I think you have a great point Skallywag. From what I've read, tradition on the old steam liners of the past held that dinner was the big event. People would dress up and make an event out of it.
I think Disney has attempted to capture as much of that tradition as possible. From the decor of the ship, to rotating your Serving Staff with you, to the multi-course menus. So, it would seem appropriate to dress for the part.
I think Walt Disney World, and the other them parks for that matter, are in a realm of their own. Basically, almost any type of dress goes at any restaurant at WDW. Except for Victoria & Albert's, I can't think of a single restaurant that isn't "Resort Casual." Given the atmosphere of WDW I think the casual dress is fine and more than appropriate.
It's interesting to look at this issue anothe way too. What if, on the next Disney ship, they decide that people just want casual eating experiences. What if the restaurants are less themed and more casual in and of themselves. Say, more along the lines of Topsiders rather than Lumiere's or Triton's. I wonder what kind of responses this would bring about?
