Does anyone dress up for dinner anymore?

[Minniesgal]

We always dress for Signature dinners but nit for regular TS

 

[Uncleromulus]

I wear slacks and a polo--Mrs U wears jeans and a sweater/top at all the Signatures.

Of course we have plenty of time to dress and go to the restaurant. We have a car, and our time these days at any theme park is quite limited..we're rarely at a Park much after 1:00 in the afternoon.

But many folks are in the parks all day or depend on Disney Transportation to get them back and forth. Many go back to the parks after dinner.For them to waste many hours getting "dressed" just for dinner and thence to the restaurant is something they will not do.

Disney understands this I believe and that is why theme park attire (shorts and t's) is acceptable--and why you see so many folks dressed that way at the Signatures.

 

[leebee]

We look at our meals as "going out to dinner" instead of just getting some supper, so we take the time/make the effort to change before going out to dinner. We always have a rental vehicle when at WDW so that makes it easier/more time-efficient. I book my ADRs around what we want to be doing, park-wise, but we often choose to eat at resort restaurants rather than in a park, so we'd be leaving for awhile anyhow. This gives us time to go back to our hotel, shower (we never plan on showering, but after a day in a park I usually want to shower before changing clothes!), change, and head off to supper. It doesn't take that long, once we are at the room, and it's nice to "change gears" between a hot theme park and a nice dinner. DH will wear pants and a polo or button-down shirt, DD usually opts for summer dresses, and I wear a dressy top and nice capris. IF we know we won't be able to go back to our resort, we'll pack clothes/makeup in a backpack and stick it in a locker during the day. Takes a bit more planning so that we are relatively wrinkle-free, but that's a choice we make.

 

[TeresaWen]

I am not sure how I feel about this. On our last trip, we took dress clothes to wear to California Grill and Artist's Point. The people seated next to us at Cali looked like they had come in from the pool. I notice we were one of a few guests who wore something other than shorts and a tshirt. I one hand, I was a bit irritated, because it kind of took away from the whole 'experience". On the other hand, I thought it was nice because I could forget about bringing dress clothes for the next trip and just wear whatever I wanted. So what is your philosophy on dressing and dining?

We do! I love pretty summer dresses and really enjoy dressing up for dinner. I love to cook and eat very health so at home w do not go out a lot. Going out on vacation is such a treat. We do not eat at a table service every night because I just can't eat a big dinner that often. When we do it is almost always a signature (or Be our Guest - love this) and we always dress up. Even for BOG. It is part of the fun for us.

 

[AFwifelife]

For most TS, especially in the parks, we don't get extra dressed up because we are usually visiting them in the middle of touring. If we have a nice dinner planned, we do take the time to go back to the hotel and get dressed up. That is for signature dinners though like Jiko or Narcoossee's.

 

[disneyseniors]

I also don't understand why other people who choose to dress up have a problem with those who do not choose to do so?? It doesn't matter in the long run, and IMO, not worth worrying about. People are on vacation. As long as they are clean, who cares??

 

[GATORinaZ28]

Although I have not dined at either of the places mentioned in the original post, I always dine wearing khaki shorts and a t-shirt after returning to the resort to shower and change. I personally dont let the way someone else looks ruin my meal either.

Edit: Come to think about it, that's all I ever wear. I am fortunate to work "behind the scenes" in IT and wear khaki shorts and t-shirt year round.

 

[85glht]

I am not sure how I feel about this. On our last trip, we took dress clothes to wear to California Grill and Artist's Point. The people seated next to us at Cali looked like they had come in from the pool. I notice we were one of a few guests who wore something other than shorts and a tshirt. I one hand, I was a bit irritated, because it kind of took away from the whole 'experience". On the other hand, I thought it was nice because I could forget about bringing dress clothes for the next trip and just wear whatever I wanted. So what is your philosophy on dressing and dining?

That is a big negative for us. Even on a cruise for formal night, we don't pack a suit for me and an evening gown for my wife. There is no way I am dressing up for dinner so I can spill something on me (which would happen), or just be uncomfortable. I would however have a nice polo shirt. If very hot out, I will have shorts on..... When sitting at the table, you can't see my lower half anyways. We have gone past the point of caring what other people think. I am comfortable and that is what is most important to me.

