Dress Code for Signature Dining

[Lexx1214]

It’s still early days for planning what to pack - but I’m a planning kind of girl and I’m already thinking of what to pack for our September trip and what pieces I may want to add for my vacation wardrobe. We have reservations for a few signature restaurants - BOG, Morimoto, California Grill, Le Cellier and Tiffins.

I know that park attire is acceptable for BOG, Le Cellier, and Tiffins, though I do olan in dressing nice but casual for our park days. I thinking more about Morimoto and California Grill. How dressy is too dressy and how relaxed is too relaxed?

I was thinking a black sleeveless blouse and black dress capris with strappy heeled sandals and statement jewelry for Morimoto. Is this too relaxed?

For California Grill I have a black with rose print cocktail dress knee length with tiny sleeves appropriate for an intimate, but upscale wedding (which is what I bought the dress for). Black heels and simple jewelry like my wedding rings and dimamond earring from my husband. Would this be too dressy?

This is our honeymoon so I want to look great. We are also in our 40s and I like to usually dress with an elegant but simple style.

 

[maxiesmom]

At the California Grill I have seen everything from very casual to super dressy. I think your cocktail dress sounds lovely. I tend to dress up because I rarely have the chance to do so in real life.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Agree. I like to dress for dinner at signature. What you described sounds perfect.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

All the clothes you described fit within the signature guidelines.

Don't worry about what other people are wearing - you will see that it runs the entire range of acceptability.
If you want to pack heels and a cocktail dress, go for it - and make sure you get some great pictures.

These days I personally wouldn't pack that stuff, not because I think it's 'wrong' or something, but only because I prefer simpler packing and I know I can get away with a more casual look at WDW, especially in September when it's really hot.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If that's what you feel comfortable wearing, go for it! As PP's have said, you will see a range of dress at the signatures from very casual (including park attire) to dressy (jackets, suits, cocktail dresses). I usually fall somewhere in between. Morimoto will probably be more casual than Cali Grill as many people go to DS to walk around, shop, eat, etc. You will look great and will fit into both atmospheres just fine with what you have chosen to wear.

 

[Lexx1214]

Thanks everyone. I know there will be a wide range of attire but I personally like to dress for the occasion and the venue. Never having been to either California Grill or Morimoto, your advice has been very helpful

 

[Lexx1214]

And as a side note: is there a forum for fashion and shopping on DIS? I know that may not be a high priority for some but I’d love to have more discussions about things like makeup and hairstyles that look great for the parks and stand up to Florida heat and humidity, vacation wardrobes, Disney pedicures, great stores both at Disney and in Orlando, etc. Considering the amount of stuff I see in Pinterest and Instagram I think there’s likely others who would love to discuss the same. Just a thought.

 

[Disney_Alli]

And as a side note: is there a forum for fashion and shopping on DIS? I know that may not be a high priority for some but I’d love to have more discussions about things like makeup and hairstyles that look great for the parks and stand up to Florida heat and humidity, vacation wardrobes, Disney pedicures, great stores both at Disney and in Orlando, etc. Considering the amount of stuff I see in Pinterest and Instagram I think there’s likely others who would love to discuss the same. Just a thought.

I bet you could start some threads on the Community board WAY down at the bottom... we talk about everything down there!

 

[disneyvoice]

What you described sounds lovely. You will most likely find that you are on the dressier side compared to others but you are on your honeymoon so getting a bit more dressed up makes perfect sense! Although there are dress guidelines, I have never seen anyone turned away. At Jiko last year we were seated across from two gentlemen wearing tank tops and athletic shorts - they looked like they had just come from the gym. Pretty sure neither tank tops nor athletic shorts are allowed according to the guidelines but it didn't affect our enjoyment of our meal at all. We did feel more dressed up than just about everyone else in the restaurant - my husband work dress khakis and a dress shirt, I wore a nicer sun dress (one I wouldn't wear to the parks) with dressier sandals.

