Dress Code at Signature Restaurants-Ha!

[ms_missy66]

*packing my pasties now* LOL

I'm curious... would you consider talking to the manager of the restaurant? Your concerns are valid. Though I would absolutely NOT let this experience set the tone of your meal. You're paying a lot to eat there. Though you've just made me wonder. Do most folks dress for dinner? I smell a poll about to start. LOL

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Yes actually I do expect Disney to tell them that. Why make rules and post them if they aren't going to be enforced? I would give them the option of changing and returning within a certain timeframe or giving up the ressie and trying to accomidate them at another, more casual location. I would be upset if I put effort into getting dressed up and looking nice when they let people in wearing jeans. I would have certainly mentioned it to the server or manager to see why they were so special. If you're told when making your ressie what the dress code is for the resort, there is no excuse on your part-you knew the info.

I doubt that just because they're turned away from one restraunt it would make them never come to Disney again however...and if so, that's great-more room for me and my family to visit.

I also know that not everyone can afford nice/fancy clothes but holey jeans are not ok. At least jeans that are not ripped.

I know I may not share the "popular" opinion but that's just how I feel.

I completely agree with you. If there is a posted dress-code, it should be enforced. Otherwise, don't have a dress code. These restaurants are considered fine dining, and it's a shame to have that atmosphere ruined by people who are inappropriately dressed. That's exactly why my husband and I decided to skip Signature Dining when we visit, even though we've *finally* got babysitters handy (traveling with the grandparents) - I can't see getting all gussied up and then being seated next to someone in jeans and Crocs.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

We specifically cancelled our CA Grill ADR becaue of the dress code on our last trip. We didn't want to bring any "nice" pants or shirts so we went to Chef Mickey's instead! I would not have felt comfortable in CA Grill in shorts and flip flops - which is our wardrobe for our entire vacation.

 

[raidermatt]

Why have a code at all if it's not going to be consistently enforced? It's pretty simple.

With a posted dress code, most people will comply even if Disney chooses not to enforce it.

Without a posted dress code, many more people would wear clothing that currently violates the code.

So if the torn jeans bother you, you should still be glad the code is there because otherwise there would be more torn jeans.

By the way, consistently is the key word. Disney does sometimes enforce the code as it stands. They just don't do it 100% of the time. Given how people cut them slack for not being perfect in so many other areas, I would think it would be easy to cut them slack for this.

WDW is just one of those destinations where casual dress is the expectation of the vast majority of guests. Disney would be shooting themselves in the foot if they tried to force things on people that most don't want. The dress code for the signature restaurants was actually more restrictive at first (no t-shirts, no flip flops), but was later loosened up.

 

[JLKennedy]

in the eye of the beholder. What one thinks is "inappropriate", the CM at the podium might think, hey, look at those Lucky or True Religion jeans, how trendy and I know that "he/she" dropped a hundred + dollars on them, so they're not "class-less" people.

The 2 british women who critique people on what NOT to wear, claims that NO adult should ever wear shorts or capri's, they are tacky, yet many women do and think they look quite cute in them.

The thing is, while they appeared to be "holey", could it be that they are the new trend of being "distressed"? Pair that with a simple button down white collar shirt and some flip-flops and you've got a model from Polo/Hilfiger/Lauren, you name it.

I called ahead at CA Grill 2 years ago and asked point blank can we wear shorts? She said yes, provided they are not "cut-off's". And that they preferred men to wear collared shirts (polo's count as a collar), and so do t-shirts, they are collared, just not a "foldable" collar.

IMO, Disney wants to avoid a PR blowout by "singling" someone out. If you want to dress up, good for you, if someone else doesn't, who cares?

 

[Minnie824]

I'm not sure that how other people are dressed would affect my experience at an upscale restaurant? DH & I took our DDs to Spago for the first time earlier this month, and yes, we did dress up, but I couldn't tell you what other people were wearing because I really didn't care. Our meal was nice, that was what mattered. As long as the people in the torn jeans weren't causing an issue or behaving inappropriately, I don't see what it would have to do with your meal? We'll be going to Narcossee's in Nov and will slightly dress up (as in polo shirt for DH and probably nice capris or pants for me) but thats because we'll be staying at the GF as well. I wouldn't show up in swimwear, but normal jeans or shorts, I don't think I'd have a problem with.

