New dress code

[FrozenTundra]

An Atlantic City casino - The Tropicana - opened an indoor area called "The Quarter". It is casual-to-upscale dining,botique & specialty shops, strolling area that gives to feeling of being outdoors in Havana.

They have imposed a business casual dress code for Fri-Sat nights only. They are the first casino to have a dress code for public areas other then their signature restaurants. So far public opinion has been split but the other casinos are hoping it will be successfull because they want to do the same thing, but were afraid to be the first to try.

 

[raidermatt]

Not sure if it will work or not, but I definitely thing it has a better chance of working in AC or Vegas. More adult-oriented locale, more people looking to impress.

I'm not saying its inappropriate to do this ANYWHERE, just that they need to be careful if they want to move in this direction at WDW.

To Pete's point, even if he did find the rum stores this afternoon, WDW is a more casual atmosphere than most places, though the disposable income is certainly still there. Force people to start packing clothes that they wouldn't have wanted to bring in the first place, or to take an extra hour to go back to their rooms before or after dinner, and I think you're asking for trouble. Meaning they will (A) simply pass on the restaurant, and (B) feel that things have become a little more restrictive in general.

Yes, the required "dressy" atmosphere works in most cities, but then you look at places like Hawaii, and only the highest end restaurants don't allow shorts. I'm thinking WDW is more akin to HI than NYC or SF when it comes to atmosphere.

You don't suppose that the attempt to make the "experience less casual" has anything to do with attempting to increase margins? Or do we really think this is in response to a flood of guest complaints about bums like me and Pete?

 

[Peter Pirate]

I'll bet they are looking at specifying their demographic even further (as you said, Matt). I'm sure they're thinking if they can fill the joints with the 'real' classy folks they'll be able to increase the bill with less notice. Even though I can afford these things I'm not the typical 'big spender' and I'll bet they're courting this avenue...Flirting with disaster is more like it.

 

[renknt]

I wonder if I could get in wearing my Kilt? it sure cooler than a pair of pants

and dressier (no pun) than shorts.

 

[raidermatt]

Just curious... how do you figure less than 2%? That's 8 dining options (including V&A's), and there aren't more than 400 on-property options are there?

Regardless, in all honesty I've only eaten at one of those 8 myself (CG). But we have eaten at a few that are in that same realm a few times, like Shula's, Bistro de Paris, and Fulton's. We go to WDW less often, but usually for two weeks, or there abouts. We'll generally eat at maybe 2 or 3 of those per trip, and were thinking of maybe Jiko or Narcoossees for the next time.

We really don't mind the dress code as posted, provided tank tops means the generic tank tops worn by men, as opposed to the dressier tank tops worn by women. When we eat at those places, we usually do it on a golf day, or water park day, or something like that, when we are coming back to the room anyway.

But by the same token, we do occasionally see somebody in walking shorts and a t-shirt, and I think its absurd to even think of turning someone wearing that away from these restaurants, with the exception of V&A's. But I'm not that worried about it, because I'm pretty sure these restaurants already had these dress codes (I know Shula's and Fulton's did, and Bistro has a "no tank tops" policy), and this is just some kind of "reminder". I would honestly be shocked if its a true change in policy.

 

[pouncingpluto]

Could this be a way of making them less welcoming to children and more welcoming to adult couples and other parties of adults?

As a young couple without children who enjoy getting dressed up for a romantic evening while on vacation, we welcome the change... I think WDW needs a few quieter, more upscale options... they certainly have the decor and the food in place... this is the last step.

There are *so* many casual, family-friendly, fun places to eat at WDW that I just don't think it's hurting anyone to have a few places that cater to a different demographic.

 

[crusader]

A few wouldn't be 7. This is a stupid outdated concept. It discriminates against just about every female who lives in today's style of flipflops and tanks. Next thing you know they'll ban braids.

Keep this nonsense on the cruise lines and in one or two restaurants on property at a certain time if need be - but whomever is in charge of this seriously needs to have their occupation reassessed.

