Vent about dress codes at Disney...

[tlbwriter]

I don't fault anyone for wearing jeans/t-shirts to a nice restaurant, but sometimes it just astounds me that people think being slobs/loud/obnoxious/not-tipping is acceptable just because they are on vacation.

The OP was not talking about slobs, or loud obnoxious people, or people who don't tip. She was complaining about people who she believed were not following the dress code. But she was wrong, they were following it. I don't understand why you'd want to lump those people in with people who are clearly misbehaving. It's not acceptable to be rude just because you're on vacation. But it is acceptable to dress casually just because you're at a resort and the official dress code says you can.

 

[InnerStrength]

Well you are all quite welcome for the entertainment. Feel free to continue this amongst yourselves, but I am removing myself from the conversation. I have had enough of being the butt of everyone's jokes. I now completely understand that all of your opionions are valid and matter, but mine are not...

Whoa there agotta, your opinions are valid and matter - to you. From your quote above, you seem a little miffed, yet you, as the OP did state, "Flame away" in your intro statement. Some people disagreed with you and stated such, and now you are upset ?

When my DH and I were dating and then in our early married, pre-children, years, we also enjoyed dressing up now and again and going out for a nice meal. It didn't matter if we went to a 5 star restaurant or a restaurant at Disney - what mattered to us is how we were dressed, which we did to make ourselves happy, and enjoying one anothers company. My DH could throw a quilt on the grass in the yard and bring home a bucket of KFC, and I would still be dining with my best friend- and could wear shorts if I chose to. Personally, I'd prefer someone sitting next to me in jeans or shorts and conducting themself appropriately while dining than some loud, disrespectful couple dressed in a ball gown and tux - now that would spoil the ambiance. Point is - I could care less what others are wearing in restaurants, out of restaurants, at weddings, at funerals - whatever. As long as no one is nude, unless I am basking in the sun at the nude beach, than that is okay by me. Now this is just my opinion which matters to me.

Life is way to short to let little things bother me - it's way more meaningful to enjoy time with loved ones dressed in any apparel.

 

[Lewisc]

DISNEY considers jeans and sneakers appropriate attire for all restaurants except V&A.

It's a shame that people confuse what they think the dress code should be with what it really is.

BTW Business casual in FL is a lot different than business casual in NYC. Jeans are frequently acceptable dress under business casual in FL.

I think it's a shame that people think that jeans, t-shirt and sneakers constitute "business casual".

 

[Peter Pirate]

What does being a slob, loud, obnoxious and a lousy tipper have to do with feelings on the dress code? I dress very casual to these restaurants (often athletic shorts, polo and tennis shoes) but I'm quite quiet in public, I have nice table manners, I don't talk on my cell and I usually tip 20-25%...My choice of clothes have no bearing on those other issues.

Further, just because you think it's a shame doesn't make it so. Florida is hot and business casual (as already reported here) isn't the same as in New York. I live in the Keys and own two pairs of long pants, no dress shoes, no sports coat or ties. I make cocessions to other WDW diners by not wearing flip flops. I go to WDW because it is generally upscale but casual. I am a bit of a foodie but not a fashionista. WDW is a Resort not high society dining.

 

[Sheaboys]

Mother Nature had another plan.
We were at the World in October 2005, first week. We dressed nicely for all table service evening restaurants. One night, I dressed in nice wrap pants. Well it just rained and rained and rained. To the point where my pants were soaked from the knees down. I could ring the water out, but they were so soaked. We were eating at Teppanayki. I went into their store, only to find 2 choices, wrap skirt at $75 , or Hello Kitty Terry Cloth Pajama Shorts. Yes, I bought the shorts, at least I would wear those again and that is what I wore to dinner...so in my case, it could not be helped.

 

[KFISCHER]

I haven't read all 7 pages of this thread.

But I do know this is one of the most talked about topics. The original poster and I are in the minority, but I generally agree.