 

[Shellyb84]

1) I go along with the "Old Fashioned" traditions.
. . . dress in nice clothes
. . . for Signature Restaurants, long pants, nice shirt (short of long sleeve, but with a collar)
. . . except for V&A, sport jacket not necessary (although I have worn one on special occasions at Shula's and blue zoo)
. . . no ball caps or hats, except fashionable headwear for ladies
2) Yes, I am an Old Fuddy Duddy.
3) But, that is how I was raised, and how I raised our kids.

This exactly. DD and I wear dresses and nice sandals, no flip flops. DH will sometimes wear nice leather flip flops but he wears long pants and a collared shirt. I would not feel comfortable eating at a nice restaurant in clothes I've worn at the park all day. If we are eating at a table service within a park, we we usually just wear nicer shorts and tops. We always go to the room and freshen up before dinner.

 

[Hikergirl]

We typically dress for dinner but when at WDW sometimes we just don't get the chance to run back to the resort and shower and change.
I will say that I don't ever notice what others wear to dinner, because I don't care. Them not dressing up for their dinner has no effect on my experience.

 

[addiln]

I tend to wear a golf shirt and golf shorts to our meals. When in the parks we try to stop at our resort if their is time to freshen up a bit before our meal if it is not in the park. If we are at the park and eating in the parks then it is what it is and we don't worry about it.

 

[piccolopat]

I actually like dressing up and wouldn't hesitate to dress up. But... I have a reservation for California grill brunch and Narcoosee's dinner on the same day and spending the day at MK. We're staying at AKL so I doubt we would go back to the resort. I'm in a pickle

Edit: I have dressed up and wore dresses to the parks last trip but have a 2 year old in tow this time...

In your case, I would wear my park attire to the brunch but I might put a change of clothes in a locker for dinner along with some baby wipes to freshen up.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

We usually dress nicer for Signatures. We go during Christmas, so between the holidays and it being a Signature, we like to look nice.
My dad and I will do a button-down shirt oxford, khakis or dark jeans, boat shoes or regular shoes.
My mom and sister will do a blouse and nice pants.

BUT - we don't go to the parks after. If we do plan on going to the parks after and are eating at a nicer restaurant, we'll go more casual. I'll untuck my shirt and do sneakers, etc.

If it's cold we'll layer with sweaters. I remember our second Christmas I dressed up for a dinner at Narcoossee's. I did a sweater, nice shirt, tie and khakis. We were going to dinner and I was on a big tie kick lately. Some guy mockingly asked us where we were going out to and called out my tie. It shouldn't have bothered me, but it did. I also realized I was a little overdressed.

I will say this - if you go during summer when it's 90+ degrees out, you're far less likely to see people dressed up. I LOVE the heat - but it really makes you feel disgusting. We went in April once for a wedding and it was very hot. We did a nice dinner organized by the bride and groom and I did a light golf polo tucked into khakis.

I do think t-shirts are acceptable, if partnered right. Family friends joined us a few years ago. My friend dresses really well. While I'm more preppy, he's more high fashion. He wore dark jeans and a nice LuLuLemon t-shirt when he went out. Dark v-necks with jeans or khakis are totally appropriate.

 

[Regan117]

Although I have not dined at either of the places mentioned in the original post, I always dine wearing khaki shorts and a t-shirt after returning to the resort to shower and change. I personally dont let the way someone else looks ruin my meal either.

Edit: Come to think about it, that's all I ever wear. I am fortunate to work "behind the scenes" in IT and wear khaki shorts and t-shirt year round.

I don't look down on people for not dressing nicely at a signature, but it does lessen the atmosphere a bit. They have dress codes at those restaurants for a reason, I suppose. I compare it to someone showing up to a job interview in shorts or the Vatican in a tank top. It's not AGAINST the rules, but it takes something away from the atmosphere?

We don't dress up for park TS but do for signatures. And I will dress somewhere in between for a resort TS, usually because we go back to our room before going to one of those.

That being said, dress however makes you comfortable. It's your vacation. If the restaurant has a problem with it, they will tell you.

