First time at California Grill

[sgerto]

I finally got through to make a reservation today for our November trip and had a question. When speaking to the CM he read me the dress code rules. But how strict are they? I read them after we spoke and would they turn you away if you wore a Disney brand tshirt with cargo shorts or nice blue jeans and my wife wears a Disney shirt with matching leggings? She bought the outfit to match and since were only there for a couple days and won’t get to the park until around 1 that day we would rather go straight from the park to eat instead of losing another hour or two going back to the resort to change.
Thanks for your helpful input in advance!

 

[quinacciani]

They won't turn you away. Just don't wear a bathing suit and you're allowed in any Disney restaurant except V&As.

 

[Ecomommy09]

I saw many families coming in from the park when we were there Wednesday night. I was surprised because it's a 'nice' restaurant and we had both picked out dresses. It was fun to dress up and my date was the prettiest there (even if I'm her mommy and biased!). The grouper with coconut infused rice was absolutely ridiculously good.

 

[sgerto]

I saw many families coming in from the park when we were there Wednesday night. I was surprised because it's a 'nice' restaurant and we had both picked out dresses. It was fun to dress up and my date was the prettiest there (even if I'm her mommy and biased!). The grouper with coconut infused rice was absolutely ridiculously good.

But how were they dressed. How "relaxed" was the dress code? Would people dressed as I described myself and my wife be there? We've looked elsewhere and have mixed responses, more very relaxed than enforced.

 

[Ecomommy09]

But how were they dressed. How "relaxed" was the dress code? Would people dressed as I described myself and my wife be there? We've looked elsewhere and have mixed responses, more very relaxed than enforced.

Sorry if I wasn’t clear. I meant they were in park clothes. Sweaty t shirts, princess dresses, cargo shorts, leggings, tennis shoes, etc. it was 90 F on Wednesday.

 

[Eastern]

But how strict are they? I read them after we spoke and would they turn you away if you wore a Disney brand tshirt with cargo shorts or nice blue jeans and my wife wears a Disney shirt with matching leggings?

Do not worry. You are good to go.

 

[kastoney]

You will be just fine in what you described and not feel out of place at all. My favorite California Grill outfit I've seen was barely butt covering short shorts and a half shirt. A woman wearing a tutu post a Disney race was another good one. You'll be ready for a formal event in comparison

 

[Bonnie1222]

We are very frequent diners at CG. We are on a first name basis with much of the staff. I am going to be very honest - I highly doubt they will turn you away but it is their option. But with the numbers down so low at the parks and restaurants right now you are probably safe unless you were in swim clothing and/or very skimpy casual clothing.

With that said, be prepared to possibly feel out of place. You will see people there wearing anything from business casual to very dressed up. DH hates to get all dressed up and always wears nice jeans, a pressed button down shirt and a sports coat at a minimum and most times a suit. I always wear a dress or skirt. For us it is part of the experience. I wouldn't wear a formal evening gown to McDonalds;, and I wouldn't wear shorts and a t-shirt to a dinner that for 2 people can easily cost minimum of $200 or more.

You could always put a nicer shirt/blouse/sweater in a back pack to put on over your t-shirt. Wear nicer shorts that day and just put on the shirt when you arrive. In November you may actually luck out and get cooler (70s to low 80s) weather. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy CG as much as we do.

 

[vossjemi]

We are very frequent diners at CG. We are on a first name basis with much of the staff. I am going to be very honest - I highly doubt they will turn you away but it is their option. But with the numbers down so low at the parks and restaurants right now you are probably safe unless you were in swim clothing and/or very skimpy casual clothing.

With that said, be prepared to possibly feel out of place. You will see people there wearing anything from business casual to very dressed up. DH hates to get all dressed up and always wears nice jeans, a pressed button down shirt and a sports coat at a minimum and most times a suit. I always wear a dress or skirt. For us it is part of the experience. I wouldn't wear a formal evening gown to McDonalds;, and I wouldn't wear shorts and a t-shirt to a dinner that for 2 people can easily cost minimum of $200 or more.

You could always put a nicer shirt/blouse/sweater in a back pack to put on over your t-shirt. Wear nicer shorts that day and just put on the shirt when you arrive. In November you may actually luck out and get cooler (70s to low 80s) weather. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy CG as much as we do.

Yes, I agree. We have an ADR at Narcoose’s after MK and I thought we’d bring a change of clothes and rent a locker in the park so we can change at the end of the day.

 

[loves to dive]

We ate there after a long day in the parks and wore what we wore to the parks. I almost always wear a sundress in the hot weather so I had on a sundress and Clarks flip flops. My son had on cargo shorts and a button cotton shirt, he rarely wears T-Shirts in public. I also tend to wear golf type skorts to the parks, which would work just as well. The only place we have ever eaten at WDW where park clothes weren't seen was V&A's.

 

[bakerworld]

I haven't eaten at the CG in years - like '94 - and CG provided a suit jacket for my husband. In these times, I doubt they would do that anymore but it soured the experience for him and we've never returned. Once at Narcoose's we went post park - weren't sweaty or wearing ratty closes - DH was wearing a very nice crew necked shirt and felt uncomfortable. If we indulge in Narcoose's he makes sure to wear a collared shirt.

