your decision.

 

[rsjj]

my boys will be wearing shorts! i'm packing "dressier" shorts for dinner, w/ botton down shirts (quicksilver dress shirts type), or polo shirts. looks cute & a bit dressier than regular shorts & t-shirts. then again, our DSs are 3 & 6!

 

[TiggerKing]

Can someone please tell me where this "dress code" is that all the attire threads refer too?

Much appreciated - thanks!

The following link will take you to an FAQ on DCL's web site about what to wear for dinner:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/d...w?name=PreparingForYourCruiseFAQLandingPage#3

Here is the information taken directly from the web site:

What should I wear to dinner?
Dining Dress requirements vary by venue or theme night on your cruise. In general, most meals are "Cruise Casual" -- no shorts, swimwear or tank tops. Most cruises also have special theme nights with additional attire requirements. Here's a breakdown of these events by cruise itinerary.

On 3-night cruises:
· First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
· Second night: pirate or tropical deck party
· Final night: "dress-up night" — jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
On 4-night cruises:
· First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
· One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
· One "dress-up night" — jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women
· Final night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
On 7-night cruises:
· First night: cruise casual — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
· Three additional "cruise casual" nights — no shorts, swimwear or tank tops
· One pirate or tropical night (deck party)
· One formal and one semi-formal night — formal wear for men: tuxedo or suit; for women: gown or dress; semi-formal wear for men: suit/jacket; for women: dress or pantsuit.
Dress for dinner at Palo on all cruises:
· Men: dress shirt or jacket
· Women: dress or pantsuit
Back

Hope this helps.

 

[Vanvmom]

We just got back from a 7 night DCL Mexico cruise and did not see anyone other than 2 preschool aged kids (on one night) in shorts at dinner, and that was on the first night. The Navigator even said "no shorts" on pirate night, but my DS (age 9) had a costume with shorts and I let him wear them.

 

[scrapperjill]

Have to agree with everyone else...the policy states/requests "No shorts" in the dinning rooms at night (lunch is okay). Although you are on vacation and shouldn't have to bother with what you look like or what you wear...Disney does ask that you follow the dress codes. I don't think they would stop anyone who decides to wear shorts from eating in the dinning rooms...but again keep in mind they are trying to set a mood. As for Pirate night....I haven't made up my mind as far as costums go yet...but if I decide to go tropical I won't be wearing pants...Shorts are by far more tropical than pants could ever be...but thats JMO.

Oh to add...that I agree that little boys in shorts are cute...but by9-10 they've out grown that...I couldn't see many 10yo boys going along with the dress shorts, button down shirts and ties....unless they are in private school...and again if they were I don't think they'd go along with wearing that to dinner....that being said...my girls (7&11) IMO are to old to get away with breaking the dress codes at dinner and wearing shorts so pants/capris or dresses for them.

 

[Eeyorefan12]

I am taking my ds10, and my ds11 on the July 28 three day wonder cruise. I read that you are not supposed to wear shorts to dinner. Is this true for the kids as well? This is our first cruise and from reading about all the wonderful things for kids to do, it is going to be hard enough just getting my boys to dinner much less getting them changed into pants,etc beforehand. Also, I rather have to pack clothing items that we really aren't going to need.

My DS9 does have a school uniform so we happened to have a few pairs of khakis already. We brought two pair on the cruise and he just wore them to dinner with either a polo shirt or a short-sleeve sport shirt each night--untucked. (We found some great tropical summer shirts at a local clothing store already on sale for about $4 each.) If we hadn't had the khakis, I probably would have bought a couple of the pull-on style they sell at stores like Target for under $10. If they don't tuck the shirts, your boys can be comfortable and still look "dressed up". No child that we saw wore a button-down shirt and tie except on formal night but we didn't see any shorts except on the youngest kiddos. Personally, I think everyone should be comfortable but it's possible your boys could feel under-dressed if they are the types to notice such things.

 

[my3kids]

Mine did not ever wear shorts into the dining room. Always khakis for casula nights, suit pants for formal nights.

 

[HeelMD]

Softly in the distance, I hear popcorn popping...

 

[Keggy]

My nephews never wore shorts to dinner. I think once they are not toddlers they are too old for shorts. Granted - most of the time - they were in the kids clubs and not at dinner. You could probably get away with only packing 2 pairs for each. They will only be in the pants for dinner and can go back to the room to change.

I saw you mentioned that this is your first cruise. While, this is a Disney cruise and things are much more relaxed. This is not a theme park. At the theme parks it is proper to just go as you are to almost all the restaurants in your shorts etc. That is not so on the cruise. Dressing for dinner is part of the cruise experience.

Thanks,
Kelly

 

[logan1_2000]

I think DS wore khaki shorts at age 6, and at age 9 we might have even let him slide and do the same again, this time with his tropical shirt in PC, but yes, I'd prefer he dressed dressier than he does (and not just on DCL). By next cruise at age 10, I think he'll be ready to look more grown up. Honestly though, much as I rant and rave on formal night threads, a pre-adolescent in khaki/dress shorts and a polo shirt on a non-formal night doesn't bother me too much if that is what that child is comfortable wearing. Its all about the children, isn't it? (sorry, that's from my opening for tomorrow's modification of custody hearing).

Q: Would you rather have a 9 yr old forced to wear a blazer and tie at the next table, whining because he is claiming to be hot or uncomfortable, or a child in a polo shirt, khaki shorts that are worn with a belt (no elastic waistband) who is more comfortable? Just curious--not looking to flame either answer. And yes, in a perfect world we'd all be such great parents that our children would be well-behaved AND well dressed. I'll admit that my house is not located in that perfect world, so I live elsewhere, and I suspect many honest DISers will likewise admit they, too, live somewhere other than the perfectly well behaved, well-dressed world.

But I'm not cutting grown-ups any slack on their own observance of dress codes...!!!

 

[Jsme]

Softly in the distance, I hear popcorn popping...

Just popped up a fresh bunch anyone want some?

 

[zachsmomie]

We are going to be on the same cruise! How neat!

My son was 8 for our first cruise and is 12 for this one. Both trips he wore (or will be wearing) black khakis and a button up/polo shirt for dinner. He was not uncomfortable, even though he is a jeans/shorts boy! He literally came back from the kids areas, changed and had dinner with the family (mom mandatory time) and then changed back after dinner. I was so glad I had him do this because he looked nice in our photos.

As far as packing space, I packed one pair of pants and 3 shirts and 3 pair of socks and one pair of black loafers for him for dinner.

Hope this helps!

 

[Keggy]

Q: Would you rather have a 9 yr old forced to wear a blazer and tie at the next table, whining because he is claiming to be hot or uncomfortable, or a child in a polo shirt, khaki shorts that are worn with a belt (no elastic waistband) who is more comfortable? Just curious--not looking to flame either answer. And yes, in a perfect world we'd all be such great parents that our children would be well-behaved AND well dressed. I'll admit that my house is not located in that perfect world, so I live elsewhere, and I suspect many honest DISers will likewise admit they, too, live somewhere other than the perfectly well behaved, well-dressed world.

There is a big difference in forcing a kid to wear a blazer and tie vs. just wearing khaki pants instead of shorts.