They've segregated the family unit - nobody's daughters can join them for dinner at the better resort dining choices anymore.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Hi crusader! Long time no...Whatever...

Great post. If applied to the letter our 16 year old daughter will never be eating with us.

As for your comments pouncing, I understand where you're coming from but this is WDW. This isn't Manhatten or San Francisco, this isn't Beverly Hills...It's a resort and I do not wish to be shuffled off to some family friendly restaraunt because I'm dining with kids. I enjoy fine dining, as does my wife and both of our children. WDW is for everyone and shouldn't be exclusionary to anyone...

 

[crusader]

Absolutely.

What gets me is where this "genius" came up with the idea that Manhattan had a better dress code? Having just visited two days ago, I can assure you, the women are sporting skirts, double layer tanks, mardi gras beads and flipflops.

Even more importantly is that our kids don't like to be dictated to when it comes to fashion or protocol. (the over 21 club especially) They're who Disney needs to look at in terms of the that future dining patron. Discriminate now and they'll boycott forever.

Hey my son stopped cutting his hair this summer and having looked around, I'm noticing that neither is anybody else's teenage kid. Heck some of them aren't even showering. I guess they're next to be denied access to Flying Fish. No 60's hair allowed on premises!

 

[pouncingpluto]

I say 7 is just a few in the context of a resort as large as WDW with so many dining options.

Sorry, I just don't have a lot of sympathy for teenagers who want to dress casually all the time. Just because it's the "style" doesn't mean it's appropriate in nice restaurants.

 

[pouncingpluto]

When you were teenagers, didn't you have nicer clothes for special occasions or church or a nice evening out, in addition to your clothes that followed whatever fads were of the moment?

 

[crusader]

My 20 something yr old daughter who just wore a long cotton skirt and sleeveless shell top to a multi 7 figure upscale wedding at a 5+ Southern Cal Beach community resort which dictated a cocktail attire dress code, was more in fashion and fresh looking than any of us stiffs and so were the majority of young prominent women in her age group there.

They'll wear what they want, how they want and where they want and they won't care about some outdated rule being enforced by some old fart with the archaic prejudiced idea of what a standard should be having little or no regard to today's fashion industry.

If old hollywood can get hip what the heck is Disney's problem?

 

[Equidae]

Long haired hippies need not apply, eh?

I for one think it's a great idea that they are having a dress code of sorts. I've been eating at some of these locations and I while I have always dressed nice, others don't and it really takes away from the ambience (ahem, theme) of the place. And a cotton skirt and sleavless blouse is fine, I think. That fits in with no swimsuits, jeans, etc.

WDW is a family place, but they also market themselves to adults and couples (just look at the wedding department -- many of the weddings are adults only. Not exactly kid friendly there!). Also, some of the food in the more upscale resturaunts just isn't for children. I don't see too many kids truly enjoying the dining at Jiko's, for instance (is there a kids menu? I can't remember). There are so many options for kids and families, it isn't a bad thing to reach out to the older crowd. Disney is for everyone, old and young alike, and diversity in dining options should reflect that. No, this isn't a place like New York City or what have you, but what is really so bad about it? These resturaunts are almost always full so I don't think a boycot will happen (come on, really? Disney survived many boycots over things far more important than dress code). Yes, there are many kids that won't follow the rules, but that is their loss for being stubborn. It sucks, but life is about jumping though hoops (how many of us work someplace where we follow some sort of dress code? Teenagers work at McDonalds in a uniform, it isn't the end of the world). Heck, pick up a fashion magazine. What we wear is dictated to you by someone else. But I digress.

Plus, I think the whole point is that people aren't coming from the pool or sweaty from the parks. Who wants to enjoy an expesive meal and have to smell someone at the next table? It's just common courtesy.

 

[DancingBear]

It may not be 2%, but there are probably a couple hundred dining options in WDW, and obviously Jiko has a much lower capacity and turnover rate than, say, Boma, or a counter-service place in MK, so we're not talking about a lot of places.

