*NICE Flip Flops Considered Business Casual?

[DisneyaHolic23]

We are going to the World in just 34 days!! My SIL is a flip-flop wearing animal - she has them in every style, including many that are beautiful, leather extravaganzas. She would like to wear them to dinner in places that have the "new" business casual dress code. (We are also doing a Lunch & Learn at the Food & Wine Festival, and the dress code says "no flip flops".)

I have read all the threads, and know that many of us have some strong opinions on what SHOULD be allowed - does anyone have any actual experience? I am wondering if anyone has witnessed or been subjected to an entry-refusal due to flip flops? I asked the castmember when booking my ADR's, and she thought nice flip flops were OK...

 

[MinnieM21]

The kind of shoes that you described sound more like nice sandals, not flip flops. I think they'd be fine.

 

[eeyore45]

The world has changed!! Dont you remember the controversy when the Woman's LaCrosse Champions went to the White House - their official photo shows them in flip flops and skirts!! Much discussion ensued, over 40 yr olds it was a shock, under no big deal!!

Esp at the Parks I'm sure no one will say anything about the footwear!

 

[KellyluvsDisney]

I wear my flip flops everywhere. I have every style imaginable and think they are A-OK to wear as buisness casual. I do it every day.

 

[MissionMouse]

There was a time when a person stated business casual it had one definition.

Today, each company has a different vision of business casual which can even include T-shirts and blue jeans to mini skirts to tank tops. It is a reflection of an organizations leadership, professionalism and values.

Flip flops are typically associated with nautical/pool activities and are not considered business casual for upper quartile organizations but...

You really need to tap into Disney's definition to address your concern since what others think is not important since it comes down to what Disney defines Business Casual. I believe their 'upgrade' of dress is oriented to eliminate individuals showing up in beach and pool attire.

From http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/dinecg.html

California Grill Dress code:

Business casual - trousers, jeans, dress shorts, blouses, shirts with collars, sweaters.
Not allowed - swimsuits, tank tops, t-shirts, torn clothing, hats, flip-flops.

 

[jiminyfan]

I am a man who wears nothing but sandals on vacation. This past trip I wanted to go to the Jiko Wine Dinner, but could not get ressies before the trip started. Dumb luck the Sunday before the dinner we got in. I asked for the dress code was told, Business Casual. I explained that all I had were sandals and dress shorts along with a collar shirt and was told it would be fine.

I did see the California Gille actually call up for a polo shirt for a 12 year old boy as his shirt did not have a collar. But, my 6 yr old son was left into the restaruant with a nice t-shirt (no print).

So, your guess and everyone else's is as good as the next. If they do not like yoour shoes call them dress sandals, not flip-flops and you'll be fine.

 

[DebbieB]

When they say no flip-flops, I think they mean the rubber ones you wear at the pool.

Speaking of sandals, is there anything more gross than someone who does take care of their toenails wearing open sandals? I remember seeing a guy on my last trip with long dirty toenails. Yuck!

 

[MissionMouse]

I did see the California Gille actually call up for a polo shirt for a 12 year old boy as his shirt did not have a collar. But, my 6 yr old son was left into the restaruant with a nice t-shirt (no print).

So, your guess and everyone else's is as good as the next. If they do not like yoour shoes call them dress sandals, not flip-flops and you'll be fine.

Brings up the next thing about policies: consistency

It all comes down to the individual who is the 'gatekeeper' at the time. In consistent enforcement of policies causes

 

[Uncleromulus]

jiminyfan:
Three cheers for the CM who spotted that 12 year old scofflaw!!!
Thank goodness they were quick to act--imagine such a lad spoiling the California Grill "atmosphere".

 

[Uncleromulus]

Jiminyfan:
Just re-read your post. Did CG actually give a "collared" shirt to the 12 year old to wear?? Just like V&A would give a jacket to a male who showed up w/o one???

 

[daisy112878]

Personally the shoes you are describing I would put into sandals not flip-flops. I have some sandals that are very dressy but still have the piece between the toes so I guess some would say flip-flops. I really think they are talking about the plastic thin ones you wear to the pool.

 

[Sazzo'sMommy]

Just ate at CG & JIKO in April & July wearing "flip-flops" (all leather, with that piece between the toes, made by a designer of foot fashions) and no one looked down to see what was on my feet or between my toes!

I do think, fashion wise, flip flops are the $1 plastic ones you get at certain stores to wear to the pool.

 

[Beachangel]

I ate at CG and Jiko's last week in my Reef flip flips - rubber bottom, wide canvas straps. I saw diners at both restaurants in park attire including mist bottles hanging from their shoulders. No one bought them collared shirts!

 

[MamaQuack]

Late May ds14 wore reef flips and I wore my leather ones everywhere: FF; YSH; Bistro; Blue Zoo - no one looked down or said a word. DS always wore collared polo shirts and dress shorts and I wore capris or sun dresses. I think they are more worried about "no shoes" or the rubber ones.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I wear them to all types of WDW restaurants - with a great dress or a pair of capris, I think they look great (l wear flip flops with heels).

 

[pooh2001]

eeek shoes - We are eating at Artist Point and California Grill next year.

DS 14 knows he is wearing an izod shirt like DH and nice shorts (no #'s, no racing stripes, no baggie pockets). He may eve fit into small mens casual shorts - I'll check www.landsend.com. His school uniform shorts are a 30 waist. I think small mens are 28-30 or maybe 30-32, not sure

But he wears sneakers. Always brings 2 pairs with him to WDW.

Can a 14 year old wear sneakers on his feet ?????

DH has no problem with docksiders.
DD & DW have nice sandels.

 

[dsneygirl]

I think of flip flops as being made or rubber if they are leather they are sandals.

 

[honeymo78]

Pooh - sneakers are fine for any member of the family.

 

[oogieboogie]

DH and I went to Shula's (which I put in the same class as Cali Grill). He went in a polo shirt, nice khaki shorts, and sandals (the covered leather kind). I went in a sleeveless collared blouse, khaki skorts, and leather flip-flop sandals (had 1 inch heels on them).

We explained to the person taking our call that that's what we brought, and he said, that's perfect. His rationale: although the dress code says business casual, they understand that this is Florida, that the restaurant is in a resort, and that most people are on vacation and they don't always bring fancy dresses, or suits. Plus he said since it's Florida, dress shorts are acceptable business casual.

So, that's my take on it, and I'll be wearing the same at Cali Grill next month.