Seeing someone not all that dressed up does not ruin my experience or make me angry. But I do not think it is too much to ask for people to dress "nice" in a "nice" restaurant.

The large majority of posters here (who I am sure are all nice people) feel it's okay to dress like a bunch of bums and slobs anywhere in Disney because it's Disney.

I do not agree.

The Magic Kingdom may be a theme park, but Citrico's, the California Grill, Yachtsman's Steakhouse, Jiko, etc., etc, are not.

I'm not saying you need to be in a tuxedo, or shirt and tie. Packing a nice shirt and slacks, going back to the room, and freshening up is NOT all that difficult.

I do not blame WDW at all for having dress codes and enforcing them. It's their business, after all.

I know I'm in the minority, but I give the OP credit for saying something that needed to be said.

 

[Lewisc]

It's OK to wear jeans, shorts and sneakers to any restaurant other than V&A. Why? Because the Disney dress code says it's OK. You haven't read all 7 pages but OP was under the mistaken impression that guests wearing shorts weren't complying with Disney's dress code.

Shorts and jeans are generally considered dress casual in Florida.

Assume a guest is staying in PO, spending the day in the MK and having dinner in the CG. They'd have to allow at least 2 hours to take a bus back to their resort, change, take a bus back to the MK and then take the monorail to the Contemporary. It's not all that difficult but it is time consuming.

ITA it might be nice if some of the signature restaurants had a more upscale dress code but the majority of the customers don't agree.

I haven't read all 7 pages of this thread.

But I do know this is one of the most talked about topics. The original poster and I are in the minority, but I generally agree.

Seeing someone not all that dressed up does not ruin my experience or make me angry. But I do not think it is too much to ask for people to dress "nice" in a "nice" restaurant.

The large majority of posters here (who I am sure are all nice people) feel it's okay to dress like a bunch of bums and slobs anywhere in Disney because it's Disney.

I do not agree.

The Magic Kingdom may be a theme park, but Citrico's, the California Grill, Yachtsman's Steakhouse, Jiko, etc., etc, are not.

I'm not saying you need to be in a tuxedo, or shirt and tie. Packing a nice shirt and slacks, going back to the room, and freshening up is NOT all that difficult.

I do not blame WDW at all for having dress codes and enforcing them. It's their business, after all.

I know I'm in the minority, but I give the OP credit for saying something that needed to be said.

 

[tlbwriter]

I'm not saying you need to be in a tuxedo, or shirt and tie. Packing a nice shirt and slacks, going back to the room, and freshening up is NOT all that difficult.

That's your opinion. Others (like me) disagree. It would be a huge hassle to go from the park to my resort, freshen up and change, and then go to the other resort for dinner. Do you have any idea how long that takes using Disney transportation?

Anyway, if you had taken the time to read the thread, you would have learned that the people the OP is complaining about are not, in fact, dressing like "slobs." They are following Disney's written dress code. If you prefer a dining experience that exceeds Disney's standards, you should seek it offsite.

 

[brytorlyn]

The large majority of posters here (who I am sure are all nice people) feel it's okay to dress like a bunch of bums and slobs anywhere in Disney because it's Disney..

I am not sure there have been any people who suggested dressing like bums and I HAVE read the entire thread. The OP was mistaken about what qualifies as business casual at Disney. I will admit for some of us jeans and shorts are not generally business casual but according to Disney and their dress code --IT IS!! So the issue becomes that some people do not agree with Disney's views but Disney has the right to do what they will feel the majority guests will like.

I
I know I'm in the minority, .

Apparently you and OP are indeed in the minority and Disney has chosen to cater to the majority--which is no surprise really.

I
The Magic Kingdom may be a theme park, but Citrico's, the California Grill, Yachtsman's Steakhouse, Jiko, etc., etc, are not..

But they ARE located in a theme park where the guests are park goers trying to pack as much fun into the day as possible. And most of these people have children.