 

[goofy4tink]

We try to change before heading to a signature meal. Regular table service, in the parks? Nope. We go in our park clothes.
But, if at a signature meal, usually at the resorts, I like to change into a nice pair of capris and nicer top. Dh will put on good jeans or khakis, with a collared shirt.
Does it bother me if others don't dress a bit more upscale at signature restaurants? Not really. It does bother me that they allow their kids to yell and scream, and run around the area! Or, if the clothes they are wearing are dirty and sweaty. That's happened a lot. If you've been in a park all day, and it's hot and humid? It would be nice if you carried fresh shirts to change into prior to eating. But, most people aren't going to those lengths.
We're having Thanksgiving dinner at Artist Point this year. We'll be changing our clothes before dinner.

 

[Regan117]

We try to change before heading to a signature meal. Regular table service, in the parks? Nope. We go in our park clothes.
But, if at a signature meal, usually at the resorts, I like to change into a nice pair of capris and nicer top. Dh will put on good jeans or khakis, with a collared shirt.
Does it bother me if others don't dress a bit more upscale at signature restaurants? Not really. It does bother me that they allow their kids to yell and scream, and run around the area! Or, if the clothes they are wearing are dirty and sweaty. That's happened a lot. If you've been in a park all day, and it's hot and humid? It would be nice if you carried fresh shirts to change into prior to eating. But, most people aren't going to those lengths.
We're having Thanksgiving dinner at Artist Point this year. We'll be changing our clothes before dinner.

I agree with this! I've seen so many misbehaving kids at the signatures...we have 3 small kids and haven't brought them to a signature yet. I want to make sure they can behave first, as I don't want to ruin anyone else's adult night out.

 

[Anthony1971]

Today... (five years ago not as much with dressy) for a male and even on the upper cruise lines... Smart Casual is non T shirt-- AKA a nice colored shirt also a t shirt in the end and jeans. Dressy is a button down collard shirt and designer jeans. simply people can not pack the things they did years ago due to luggage on airlines and a pair of designer jeans can easily cost more than you can get a suit for. You can easily go to J.C penny and buy a decent suit on sale for 100.00 and if you know which suit to look at it is actually is a renamed POLO suit.... On the other hand The company I work for is a well know traditional Men's suiting company of which we also have custom suits that can cost 1500-5000 depending upon the material. Off the rack are in the 600 on sale maybe 550 with a great sale- 1200 range... But we cater to those in better paying positions as well as they wear suits everyday--otherwise there is really no need to spend the money for a better quality suit.... All of our suits are made in USA not the suits at stores that are marked 600 but on sale for 200 or 150 that are made in China.
Do I dress up as I describe... NO but I will wear nice Jeans and a collared shirt.

 

[anniebean]

We always dress up. My husband brings shirt and tie, and I bring dresses and heels. It's nice. We don't really pay attention to the others around us. Last time we were at GF for Citricos, they mistakenly thought we were there for V&A.

 

[Rich M]

For me it depends on the place. If I am going to a lower scale restaurant like 50's Prime or something similar I am not going to fuss about what I am wearing. Odds are after dinner I am hoping to get on a ride or two and don't want "nice" clothes on rides. If I am going to a higher level place my thinking is if they will let me on a golf course to wear it then I will be fine. I wear nice clothes to work everyday and when I go on vacation I want to be relaxed and enjoy myself and not worry about what I am wearing. I am the guy you will see in Sleeveless shirts and shorts all the time and when you look at me your probably wouldn't guess I am a business professional but that being said I want to be comfortable on vacation and with the price of luggage now days I have to be even picker of what I bring with me now.

 

[Baklava]

I am not sure how I feel about this. On our last trip, we took dress clothes to wear to California Grill and Artist's Point. The people seated next to us at Cali looked like they had come in from the pool. I notice we were one of a few guests who wore something other than shorts and a tshirt. I one hand, I was a bit irritated, because it kind of took away from the whole 'experience". On the other hand, I thought it was nice because I could forget about bringing dress clothes for the next trip and just wear whatever I wanted. So what is your philosophy on dressing and dining?

My philosophy is that what other people wear is seldom on my radar. Unless something is screamingly inappropriate, cool or looks like it hurts, I don't pay attention. I encourage others to dress up or down as pleases them, but unless you're wearing a super cute tee shirt or 5 inch heels, I must confess I won't notice.