 

[Lexx1214]

What you described sounds lovely. You will most likely find that you are on the dressier side compared to others but you are on your honeymoon so getting a bit more dressed up makes perfect sense! Although there are dress guidelines, I have never seen anyone turned away. At Jiko last year we were seated across from two gentlemen wearing tank tops and athletic shorts - they looked like they had just come from the gym. Pretty sure neither tank tops nor athletic shorts are allowed according to the guidelines but it didn't affect our enjoyment of our meal at all. We did feel more dressed up than just about everyone else in the restaurant - my husband work dress khakis and a dress shirt, I wore a nicer sun dress (one I wouldn't wear to the parks) with dressier sandals.

My DH is not really a dress up kind of guy (despite how drool worthy he is in an suit) but his go to is usually a nice black golf shirt and golf pants in warm weather or a nice sweater or button up and dress slacks in either. His golf pants look exactly like dress pants but a much cooler and lighter weight for the summer.

 

[OneinThree]

Sounds as though you'll be dressed appropriately for signature dining at one of Disney's finest establishments. Shame that there's compulsion to even bring up it here, but it's also unsurprising given the way we've degenerated to the bunch of slobs you see walking around WDW and elsewhere. Saw this video of the Magic Kingdom recently (probably filmed around the time I was born), and was blown away by how much "we've" changed.

 

[Micca]

we've degenerated to the bunch of slobs

Funny, my ears are burning!

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

We dressed up a bit for our Narcoosee's dinner a few years ago because we we going there straight from the resort. Same for our CA Grill brunch. I like the idea of looking a bit presentable, but not everyone will make the effort.

 

[NYCgrrl]

It’s still early days for planning what to pack - but I’m a planning kind of girl and I’m already thinking of what to pack for our September trip and what pieces I may want to add for my vacation wardrobe. We have reservations for a few signature restaurants - BOG, Morimoto, California Grill, Le Cellier and Tiffins.

I know that park attire is acceptable for BOG, Le Cellier, and Tiffins, though I do olan in dressing nice but casual for our park days. I thinking more about Morimoto and California Grill. How dressy is too dressy and how relaxed is too relaxed?

I was thinking a black sleeveless blouse and black dress capris with strappy heeled sandals and statement jewelry for Morimoto. Is this too relaxed?

For California Grill I have a black with rose print cocktail dress knee length with tiny sleeves appropriate for an intimate, but upscale wedding (which is what I bought the dress for). Black heels and simple jewelry like my wedding rings and dimamond earring from my husband. Would this be too dressy?

This is our honeymoon so I want to look great. We are also in our 40s and I like to usually dress with an elegant but simple style.

Congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials.
I think both outfits and their accessories will be fine for those venues.

 

[loves to dive]

If we know we are going to eat at a signature we tend to wear a little nicer clothes to the parks but not anything like a cocktail dress. I tend to wear sundresses to the parks in the hot weather anyway so I'm usually dressed fine. My son tends to prefer collared shirts with nicer shorts any way as well so unless we are going to V&A's, that is good for him. Neither of us wear tshirts or gym shorts (neither of us ever wear gym shorts in public) to the signature restaurants although we both have been known to wear a Tshirt with a decent pair of shorts or a skort for me to the parks.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Thanks everyone. I know there will be a wide range of attire but I personally like to dress for the occasion and the venue. Never having been to either California Grill or Morimoto, your advice has been very helpful

I don't change the way I dress at WDW or pretty much anywhere else.

Whether walking the streets of NYC or Paris, overloading on museums in DC, or screaming my head off at the Magic Kingdom, I'm bound to have a few James Perse type cotton t shirt dresses in my suitcase that I can dress up or down with accessories. They pack easily, take up little space, can be washed out in the bthrm sink and by the morning tend to be dry after "sleeping" on the terrace. Should wrinkles be an issue, a steaming shower takes care of that in a short time. I love that I can layer them and change up my colour scheme at will. Some leggings, solid and patterned, give me more variations as do different types of t-shirts.