I
I'm not saying you need to be in a tuxedo, or shirt and tie. Packing a nice shirt and slacks, going back to the room, and freshening up is NOT all that difficult.
.

First of all, if you dressed according to the liberal dress code guidelines you have no need to change and as for those who seem to feel that the guidelines are not strict enough----IT IS THAT DIFFICULT WITH KIDS. People with kids often like to eat a little earlier like 5 maybe 6, so at about 3 I need to gather my kids and trek to the resort bus...oopps..missed the first one..line up and wait...catch the bus, walk a mile to the hotel room, clean up everyone and change and then trek back to the bus and line up and ride to another resort to eat. Now when dinner is over and we want to continue our time in the park....what then? back to the room to change AGAIN. Disney set the dress code like this because it is the only thing that makes sense!!!

 

[PrincessAurora]

Somehow I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here but like slowing down for an accident, I somehow just can't turn my head away.

OK - (1) I think we can agree that the OP wanted nicer dress in nicer restaurants and there seems to be a bit of confusion as to "business casual" and does it encompase jeans or shorts. We have determined that DISNEYS definition does. Did anyone stop to think that perhaps that was not known by the OP when she posted?

(2) I think that "some" of the posters were harsh if not downright mean to her which I find to be unDisneylike in behaviour. She wasn't calling you names or a slob but you think its perfectly fine to infer from her post that she is a snob. Shame on you. You make Mickey cry.

(3) Yes I DO dress for dinner. No I don't care if you want to dress in jeans. I'm not paying attention. I'm there for the food experience not your clothes experience. I'm having my own private fab clothes experience. (If you want to call me names, don't bother, it will have zero effect).

(4) I think that if Disney has guidelines they should enforce them or drop them OR lower the price (like THAT will happen).

It's sad but our society today is just this way. People don't dress for the theatre, people don't dress for church, people don't dress for COURT! I was on a jury for a week and wore a dress suit every day. I was taught that you wore nice clothes to court as a measure of respect. Did I care that my fellow jurors didn't? No. Sad but no.

So, how about we discuss IF Disney should drop these restrictions altogether or just narrow it to (no cut offs, bathing suits, or offensive slogan shirts)?

 

[Texa]

This thread makes me feel kind of sad. My husband is a rancher and military reservist. He does not own slacks. He does not own shorts (except for military issued) He lives in jeans except for when he is on duty and then he either wears his BDU's or his dress uniform. He does have two pairs of jeans that he considers "dress" jeans that he keeps clean and pressed and doesn't wear to work our around the ranch or stables. He wears them with a nice pressed shirt when we go out. When we go to really dressy occasion (wedding/funeral etc.) he would wear his military dress, but that is not something we would pack to go to Disney. We are not poor or slobs or anything of that sort and don't understand why we would be judged that way by what we wear to dinner as long as we are neat, clean, and well mannered, and considerate concerning the behaviour of our children.

 

[dcgrumpy]

OK - (1) I think we can agree that the OP wanted nicer dress in nicer restaurants and there seems to be a bit of confusion as to "business casual" and does it encompase jeans or shorts. We have determined that DISNEYS definition does. Did anyone stop to think that perhaps that was not known by the OP when she posted?
)

Possibly, but even after it was pointed out numerous times that she was incorrect, she still kept insisting that people were not following the dress code.

 

[Lewisc]

Some of us politely told OP she was mistaken and we were lectured to and told we didn't know what "business casual" dress means. I told her she was confused and she replied I was the one who was confused.


You answered your own question. People no longer dress up for court, church or the theater. Makes no sense to think people want to dress up for dinner in a theme park or theme park hotel. Disney offers one restaurant for guests who want that kind of experience.

OK - (1) I think we can agree that the OP wanted nicer dress in nicer restaurants and there seems to be a bit of confusion as to "business casual" and does it encompase jeans or shorts. We have determined that DISNEYS definition does. Did anyone stop to think that perhaps that was not known by the OP when she posted?

