Is wearing Crocs ok for Signature Dining?

[lilyv]

I'll still leave my "park clothes" at the hotel and happily change into something more appropriate for a dinner date with DH when we're dining at a signature.
Crocs? I don't care if someone else wears them as long as they don't loudly squeek.

 

[galnar]

I vote no.

 

[LisaInNc]

No one is going to turn you away. I doubt anyone is going to point and stare. It's within the allowable limits.

I would never ever dress that casually for a signature restaurant. For me fine dining is about more than just the food. It's about the ambience, the smells, the way the restaurant sounds and looks and often about how I feel while I am dining. I enjoy dressing well and looking my best and I think that dressing up a little shows respect for the meal you are going to have or the event you are going to, the person you are dining with. Part of the experience for me is going back to the hotel, peeling off my hot sweaty clothing, putting on a little makeup and a nice outfit and then taking my time to enjoy a nice meal.

These meals are as much as the Disney experience for me as park touring so I don't mind taking time from the parks to change before dinner. It makes it a little more special.

 

[bytheblood]

What is wrong with backless shoes or sandals in a signature restaurant? Many women in business wear heels that are backless or simply have a single strap. Sandals can be quite dressy, depending on the style. My Franco Sarto brown sandals were $80 for two straps, a small heel and no back and they look very nice. Not sure I understand the logic about sandals or backless shoes not being dressy enough.

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I personally would not wear crocs or even park clothes in a signature restaurant. To me, a signature meal requires something that fits the meal and the ambience.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I see nothing wrong with the Crocs if you are otherwise dressing nicely. Some people actually have foot problems that preclude them from wearing what others might deem acceptable foot wear. DH cannot wear shoes-only sneakers (with his custom fitted orthotics). A lot of podiatrists also actually give/prescribe their patients Crocs for those with plantar fasciitis. I don't think too many people will be conerned with your choice of foot wear unless your going there in combat boots or something else a little bit out there.

 

[EnnEss]

I think you can obviously wear them OP, as so many have said. But, its not the intention of the dress code.

"
For the Signature Dining Restaurants, a "Business Casual" dress code is in effect:

Men - Dress pants, jeans or dress shorts and a T-shirt or long sleeve shirt with collar is required. (Jackets optional.)

Women - Jeans, skirts or dress shorts and blouse, sweater or dress is required.
"

Dress shorts, not the shorts 95 percent of the people wear there. While it says Ts, it says business casual, which definately leans to a collar. If you're wearing dress pants or jeans for business casual, and even dress shorts (think airline workers) you're not going to wear crocs or flip flops. Thats not appropriate. Not only will it look off, its not in the spirit of the dress code.

Disney isn't going to turn you away, its not what they do, but crocs are not the intention, I am positive of that. If they wanted you wearing something like that, they wouldn't even bother with a dress code. When I've been to signature dining I see most people wearing collared shirts and the like. If I saw someone wearing crocs, they'd look out of place, and I know most people don't care about fashion on vacation, but these specific restaurants are asking that you do for that dining experience. If thats beyond your ability or desire, its probably best you don't go there.

The rants regarding this opinion I have should consider its Disney asking you to behave this way. Its the same in many work places. Its not that its personally disturbing, its just the expectation is set, it is nice if you follow it. If you disagree with it, write to them and complain. Its just another one of those things though, you can either follow the rules or not. If you're going to break them, and I dont think anyone can possibly rationalize their shorts from old navy or AE and their flip flops or crocs are business casual, just break them. Don't ask for an opinion. Some people might notice and chuckle at your fashion faux pas, but I'm sure it wont ruin their vacation or meal, it wouldn't ruin mine. It just singles some out as either not knowing or unwilling to follow the suggestion of disney.

Again, I dont think anyone can possibly rationalize their shorts from old navy or AE and their flip flops or crocs are business casual.

 

[wezee]

I learned my lesson about wearing fancy shoes at WDW a couple of years ago. I got all decked out for a dinner at Fulton's for my birthday....fancy heels and all. And all I ended up with was lots of blisters and a mad DH because I made him dress up and everyone else in the restaurant wore casual shorts, slacks and polo or dressier Tshirts. I had to live with terrible blisters for the rest of our vacation...so never again.

We go to many signature restaurants and the majority of people wear nice shorts and/or capris and casual shirt, with some sort of sandels or tennis shoes. This is the norm at WDW and I am comfortable with that. I have witnessed very few people "dressed to the nines" at the signature restaurants. After many trips to WDW and loads of dining reservations...I can assure you that there are four clothing items I will not pack for our trip.....any dress shoe or sandel with a heel higher that 1/2 in. ...........nylons(I hate wearing them at home, why should I take them on vacation??).......a fancy dress or skirt.....and a tie for the DH!!!!! (of course the exception would be a ressie at V&A....but I don't see that happening in the next few years)

 

[EnnEss]

I have witnessed very few people "dressed to the nines" at the signature restaurants.

Business casual hardly requires dressing to the nines, or heels for that matter, or even a tie.

 

[honeymo78]

Just remember, the corporate definition of business casual is far from Disney's definition. What wouldn't be acceptable at home, seems to be fine in Disney's eyes.

 

[slug]

Hi all,

DW and I have ADRs at a few signature restaurants for our August trip to WDW. To try to pack light for the flights, I was only going to bring two pairs of shoes - crocs (which I'll probably be in most of the days) and a pair of sneakers. After hearing that the dress code at some restaurants may be strict on occasion, I'm wondering if i should bring an extra of shoes just for that purpose.