Also, we're not talking about requiring a coat and tie.

And I expect that actual practice will mitigate any negative effects. Disney isn't in the business of throwing out well-behaving families because the 15-year old girl is wearing flip-flops. Other than Palo, the dress code on the cruise is now clearly "suggested dress", and not enforced.

I'm sure many of the guests in these places feel like Equidae, so this will enhance their experience. Also, sometimes folks actually like a little guidance, and you might get your kid to wear jeans and an polo shirt instead of whatever.

 

[crusader]

Well, there are all sorts of things about humans that detract from the ambience at restaurants. Do you really think a pair of sneakers over flipflops makes a difference to your experience when you're seated next to an obnoxious idiot?

Or what about all the social prejudice out there? Isn't this dress code just another form of that? Why stop at a spaghetti strap tank? Let's consider everyone's ambience and include - No alcoholics; No tattoos; No leather; No body piercing; No mental illness; and especially No ugly or scary looking people who don't fit our personal standard of what would constitute a deterrant to that stuck up fine dining experience we all savor at a theme park.

 

[Equidae]

You know Crusade, if you take such offence to the policy (which, as pointed out, isn't that big a change. We are still talking about clothes you can buy on sale at WalMart), then maybe you shouldn't be dining at these locations. Just a thought. I wouldn't want your family to be split up or anything. Please go to WDW and have a great time with your family. That's what its all about anyway. Those of us that understand the concept of appropriate dress will dine at these resturaunts and we will have a great time too. It's a win/win, right?

Dressing well doesn't mask a jerk. There are always jerks. But at least these jerks understand about dressing for the occasion. It isn't social prejudice on the resturaunt's part if they are just asking for some deceny and only ask that you wear nice clothes (again, something available at WalMart or Target).

 

[Peter Pirate]

Aahhheemmm...I have a problem with V&A's standard...I am very consistent and do not feel jackets should be required at any WDW restaurant...I do not complain about V&A's much as their style and the prospect of a 12 hour meal doesn't thrill me...And even with the diferent standard V&A's is only one locale and it is the only true gourmet restauant on property as well as the highest rated, so ocaasionally exceptions can be made...But FF for example, at the crossroads of The Studios and Epcot, they will not do well with anything less than a park attire requirement.

Jiko, Artist Point...Aren't we supposed to lost in Africa or the great Northwest at these establishments. Do we think many folks 'dress' for dinner whilst on safari?

 

[crusader]

Scoop I think you can take the "several" group which applies to NYC and proportionately compare it to Disney. I suspect you'll find the magnificent 7 to far outnumber the big apple in this regard.

Now consider these restaurants aren't even of the same caliber - why the heck are we trying to compare them for? Are you saying the price tag is going up - the menu is being revamped and world renowned chefs are being flown in and interviewed as we speak at WDW? Last time I checked the majority of restaurants were rated upper-mediocre in quality/price not 5 star.

And no, I don't have a problem with V & A. It's always been that way. If Disney were to design and open a similar restaurant and have two or three on property to accomodate guests who like that sort of thing - fine.

But to mandate that at places I frequent wearing a t-shirt and jeans with no problem in the past now requires I wear certain attire because I detracted from somebody's ambience? - that's complete b:s. They should leave - not me.

 

[cdtommie]

"Nobody seems to have much problem with the V&A requirements. These new ones don't even approach those in reality. But, they do ensure that guests who enjoy a slightly less casual evening have a few additional options.

Actually, I do. I have no plans to pack a jacket and tie to go to Disney, ever. If they allowed a sportshirt and slacks we probably would have been to V&A's several times already. There is a very nice french restaurant near us that requires a jacket...we only go there once or twice a year. We would go a lot more often with a reasonable dress code.

 

[YepsenCP]

I rather like the dress code idea. No reason that just because you're on vaca or at WDW you should not dress appropriately for a nice dinner. Stay classy Walt Disney...