 

[Tricia1972]

This isn't about someone wanting to dress up and someone not wanting to dress up.

This post is about Disney's OWN casual dress code not being enforced.

Business Casual Dress Code

Attire considered appropriate by this dress code is:
• Dress shorts
• Dress pants
• Jean pants
• Collared shirts
• Blouses
• Sweaters
• T-shirts


Attire not permitted by this dress code is:
• Hats
• Swimsuits
• Swimsuit cover-up's
• Tank tops
• Torn clothing
• Flip-flops

Disney does not state that expensive torn clothing is OK. If Disney has a policy they should enforce it. Those going to those restaurants have a reasonable expectation that everyone there is adhering to the same dress code as what was asked of them.

Nobody in this thread has asked for people to be cute or trendy, just adhere to the policy that Disney has created. If they aren't going to stick to their policy, then some wonder why Disney has one.

 

[MainStMandy]

I'm not sure that how other people are dressed would affect my experience at an upscale restaurant?

Because I am paying for a certain experience...and that holds true all over Disney property. You pay for that higher level of service, you pay for a cleaner park...and when I pay for a dinner at CG I expect to NOT feel like I am in a McDonalds.

 

[Minnie824]

I'm not sure that how other people are dressed would affect my experience at an upscale restaurant?

Because I am paying for a certain experience...and that holds true all over Disney property. You pay for that higher level of service, you pay for a cleaner park...and when I pay for a dinner at CG I expect to NOT feel like I am in a McDonalds.

I honestly don't mean to argue, I'm just trying to understand. So if you're getting good service at the CG, good food, and the other people are sitting there in their torn jeans having a pleasant meal, not bothering anyone, that would make you feel like you're at McDonalds? I guess its just a matter of opinion on what would bother some and not others.

 

[lurkyloo]

We dressed up for all the Signature Restaurants we ate at during our honeymoon, but we also occasionally wore the bride & groom mouse ear hats we'd made. I don't know why it never occurred to me that hats would be on the prohibited list.

Well, no one said boo about our hats at Bistro de Paris or Flying Fish, but on our last night the dress code finally caught up with us at Citricos. The kind hostesses there were very sad to ask us to remove them, but we were allowed to display them on the table. They were kinda garish, I guess....

 

[MainStMandy]

I'm not sure that how other people are dressed would affect my experience at an upscale restaurant?

I honestly don't mean to argue, I'm just trying to understand. So if you're getting good service at the CG, good food, and the other people are sitting there in their torn jeans having a pleasant meal, not bothering anyone, that would make you feel like you're at McDonalds? I guess its just a matter of opinion on what would bother some and not others.

Ok I'll take it to an extreme...let's say I was going to a big formal gala...I spend a lot of money to get all dressed up, full length ball gown, the whole nine. I walk in and everyone is in torn jeans, flipflops, and t-shirts. Not saying they aren't fun people, but it takes away from the themeing. Same can be said for Cali Grille. I go for a nice dining experience where the everything is a bit more upscale...otherwise I can just to the food court.

 

[susieq76]

A dress code is a dress code. Seems cut and dry to me

 

[Moonpie]

Ok I'll take it to an extreme...let's say I was going to a big formal gala...I spend a lot of money to get all dressed up, full length ball gown, the whole nine. I walk in and everyone is in torn jeans, flipflops, and t-shirts. Not saying they aren't fun people, but it takes away from the themeing. Same can be said for Cali Grille. I go for a nice dining experience where the everything is a bit more upscale...otherwise I can just to the food court.

Sounds like a couple of guests at my wedding!

