Dress Code at Signature Restaurants-Ha!

[BCV23]

To read this thread you might get the impression that WDW Signature restaurants are awash with dress code scofflaws. Not so. We do exclusively Signature restaurants--7 of them each trip, twice a year. With the exception of a loose interpretation of "dress shorts" we've seen no dress code violations in the past three years. Certainly no prohibited items-- bathing suits, torn clothes, tank tops. Most people DO comply with the very relaxed code. Now granted we've seen some less than "neat" people--some were downright sloppy, in fact. But they met the code.
It does not suprise me that the occasional code violator is let in and I certainly agree that they should not have been let in. But it isn't the epidemic that the thread seems to suggest.

I completely agree with your post, Uncleromulus.

We frequent the signature restaurants too. People do comply with the code. Park clothes in general are not prohibited although torn jeans are. I haven't seen anyone violate the dress code since it reverted to being more lax.

 

[Katiebell]

I honestly do not care or notice what other people are wearing at a restaurant. If it was really over the top -- a bikini, or a Carmen Miranda turban -- I might giggle, but then I would focus on my dining companions and my -- hopefully -- delicious meal. What I DO care about and notice is the behavior of other people in restaurants. Children are children, and they are expected to behave like children, but not scream, run around, throw food, kick my chair, etc. And it does ruin my dinner if adults at another table are drunk and obnoxious, rude to the servers, etc.

If I had a choice between sitting near a well-behaved family in sweats, and a rude loud drunk person in a tux...I'd pick option A, hands down.

I truly do understand the concept of MYOB...I think things bother people mostly if they try to abide by the rules, but others obviously don't. Kind of like...if I show up to work on time every day, but my co-worker is late every day...it really doesn't affect me (except maybe that I work 5 minutes longer than he does). But it is annoying because I follow the rules, why can't he? But I refuse to let it ruin my day, or my attitude, it's just not worth it

 

[mitros]

That is the million dollar Disney question. Disney is horrible and enforcing any of its rules, not just the dress code. How many people do you see smoking outside of the DSAs? How many people do you see using refillable mugs from previous trips? How many kids have you seen skating around the parks? Why have the darn rules and not bother to enforce them? My only guess is that they are so worried about offending the offenders, that they just choose not to. It is aggravating.

Thanks so much for that answer. Disney is so $$$$ hungry these days, apparentley more so then during the Ei$ner era, that they do not want to offend anyone and take the chance of these types not coming back to their precious resort area. Disney has gone so very far from Walt's day......

 

[eam]

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.

Jeans are considered appropriate attire. I was told jeans and a nice blouse would be fine by the ADR CM.

 

[MainStMandy]

Jeans are considered appropriate attire. I was told jeans and a nice blouse would be fine by the ADR CM.

Jeans, with no tears, are acceptable.

The actual dress code, I believe, is a whole other topic...besides they can't even enforce the one they have now!

 

[ms_missy66]

I honestly do not care or notice what other people are wearing at a restaurant. If it was really over the top -- a bikini, or a Carmen Miranda turban -- I might giggle, but then I would focus on my dining companions and my -- hopefully -- delicious meal. What I DO care about and notice is the behavior of other people in restaurants. Children are children, and they are expected to behave like children, but not scream, run around, throw food, kick my chair, etc. And it does ruin my dinner if adults at another table are drunk and obnoxious, rude to the servers, etc.

If I had a choice between sitting near a well-behaved family in sweats, and a rude loud drunk person in a tux...I'd pick option A, hands down.

I truly do understand the concept of MYOB...I think things bother people mostly if they try to abide by the rules, but others obviously don't. Kind of like...if I show up to work on time every day, but my co-worker is late every day...it really doesn't affect me (except maybe that I work 5 minutes longer than he does). But it is annoying because I follow the rules, why can't he? But I refuse to let it ruin my day, or my attitude, it's just not worth it

Beautifully said!

 

[DVC Sadie]

If I was granted one wish, I'd wish for patrons of any restaurant to shower and use deoderant prior to dining, especially if they have been in the parks all day.

There is nothing worse than having to smell other diners while waiting to be seated.

 

[GailT]

If I was granted one wish, I'd wish for patrons of any restaurant to shower and use deoderant prior to dining, especially if they have been in the parks all day.

There is nothing worse than having to smell other diners while waiting to be seated.

But how many people go back to the hotel to shower before dinner, I don't think many do

 

[Ms. WDW]

Not that I'd ever think of showing up wearing less than appropriate clothing, but that's one of the things that keeps DH and I away from the signature restaurants. We have to "dress" during the week and when we're on vacation, dresses, shirts, slacks etc. are not an option. I'd love to try one of the restaurants, but we just don't travel with "dress casual" clothing.

Personally I think I'd feel very uncomfortable NOT adhering to the dress code regardless of what others do. The rules were established for a reason.

And I totally agree about the showering before dinner!!! OMG!! There is NOTHING worse than smelling a person who either doesn't use deodorant (some cultures do not) or just smells funky from sweat!!!!!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

But how many people go back to the hotel to shower before dinner, I don't think many do

If we have ADRs for a signature restaurant, we go back to the hotel room to wash up and change. If we were just going to grab food on the way back from the parks, we wouldn't bother shelling out the cash for fine dining. Instead, these meals are more than feeding hungry bellies; they are the event we plan for the evening. I didn't realize this was odd.

