I just had this conversation with someone today. It is totally fine to wear shorts/t-shirt (although I would still want to look tidy and also, the dining room is cold IMO). Some people will argue you should dress up on formal night, and while I love to dress up on formal/semi-formal nights if the cruise is long enough, it doesn't bother me if you don't.
The only rule DCL sets out is “no swim-wear or tank-tops.”
Some people are of the opinion that you should dress to a higher standard. They’re certainly entitled to that opinion, but it’s just that - an opinion.
A t-shirt and shorts in the MDRs are perfectly within bounds.
No tank tops? So I can wear a sleeveless dress or an old sweatshirt over a tank top but not a (hypothetical I don’t really own one of these) nice silk designer tank top to dinner on a cruise? Sigh. I guess sweatshirt every night it is. Glad someone said it’s cold in the dining rooms.
Thank you for the replies. I think it would be fun to dress up for formal night, but I would probably be casual most of the other nights since it is ok.
I will echo what others have said - it can be really chilly in the dining rooms! I always pack sweaters for dinners. You’ll see lots of people wearing all sorts of things - it’s 100% up to you on what you’d like to wear within the boundaries set by Disney.
No tank tops? So I can wear a sleeveless dress or an old sweatshirt over a tank top but not a (hypothetical I don’t really own one of these) nice silk designer tank top to dinner on a cruise? Sigh. I guess sweatshirt every night it is. Glad someone said it’s cold in the dining rooms.
I wondered if this was more of a “we means men’s tank tops but can’t really say that” thing. Ok cool then I’m going to go ahead and try to wear my pirate themed racer back top. Without the hoodie.
I have worn sleeveless tops in the MDR. However, most were on the dressier side. Most of my dressy outfits are sleeveless tops with a formal black skirt. I always bring a cover up/shawl too, because it's freezing in there. I do think it refers to men's tank tops, but I also have wondered if it applies to tube tops.
I, too, have always interpreted the tank-top thing to apply to men’s tank tops. Big, hairy, smelly, sweaty armpits on full display - along with visible moobs through the arm holes - would likely curb more than a few appetites.
Wear what you're comfortable in. It's vacation!! I think its kind of fun to dress for dinner (like summer date night, no formal), but my tween does not- so shorts and t shirts it is.
This is what I've always assumed. I often wear tops with little straps or silky-type tank tops but always wear either a nice little silky sweater or sparkly cardigan over it or at least bring a wrap because it is definitely cold in there, at least at the beginning of dinner until more people in the room warm it up. I have only once been completely sleeveless in one of the MDRs and I learned my lesson (same as the theatres - definitely something to cover up or you'll freeze).
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