 

[mstew99]

I agree the dress code SHOULD be enforced. I mean, it's not like they're asking everyone to REALLY dress up in the first place. If you read the dress code, it is pretty relaxed. Jeans and t-shirts are on the allowed list! The dress code basically says don't come in dressed like a complete slob. If you make ADRs at one of these restaurants and know the dress code ahead of time, it's not asking that much to plan in advance to leave enough time to arrive dressed appropriately. And like I already said, the dress code is already so relaxed, most people can go straight from the parks wearing their park wear and still fall under the dress code.

 

[Tricia1972]

I'm not sure that how other people are dressed would affect my experience at an upscale restaurant?

I honestly don't mean to argue, I'm just trying to understand. So if you're getting good service at the CG, good food, and the other people are sitting there in their torn jeans having a pleasant meal, not bothering anyone, that would make you feel like you're at McDonalds? I guess its just a matter of opinion on what would bother some and not others.

I think it is more important for those that appreciate the ambiance of a restaurant. Dress does affect the overall ambiance. I didn't let it ruin my meal, but at Jiko in March there was a man in a BRIGHT orange t-shirt with shiny black lettering on it. It didn't bother me, but I sure did notice it and it really stood out against the overall look of the restaurant.

Another consideration about dress code is enforcement of rules. If you follow the rules it seems that others should too.

The enforcement of rules issue is why resort mugs, pool hopping, double booking, Heeley's and line cutting are such hot button issues. When you follow the rules set forth, then you expect that others do so as well.

 

[MelanieC]

We've only been to one signature restaurant (Jiko), but we wore nice long shorts (me and DD had on knee length capris with nice coordinating tops and DH and DS wore long knee length shorts with a button up shirt with collar).

Now here a question - I have dressy "flip flops". They aren't the plastic kind - but dressy ones that I would wear to church with a dress with no problem.

Do these fall under flip flops? Me and DD both wore our Dressy Flip Flops and no one said anything or even looked. I just wonder what you all think. I think these days - most women wear a flip flop type of shoe with dresses. I'm certainly not bringing a pair of slip on shoes with heals to Florida. Honestly I think when Disney says Flip flops on the dress code - I think they mean the plastic ones that look like your going to the pool or beach. Maybe next year I'll bring a pair of black slip ons that are basically flats -but your feet go all the way through. I just hate to take up extra space for something your going to wear once.

 

[inkkognito]

What other people wear doesn't affect my meal or my personal experience. My point for starting this thread was: "Why do some of the Disney restaurants claim to have a dress code when they don't bother to enforce it?" Really, what is the point of wasting time telling it to me on the phone, then having it posted right where you walk into the restaurant, when they obviously don't give a rat's butt...er, I guess that would be a mouse's butt...what you wear?

 

[disnut8]

What other people wear doesn't affect my meal or my personal experience. My point for starting this thread was: "Why do some of the Disney restaurants claim to have a dress code when they don't bother to enforce it?" Really, what is the point of wasting time telling it to me on the phone, then having it posted right where you walk into the restaurant, when they obviously don't give a rat's butt...er, I guess that would be a mouse's butt...what you wear?

Anyone remember the woman who was tossed of the plane because she was wearing "inappropriate attire"? Remember how much publicity she got and how much flak the airline got?

Yes, Disney has a dress code that they do not enforce. But they tell their guests in an effort to have the majority of people follow it. All it would take for a person "thrown out" of a Disney restaurant is to pick up the phone and call the Orlando Sentinel.

 

[crisi]

I'm not sure that how other people are dressed would affect my experience at an upscale restaurant?

To me, its a sign of general selfishness and incivility. I prefer not to share my space with people who are rude.

 

[crisi]

Anyone remember the woman who was tossed of the plane because she was wearing "inappropriate attire"? Remember how much publicity she got and how much flak the airline got?

Yes, Disney has a dress code that they do not enforce. But they tell their guests in an effort to have the majority of people follow it. All it would take for a person "thrown out" of a Disney restaurant is to pick up the phone and call the Orlando Sentinel.

Since Disney has a dress code for their restaurants, tells you that they have a dress code, posts their dress code at the podium - and since dress codes for restaurants have been enforced for years at upscale restaurants, I suspect the Orlando Sentinel would laugh at the caller and say "did you try Chef Mickey's?"