 

[Blondie58]

Walter is a fantastic waiter. Ask to be seated near a window if at all possible. Also if this is your first trip to CG don't forget to take a stroll out on the roof to look around. I understand there are no fireworks but still could be fun to take a look see.

 

[Katie1174]

We have been to Cali’s every year for a long time now. Believe me, leggings are fine, cargo shorts/any shorts are fine, jeans are fine, logo tees are fine as long as they arent offensive, sneakers are good to go. We have seen people dressed every which way from dressy to extremely dressed down and except for bathing suits, the CM’s don't blink an eye and the diners don't care either They are used to hot sweaty people coming over directly from MK to eat. So relax, enjoy and dress exactly as you described and you will be just fine.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

We actually just ate at CG. Belly is full and the wife and kids are already asleep. We dressed nice but seen lots of shorts and a few T-shirts. If you like sushi, you gotta try the Kazan Roll. Enjoy!

 

[Marthasor]

What you have described is perfectly acceptable. You will see everything from suit jackets and cocktail attire to shorts and tshirts at CG. You will not be turned away

 

[lovewdwdvc]

You will be on the casual side. Some will be dressed to the nines. Have fun.

 

[Summertime]

I finally got through to make a reservation today for our November trip and had a question. When speaking to the CM he read me the dress code rules. But how strict are they? I read them after we spoke and would they turn you away if you wore a Disney brand tshirt with cargo shorts or nice blue jeans and my wife wears a Disney shirt with matching leggings? She bought the outfit to match and since were only there for a couple days and won’t get to the park until around 1 that day we would rather go straight from the park to eat instead of losing another hour or two going back to the resort to change.
Thanks for your helpful input in advance!

I was just going to ask the same question. We have reservations at the end of December and will be in MK all day. I really don't want to go all the way back to the Dolphin to change. I was thinking of bringing a simple change of clothes and getting a locker, but if I don't need to do that - even better. I'll just wear nicer shorts/top w/ sneakers that day! Can't wait to get back to Disney!

 

[Summer2018]

We are very frequent diners at CG. We are on a first name basis with much of the staff. I am going to be very honest - I highly doubt they will turn you away but it is their option. But with the numbers down so low at the parks and restaurants right now you are probably safe unless you were in swim clothing and/or very skimpy casual clothing.

With that said, be prepared to possibly feel out of place. You will see people there wearing anything from business casual to very dressed up. DH hates to get all dressed up and always wears nice jeans, a pressed button down shirt and a sports coat at a minimum and most times a suit. I always wear a dress or skirt. For us it is part of the experience. I wouldn't wear a formal evening gown to McDonalds;, and I wouldn't wear shorts and a t-shirt to a dinner that for 2 people can easily cost minimum of $200 or more.

You could always put a nicer shirt/blouse/sweater in a back pack to put on over your t-shirt. Wear nicer shorts that day and just put on the shirt when you arrive. In November you may actually luck out and get cooler (70s to low 80s) weather. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy CG as much as we do.

100% agree.

 

[Summer2018]

We ate there after a long day in the parks and wore what we wore to the parks. I almost always wear a sundress in the hot weather so I had on a sundress and Clarks flip flops. My son had on cargo shorts and a button cotton shirt, he rarely wears T-Shirts in public. I also tend to wear golf type skorts to the parks, which would work just as well. The only place we have ever eaten at WDW where park clothes weren't seen was V&A's.

Your park clothes are much nicer than most, so you will fit in better at a signature restaurant than someone in a sweaty t-shirt and shorts.

T-shirts seem better suited for Chef Mickey’s than California Grill IMHO.

 

[Summer2018]

We have been to Cali’s every year for a long time now. Believe me, leggings are fine, cargo shorts/any shorts are fine, jeans are fine, logo tees are fine as long as they arent offensive, sneakers are good to go. We have seen people dressed every which way from dressy to extremely dressed down and except for bathing suits, the CM’s don't blink an eye and the diners don't care either They are used to hot sweaty people coming over directly from MK to eat. So relax, enjoy and dress exactly as you described and you will be just fine.

I beg to differ. Other diners do care. When we see people wearing logo tee-shirts, casual shorts, and ball caps straight from the park, it takes away from the overall ambience of the restaurant IMHO. Most people dress well when dining at a signature restaurant.

We get ready in our hotel room, shower, etc. My husband wears a button down shirt and pants. He has worn Bermuda shorts with a button down shirt as well. DD and I wear dresses.

If I didn't want to go back to my hotel room, shower, and change, I would have my DH wear a collared polo shirt and khakis or Bermuda shorts at the very least. He would still be comfortable in the park. DD and I would wear sundresses and sneakers in the park and carry dressy sandals to change into before entering Cali Grill.

If someone doesn't want to make an effort when going to an expensive restaurant, then maybe they should eat at a casual counter service place in the park.