 

[Kalypso]

As a castmember...I have to say....we are pretty much required to follow all the dress codes so yes, I'm kind of bummed when I've made an effort to look nice at the CG and others look like they didn't even bother to run a comb through their hair after getting off Space Mountain.

Just got off the phone because I'm making the trek from Burbank to WDW for another visit in March -- made ADR at CG and was told "business casual" - which means nice slacks or skirt and a nice shirt -- even in L.A., business casual does NOT mean jeans.

 

[dcgrumpy]

ADR at CG and was told "business casual" - which means nice slacks or skirt and a nice shirt -- even in L.A., business casual does NOT mean jeans.

Did they actually say " which means nice slacks or skirt and a nice shirt " or is that your interpretation?

 

[Peter Pirate]

LA is not nearly as laid back or hot as Florida and I assure you business casual does include jeans in Florida and at WDW.

 

[kimbac3]

This thread makes me feel kind of sad. My husband is a rancher and military reservist. He does not own slacks. He does not own shorts (except for military issued) He lives in jeans except for when he is on duty and then he either wears his BDU's or his dress uniform. He does have two pairs of jeans that he considers "dress" jeans that he keeps clean and pressed and doesn't wear to work our around the ranch or stables. He wears them with a nice pressed shirt when we go out. When we go to really dressy occasion (wedding/funeral etc.) he would wear his military dress, but that is not something we would pack to go to Disney. We are not poor or slobs or anything of that sort and don't understand why we would be judged that way by what we wear to dinner as long as we are neat, clean, and well mannered, and considerate concerning the behaviour of our children.

I totally Agree!!! My Dh is the same by the way and he will be packing his "dress" jeans when we go!!
Kimba aw:

 

[brytorlyn]

Just got off the phone because I'm making the trek from Burbank to WDW for another visit in March -- made ADR at CG and was told "business casual" - which means nice slacks or skirt and a nice shirt -- even in L.A., business casual does NOT mean jeans.

In the end it really doesn't matter what the RIGHT definition of business casual is, this is Disney and they have decided for their purposes it includes jeans and shorts and since that is where we are going...we have to follow Disney's rules.

(For the record..In Canada it doesn't include jeans and certainly not shorts!! WE would all FREEZE!)

I think the argument isn't amongst the guests who follow the rules, it is the rules themselves creating the problem. Some people seem to feel the dress code is wrong. Personally, I think it is perfect!

 

[agotta]

I said I was stepping out of the conversation but my mind is just boggled at what some of you have turned this thread into. I agree that Disney's version of Business Casual differs from mine. I did not argue with that once it was posted. But, the original point of the thread was that I do not agree with it. ALSO, as stated under Disney's definition of business casual:

dress shorts, jeans....

NOT, park shorts with sneakers and t'shirts. I am pretty sure I also read somewhere that shirts had to have collars. We are all talking about 2 different things. I am, and have been, talking about people in RESORT restaurants that come in denim or mesh shorts (for example), park t's and sneakers.

I did not once infer the character of said guests, just that I didn't find it appropriate for these types of restaurants, and NO it does not follow business casual, by Disney's definition or mine.

Thank you to those who read and UNDERSTOOD my point and didn't take my words out of context, put words in my mouth or just plain belittle me.

 

[Harmony]

I used to feel the same way as the OP. I would bring nice clothes for the "signature" restaurants and I would get honked off at the folks in t-shirts and shorts. Now that I have a school-age child, I really don't care anymore! If our hair is combed, we're doing good! I now wear jeans, shorts, etc to the signature restaurants. If I'm feeling especially fancy, I'll zipper back on the legs onto my Columbia pants/shorts and I'll wear a nicer shirt without a Mickey.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking the whole time I read the OP..."she must not have children!" At one point in time, I cared about looking my best too but when you take a toddler to WDW, you are lucky if you get to run a comb through your hair! (and that's with naps before dinner! LOL) For the record though...the way others dress has never affected how much fun I have! Life is much too short to be worrying about things like that!