 

[DVC Sadie]

If we have ADRs for a signature restaurant, we go back to the hotel room to wash up and change. If we were just going to grab food on the way back from the parks, we wouldn't bother shelling out the cash for fine dining. Instead, these meals are more than feeding hungry bellies; they are the event we plan for the evening. I didn't realize this was odd.

It is becoming more odd through out the years.

I can understand when people do not go back to the room to shower and change if they are dining inside of one of the parks for dinner. What I don't understand is leaving the park to go to a resort restaurant (especially signature restaurants) to have dinner without cleaning up first.

 

[crisi]

I think a lot of people who have never been to Disney really don't "get" how fancy these places are. They make their reservations and hear the Dining CM say something about dress and go "yeah, yeah, its an amusement park." They make their plans not realizing seeing the themeparks in a week is going to be challenging, so when they get there they are short on time. When they show up at the restaurant, hot and sweaty because otherwise they were not going to ever get to ride Space Mountain, and look around, they realize that maybe they are underdressed. But Disney, being Disney, is great about smiling at them and assuring them everything is fine.

I've taken Disney virgins to Disney signature restaurants twice in the past year - and both times my guests have been SHOCKED that such places exist at WDW. Even when I tell them and try and explain they might want to dress up a bit (one couple did, one family wouldn't know dressed up if it bit them - they TECHNICALLY met the dress code, but I won't ever take them to a nice dinner again), they are still floored when they arrive. (Flying Fish and Artist's Point)

 

[Disney_Angel]

Some people have no class and no self-respect. But I suppose a loud confrotation would be more of a distraction to restaraunt goers. When I made ressies for California Grill the CM made it VERY clear there was a dress code. There is no excuse for people to "not know".

 

[Disney_Angel]

I've taken Disney virgins to Disney signature restaurants twice in the past year - and both times my guests have been SHOCKED that such places exist at WDW. (Flying Fish and Artist's Point)

Disney Virgin? Sweet! Can I use that?

 

[DVC Sadie]

I think a lot of people who have never been to Disney really don't "get" how fancy these places are. They make their reservations and hear the Dining CM say something about dress and go "yeah, yeah, its an amusement park." They make their plans not realizing seeing the themeparks in a week is going to be challenging, so when they get there they are short on time. When they show up at the restaurant, hot and sweaty because otherwise they were not going to ever get to ride Space Mountain, and look around, they realize that maybe they are underdressed. But Disney, being Disney, is great about smiling at them and assuring them everything is fine.

I've taken Disney virgins to Disney signature restaurants twice in the past year - and both times my guests have been SHOCKED that such places exist at WDW. Even when I tell them and try and explain they might want to dress up a bit (one couple did, one family wouldn't know dressed up if it bit them - they TECHNICALLY met the dress code, but I won't ever take them to a nice dinner again), they are still floored when they arrive. (Flying Fish and Artist's Point)

You have a very valid point and I guess ignorance is bliss.

Oh well, I guess I will continue to wish and just do what I normally do while visiting WDW.

 

[boldlyreal]

I believe I am on record as saying that if your child is whining to the point of disturbing other diners and you don't remove them - even at Disney where "you expect kids" - you are rude. Many, many times, in fact. But, for clarification:

It is RUDE not to follow the dress code in a restaurant.

It is RUDE to allow your children to disturb other diners - by crying, throwing food, or moving around the restaurant. If this happens, the polite thing to do is to remove your child as quickly as possible without creating additional disturbance.

It is RUDE to get visibly drunk and loud.

Its RUDE to talk about bodily functions loud enough for the next table over to hear.

Its RUDE to abuse your waitstaff.

Its RUDE to abuse your tablemates - even if they are your own spouse and children.

Its RUDE to show up late for your reservation and demand to get seated immediately.

Its RUDE to hold a needed table for an hour after you finished dessert because you really want to watch Wishes and could only get a 6pm reservation.

Its RUDE to make reservations you do not intend to use.

This list is not inclusive of all the possible rude behavior displayed at Disney dining establishments.

Its RUDE to point out faults in others.


Honestly that is a serious list of grievances, how do you ever enjoy your own life being so busy managing others?

Oh and BTW I am rude, so just add

Its RUDE of Boldyreal to comment about my comment!

 

[JLKennedy]

Its RUDE to point out faults in others.


Honestly that is a serious list of grievances, how do you ever enjoy your own life being so busy managing others?

Oh and BTW I am rude, so just add

Its RUDE of Boldyreal to comment about my comment!

Love the post!

 

[tinknsnow]

I'm with the people who don't notice what others are wearing... Who cares?!? I've read quite a few posts about whether or not "Crocs" are acceptable and some people actually said, "No!"

Who looks at other people's feet when they're eating a nice meal?

 

[crisi]

Its RUDE to point out faults in others.


Honestly that is a serious list of grievances, how do you ever enjoy your own life being so busy managing others?

Oh and BTW I am rude, so just add

Its RUDE of Boldyreal to comment about my comment!

It is, its unfortunately, impossible to have a conversation about manners without pointing out people are rude, which is rude in an of itself. I've thrown myself on the alter of bad behavior to be an example to you all.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We dine at signature restaurants on every trip and I have never really seen and dress code breakers in residence. Now there are some people that look like they just got out of bed.................... but they still live up to the dress code.