I stalk the W. 30's of Manhattan for ethnocentric necklaces at reasonable prices and annually treat me to bijoux from mostly independent designers I admire.
I also lose my mind utilising scarves that can become head wraps, soft bracelets, crossover decor, belts or just thrown around my neck; drives the man a tad crazed but he's getting used to the "newer" me. When hot weather vacationing, a humongous straw hat can replace the headwrap and allow me to forgo sunscreen thus keeping my minimal amt of makeup in place. The man will nevah get used to my love of flamboyant hats but can find me in crowded spaces w/ ease, LOL.
I love wristlets for carrying my stuff nowadaze; it's compact and if you pick the right material can easily transition from day to evening wear.

As much as I like to practice "walking the catwalk" in heels from time to time, I've switched over to 2.5-3" cork wedge sandals for "hoity toity" summer travel footwear and various types of leather and/or mesh sneaker mules for just getting around.

Everything I need for a vac can readily fit in an airplane approved 4 wheel suitcase for overhead storage but of course I carry a larger pocketbook on the plane that includes all my can't loose stuff.

 

[Lexx1214]

I don't change the way I dress at WDW or pretty much anywhere else.

Whether walking the streets of NYC or Paris, overloading on museums in DC, or screaming my head off at the Magic Kingdom, I'm bound to have a few James Perse type cotton t shirt dresses in my suitcase that I can dress up or down with accessories. They pack easily, take up little space, can be washed out in the bthrm sink and by the morning tend to be dry after "sleeping" on the terrace. Should wrinkles be an issue, a steaming shower takes care of that in a short time. I love that I can layer them and change up my colour scheme at will. Some leggings, solid and patterned, give me more variations as do different types of t-shirts.

I stalk the W. 30's of Manhattan for ethnocentric necklaces at reasonable prices and annually treat me to bijoux from mostly independent designers I admire.
I also lose my mind utilising scarves that can become head wraps, soft bracelets, crossover decor, belts or just thrown around my neck; drives the man a tad crazed but he's getting used to the "newer" me. When hot weather vacationing, a humongous straw hat can replace the headwrap and allow me to forgo sunscreen thus keeping my minimal amt of makeup in place. The man will nevah get used to my love of flamboyant hats but can find me in crowded spaces w/ ease, LOL.
I love wristlets for carrying my stuff nowadaze; it's compact and if you pick the right material can easily transition from day to evening wear.

As much as I like to practice "walking the catwalk" in heels from time to time, I've switched over to 2.5-3" cork wedge sandals for "hoity toity" summer travel footwear and various types of leather and/or mesh sneaker mules for just getting around.

Everything I need for a vac can readily fit in an airplane approved 4 wheel suitcase for overhead storage but of course I carry a larger pocketbook on the plane that includes all my can't loose stuff.

Love your style. Simple base that you can dress up or dress down makes perfect sense. And I agree with not changing the way you dress just because you’re on holiday. Our personal style reflects who we are.

I too can easily pack all I need in a carry on and a large purse - I hate waiting for checked baggage. And that I do when travelling for work. But as DH doesn’t fly we are driving down so for once I’m planning on overpacking and I have the luxury of bringing some of my nicer dresses and shoes...this should be interesting.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Love your style. Simple base that you can dress up or dress down makes perfect sense. And I agree with not changing the way you dress just because you’re on holiday. Our personal style reflects who we are.

I too can easily pack all I need in a carry on and a large purse - I hate waiting for checked baggage. And that I do when travelling for work. But as DH doesn’t fly we are driving down so for once I’m planning on overpacking and I have the luxury of bringing some of my nicer dresses and shoes...this should be interesting.

Traveling by car does make it easier to indulge and still express yourself
Like I said before you will be fine with your attire and hope you start a thread over @ the Community Board as suggested.
Have a great honeymoon and know we are all around for any further info, insights and questions.