New dress codes California Grill

[cjsmith]

I made PS for California Grill today and was told that there have been some changes. They have moved the check in podium to the 2nd floor which I knew, but now you can't go upstairs to the restaurant until they bring you up so you can't even have a drink at the bar. The biggest change is they've changed the dress code, it's now BUSINESS CASUAL! I'd hate not to know that and show up and not get in! Anyway just wanted to give the heads up.

 

[Peter Pirate]

It's no real change (what the hell does it mean?) and I guarantee you won't get turned away.

 

[cjsmith]

It's no real change (what the hell does it mean?) and I guarantee you won't get turned away.

Yes it is a change, it used to be resort casual and now it's business casual. You used to be able to go in in shorts, just not tank tops. They are looking for dressier clothes and attire. They are going to be turning people away, I see it done all the time here in Naples so I'm sure Disney won't a problem doing it. They have more than enough business and have the right to enforce a dress code.
I have a call into our friend who's best friend is the head executive manager of the CG so I'll let everyone know what I find out.

 

[justhat]

That has been like that for awhile, checking in on the 2nd floor and the business casual dress code. We ate there in January, after driving from Ft. Lauderdale (we missed our flight home after a cruise, only flight available was from Orlando the next morning) and looked horrible (IMO) after sitting on a ship, waiting to be allowed off, then rushing to the airport, sitting there hours, then driving through fatal accidents for hours with a baby who doesn't like her carseat. We wanted to change, but circumstances didn't allow for it. So we went in as is, which was jeans, sneakers, etc. No one gave us a 2nd glance and in we went. They told us the dress code on the phone, so it was in effect, so I wouldn't worry about not getting seated. Also, you can still get a drink at the bar if there is a seat available while you're waiting to be seated. If you ask them when you check in, they'll call and see if there is room and if so they'll take you up.

 

[BCV23]

The podium change was some time ago now and I think it has been a good change. We've dined there twice since the change and it does seem calmer. Now we also tend to dine well before Wishes so take that for what it's worth.

However, the business casual is no change at all other than using those words. When I made our PS for Feb., I asked what that meant. Same as always...no tank tops, no swimwear.

 

[cjsmith]

Well I'm glad to hear what you all say about the dress code. When I questioned the woman today who made my PS she told me that it was being enforced now even though it wasn't on our January visit. My husband was going to make me cancel since he didn't want me to bring business casual for him, he's in a suit all week and wanted to dress for dinner, but not get too dressy.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We'll know soon enough if it's being enforced--
And, if it is, I can't wait to see future posts about how folks with PS had to wait an hour to be seated just because the now "correctly dressed" folks were STILL hogging the tables and bar stools waiting for Wishes to begin.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

It was business casual when I was there in Feb. I was wearing some dark colored pressed jeans and a collared shirt and it was fine

 

[Threehearts]

Too funny, Uncleromulus! I know exactly what you mean. Threehearts

 

[webray]

Dress code is no real change..they just dont' want any tank tops or swim wear in the dining room. Other than that you are good to go.

As far as the check in, that is correct..two many people just going up for fireworks, crowding out the people trying to enjoy dinner, actually paying for the atmosphere.

 

[mar2728]

I booked a PS for CG recently also. I hadn't thought about the fact that business casual would mean that my husband could not wear shorts! If he wore the type you would golf in (like dockers only shorts)...do you think that would be ok? He would not like putting on pants in warm weather...not my husband....my girls and I can wear skorts! Anyone know about dress shorts for men?
Thanks!

 

[bgbruce]

Just got off the phone and here's what the PS person told me about CG attire: no tee shirts, shorts are okay as long as they are "business shorts" (whatever that means exactly), jeans are okay as long as they are "nice" (no tatters or holes), and flip-flop style shoes will not be allowed.

 

[BCV23]

When we dined there a couple of weeks ago, a man in his 20s I would guess rode the elevator with us. He had on a T-shirt and neat, clean jeans. He was seated without a problem. The "business casual" code was in effect.

The night we dined there was no one in shorts but that it because it was really cool out. I'm sure nice shorts for gentlemen will still be very common in warmer weather.

And remember Disney Dining operators have been known to "wing it" in their advice.

 

[Hollymom1229]

Ask my two uncles from Bermuda and they can explain how shorts can be very professional. Fortunately we'll be four women going and it won't be too hard for us to bring sundresses. I can't imagine CG having a problem with a nice pair of shorts and a polo.

 

[skfulkers]

....and flip-flop style shoes will not be allowed.

They aren't allowing flip-flops/thongs? This is surprising, especially since they are allowing "business shorts."
I frequently wear those type of sandals with khaki pants, dress/casual shirt and sometimes even a sport coat.
Are you sure they aren't allowing flip-flops? And how do they justify this if they allow women to wear open toe sandals?

If anyone has any experience wearing these sandals at CG, can they comment? I was planning to wear these on our upcoming May trip, but I may throw in a pair of dress shoes just in case.

 

[caitycaity]

Anyone know about dress shorts for men?

when i made my ps for may i was told dh could wear khaki shorts, which is fine for us since that's really the only kind of shorts he ever wears. they did say NO t-shirts. men should wear at a minimum soft collared shirts (like polo shirts).

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

Sounds about the same to me! I haven't been since the check in has moved to the 2nd floor, but that sounds like a great change. I do remember that each time I have been it's been very chilly to me in the restaurant, so shorts would be out of the question anyway. I usually wear nice pants and a cute top, with a sweater of course.

 

[Uncleromulus]

caitycaity:
Interesting isn't it that they appear to forbid the very Disney T-shirts that they sell (for a dear price) all throughout WDW.
But as BCV23 points out, the PS operators have been known to "wing it" with dress code advice and this could be another of those cases, where the particular operator just dosen't like t-shirts.
Anyway--we'll need to wait and see whom they keep out for "unfashionable" dress. And I love the flip flop/sandal thing--a whole new dress code area they can pounce on!! After all-how can you be "business casual" if your feet ain't looking good???

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I am happy to see they finally moved the podium. It takes away from the atmosphere to have families staring at you from a distance while you eat by the window you plan to stay at for the next 3 hours. Atleast now, they too can come eat and sit for three hours when their table is ready.

 

[bgbruce]

Are you sure they aren't allowing flip-flops?

No, I'm not sure about anything. I'm just reporting what the PS guy told me. He seemed to be quoting a very specific list but who knows. He actually used the words "they will throw you out" (when he was talking about the cut-off jeans, not about the flip-flops). I'd just hate to happen to go on a night when someone decided to be strict about the dress code so we'll probably change at the hotel before we go to this restaurant.