This time, wearing shorts to CA grille

[tinkandpan]

The last time we went to California Grill, we were at the parks and went back to the rooms specifically to change into nicer clothing. Put ds7 in nice khakis and a button down shirt, different shoes etc. When we got there we realized how many people came from the parks in all stages of dress. This time- due to scheduling we are not going back to the room to change. That morning we will all be wearing nicer clothing. Dh and Ds in nice khaki shorts and a polo shirt, i will wear a cotton skirt and tee and dd will be in a playdress. I kind of wish they would go back to enforcing the dress codes.

 

[tiggerunner]

I do too. I think it's nice to have a few places to dress up a bit. I'm not a fan of CA grille because I feel all packed in and the noise level is loud. Just not the place to go for an adult meal.
We have been to Jiko and like it for the quiet atmosphere. Will be going back in May with an adult group.

 

[phisigprincess]

I do too. I like to have a nice dinner out where we have to dress up. We're still going to dress up for Cali this December.

 

[PoohsFan1]

When my DH and I were there (without kids) back in 2007 we both wore very nice khaki shorts and shirts. When we were checking in, a family was sitting off to the side arguing with, I am assuming, was the manager because Cali Grill would not let their son go up to the restaurant in his clothes....he had on a black basketball jersey with black basketball shorts to match. I was very pleased that they wanted him to change before they could go up.

Now when we go there this up coming trip we will be having our DDs with us....mind you this will be a park day for us, so we are going to be going back to the resort to freshen up and change out of our park clothes and DH has already said he is going to wear slacks and a nice shirt and I and our DDs are going to wear sundresses. I had bought each DD a very cute sundress from the Disney Store for this occassion.

 

[n2mm]

We just ate at Narcossees in late January and still everyone was in their better clothes. I've never seen anyone in park clothes when we eat here. We usually wear our cruise casuals to signature restraurants and often feel underdressed.

 

[figment814]

I agree! Dining at a nice restaurant is not just about the food, but about the atmosphere. It just feels "nicer" when everyone is dressed up. That's my opinion and I know others don't feel the same way. I was disappointed seeing people in track pants when I went to Cali Gril last october, but at least now I know what to expect.

 

[DisneyGalAlways]

Now I'm concerned.

I know this started as a CG thread, but PP mentioned Jiko, so...

We're eating at Jiko at 8pm after being at the parks all day on Th, 3-19. The dress code (given by the ADR CM) says "no hats, no torn clothing, no tank tops."

Will we be the dirty step-cousins if we show up in our jeans or shorts and tshirts?

Will we be the loud, annoying diners with our 2 y-o and 8 y-o?

Should I try to find ADR somewhere else that night? (Good grief, I can't imagine how difficult that will be at this late date.)

Reassure me, my peeps!

 

[BriarRosie]

Now I'm concerned.

I know this started as a CG thread, but PP mentioned Jiko, so...

We're eating at Jiko at 8pm after being at the parks all day on Th, 3-19. The dress code (given by the ADR CM) says "no hats, no torn clothing, no tank tops."

Will we be the dirty step-cousins if we show up in our jeans or shorts and tshirts?

Will we be the loud, annoying diners with our 2 y-o and 8 y-o?

Should I try to find ADR somewhere else that night? (Good grief, I can't imagine how difficult that will be at this late date.)

Reassure me, my peeps!

You'll be fine. There are plenty of people who go directly from the park, and unless you feel like a total slob, don't worry about it. I tend to go back to change, but it's often not convenient for young families to do that.

No hats, bathing suits, torn clothing or tank tops. Other than that, you're fine.

 

[shellybaxter]

There is no way I would take a 2 year old, who had been at the parks all day - to Jiko at 8:00PM. Jiko is not loud like Cali Grill. Disruptive children are noticed. We were very annoyed by a party seated next to us at Jiko one trip. They had a toddler (probably 18 to 24 mos) who kept crying, screaming, throwing things, etc. They would take him out after a few minutes of fussing, but then they'd bring him right back. This happened six time in a little over an hour. Very rude in my opinon. I'm not saying you would be rude, or that I know your child, but typical twos (I've worked with child development for twenty years) won't sit quietly for a 2 hour meal at eight o'clock at night

 

[Uncleromulus]

At Jiko, jeans, shorts and t-shirts will be fine. Here's the actual code:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge/dining/jiko-the-cooking-place/

Note the short list of actually prohibited items.
As for small kids--that's a family "call" and for me would depend upon if I could count on them sitting well behaved for about an hour and a half at a restaurant after being in the parks all day.

 

[patsfan101]

We usually wear our nicer park clothes on days that we have signature dining ressies. Nice khaki shorts, polos, denim skirt, etc. We don't usually go back to change. My family typically eats much earlier, though. We have brought our children to restaurants often and they both have been to Cali Grill and Jiko, but not at 8 pm. I would have to feed them at 4:30/5 if I expected them to wait until 8 to eat, but that's just us. You know your own kids and if they can wait. I wonder if later diners have a different expectation of a more adult crowd?

As to the original question, I'm with you. Our first time at Flying Fish I made a big deal to my kids about wearing nicer clothing and another family was there in threadbare t-shirts and track shorts. It is disappointing.