First time at California Grill

[Eastern]

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.

Fair enough but people who care about what others wear at Disney restaurants are in for some disappointment.

 

[marikujawa]

Fair enough but people who care about what others wear at Disney restaurants are in for some disappointment.

Maybe not at Cali Grill, though. We've been there several times and most people do dress fairly well - we see many more people who are nicely dressed than people in sweaty shirts straight from the parks. This is true even at brunch - lots of ladies in dresses.

 

[Eastern]

Maybe not at Cali Grill, though. We've been there several times and most people do dress fairly well - we see many more people who are nicely dressed than people in sweaty shirts straight from the parks. This is true even at brunch - lots of ladies in dresses.

What does this comment mean? I've been there and been seated next to the Grungy McGrungesters. It happens.

 

[marikujawa]

What does this comment mean? I've been there and been seated next to the Grungy McGrungesters. It happens.

It does, but in my experience not nearly as often as someone might think after reading the comments here. Obviously your experiences may differ. But pre-COVID we visited Cali Grill 2 or 3 times a year and we have always found the majority of people to be well-dressed.

I’m just answering for the people who want to know how most people are dressed. For those who don’t care, the answer is that Disney won’t exclude you as long as you have some type of fabric covering your nether parts.

 

[Jennasis]

I agree with the poster who said Walter (the server) is THE BEST.

DH and I have eaten there twice. Both times we dressed for the very nice meal it was. I put on a cotton dress and DH wore khakis and a collared button down shirt. We asked for a window seat to watch the sunset and lost ourselves in the beauty of the view and the deliciousness of the meal. We paid no attention to anyone around us. Not because we don't care, but because we do...and paying any mind to someone wearing their baseball cap or Coors T Shirt or leggings that leave nothing to the imagination would have annoyed us. So we minded our business and enjoyed OUR meal.

That said, about halfway through our meal they sat a couple next to us that were REALLY dressed up. We found them charming and adorable and I actually felt bad that I hadn't dressed up enough!

In closing...whether you dress up or don't, be confident in your choice and enjoy YOUR meal.

 

[sgerto]

o...and paying any mind to someone wearing their baseball cap or Coors T Shirt or leggings that leave nothing to the imagination would have annoyed us. So we minded our business and enjoyed OUR meal.

In closing...whether you dress up or don't, be confident in your choice and enjoy YOUR meal.

Is this referring to what I originally posted about what my wife would be wearing?

 

[Jennasis]

Is this referring to what I originally posted about what my wife would be wearing?

No.

 

[Dis703]

The actual dress code is quite relaxed for all of the signature restaurants including California Grill. Victoria and Alberts is the only one where you really need to dress up. Don't wear anything offensive, no ripped clothing, no bathing suits, etc. and that's about it. We almost always go straight from the parks to dining so we are in shorts, capris, t-shirts, flip flops, etc. And while I've seen a few people dressed up, most of the time they are in casual park wear. So go with what you are comfortable with. Feel like dressing up, go for it, but you don't need to.

 

[Dis703]

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.

I eat at nicer restaurants for the food, not because I want to dress up. If others want to that's fine, but I think it's silly to care about what anyone else is wearing. I enjoy the overall ambiance, food, service, etc. without even noticing what people next to me are wearing. And since casual attire is completely acceptable, as per Disney's signature restaurant dress code, there should be no expectation going in that others will be dressed up. If someone wants to dine in a restaurant that is dressy perhaps they should find one that has an upscale dress code rather than expect others to dress nicer than a restaurant requires.

 

[marikujawa]

People are different. Some don't care, but others at least hope people will try to comply with Disney's own written dress code - not someone's personal code. Honestly, we go to Cali Grill frequently and just don't see a lot of people who look like they're coming straight from the parks. I know those who hate dress codes want it to be otherwise, but I think people who ask how others actually dress could be misled by some of the comments to believe most people dress poorly. That's not usually the case from what I've seen.