For those of you that know or have experience with this, is there a chance I may be turned away at a signature restaurant like Yachtsman's or Narcoosee's, if I wear crocs, a collared shirt, khakis/ (or a nice pair of shorts or jeans)? I'd really hate to transit back to the resort to change before and after the meal. This vacation for us is about enjoying the parks after all.

Any input and suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

You'll be fine with Crocs. I called the CG last time to ask if I could wear Birkenstocks and they laughed at me (probably b/c I'm still wearing Birkenstocks) and said of course I could. I wore khaki shorts, a collared shirt and birkenstocks and I was as "dressy" as about 75% of the people there.

Here's why: Disney's "business casual" is not the same as business casual elsewhere. Disney allows jeans, t-shirts, shorts and sneakers. That is not business casual. That is "Disney business casual." Real business casual means men don't have to wear a jacket and tie but are still expected to wear dress pants, a collared shirt and appropriate shoes. Women aren't required to wear suits, but should be dressed appropriately for business.

This is WDW. If you use common sense, you'll be just fine at one of the signature restaurants. By the sound of your outfit, you'll be dressed better than many of the other people there.

 

[Jletendre]

I don't remember ever seeing anything listed as Disney's Business Casual .. its Business Casual and if you look that up it has guidelines on what that entails be it WDW, Work etc. It is how it is now because the majority of people are just plain lazy and don't care how they look and just toot the "I'm comfortable" horn.

Reading all the threads it's clear that TLC should do a show "What Not to Wear" - Theme park edition .. I'm sure it would have some classic footage!

 

[slug]

Business casual hardly requires dressing to the nines, or heels for that matter, or even a tie.

I would say true business casual is a major step up from what Disney has given as its definition of business casual.

Try wearing jeans, t-shirts or "dress shorts" in a business setting where business casual is expected and you'll look like a fool.

If you want to see business casual at WDW, go to the CR at around 5pm when a convention lets out for the day and you'll see a bunch of people dressed in actual business casual attire. Whether good or bad, that is not what is required at WDW signature dining venues.

 

[slug]

I don't remember ever seeing anything listed as Disney's Business Casual .. its Business Casual and if you look that up it has guidelines on what that entails be it WDW, Work etc. It is how it is now because the majority of people are just plain lazy and don't care how they look and just toot the "I'm comfortable" horn.

Reading all the threads it's clear that TLC should do a show "What Not to Wear" - Theme park edition .. I'm sure it would have some classic footage!

Sorry. Let me clarify. Disney calls it "business casual." Then they go on to describe it, and what they describe is in no way "business casual."

So while they may label it as such, based on WDW's own description, it is not business casual.

Business casual does not include jeans, t-shirt, or shorts of any kind. Disney's dress code does. So it is not business casual in the way it is commonly understood in society.

 

[mirmartinez]

I don't remember ever seeing anything listed as Disney's Business Casual .. its Business Casual and if you look that up it has guidelines on what that entails be it WDW, Work etc. It is how it is now because the majority of people are just plain lazy and don't care how they look and just toot the "I'm comfortable" horn.

Reading all the threads it's clear that TLC should do a show "What Not to Wear" - Theme park edition .. I'm sure it would have some classic footage!

"business casual" can be defined by the person who makes the rules.

Company A, I worked for allowed us to wear jean, this makes it Compnay A's business casual.
Company B, no jeans that makes it company B's business casual.
Company C, allows bermuda shorts and knee socks (as mentioned by earlier poster) that would make it company C's business casual

Walt disney resort+walt disney policy= disney casual

the definition of business casual is ambiguous, at the least.
Interpreted and implemented many different ways.

When I am in Disney, I follow Disney's business casual policy.

 

[crisi]

So you must get Deluxe DDP when you go to disney? I mean, now that they offer it, because its so cheap and all.

Nope, we pay out of pocket for all meals. I don't like feeling like "I paid up front, I need to get my money's worth." Putting the point of payment at the decision point makes sure I get my money's worth - and there are no surprises.

We do use the DDE.

 

[slug]

"business casual" can be defined by the person who makes the rules.

Company A, I worked for allowed us to wear jean, this makes it Compnay A's business casual.
Company B, no jeans that makes it company B's business casual.
Company C, allows bermuda shorts and knee socks (as mentioned by earlier poster) that would make it company C's business casual

Walt disney resort+walt disney policy= disney casual

the definition of business casual is ambiguous, at the least.
Interpreted and implemented many different ways.

When I am in Disney, I follow Disney's business casual policy.

I think you summed it nicely in your last sentence. When you are in WDW, you should follow Disney's definition, which contrasts sharply with Corporate America's definition of business casual.

And while there is some room for interpretation, there are some generally accepted principals of a business casual dress code and they do not involve bermuda short, knee high socks, jeans, tank tops, biker jackets, hats with propoellers at the top, tie-dyed Grateful Dead shirts, bathing suits, etc.

 

[Nancyg56]

I never notice what anyone else is wearing when I go to dinner. I'm at Disney and while DH and I dress nicely we have dressed more casually than if we were having the same meal in the same atmosphere here at home. Honestly, if the airlines continue to upcharge for baggage we are going to pack less and that means fewer shoe choices.

OP, if you like your crocs then wear them. If the folks at CG do not have an issue with your footwear no one else should.

 

[JesusHusseinChrist]

Judge not lest ye be judged.

 

[slug]

Judge not lest ye be judged.

Thanks.

 

[crisi]

I'd sum up Disney's definition of "business" or "resort" casual as "don't be a slob."