What exactly is "business casual" dress code

[Sammy]

I was able to book Cali Grill for our upcoming trip and the CM mentioned it was "business casual" dress. For the women, we are pretty much all set with nicer capris or a casual sundress. But for the men, do they have to wear pants or will dress khaki shorts and polo top be ok? I don't want to pack 3 more pair of pants (1 for each of the guys) if I don't have to.......

Thanks!

 

[whogirl'smom]

I read somewhere (can't remember where?) this week that business casual does include for men nice dress shorts and a polo/short sleeve collared shirt. I think maybe someone on the boards asked if this would be appropriate for Narcoosee's and was told that it was ok. Anyone know from experience? We haven't been to either restaurant but are also planning on Cali Grill on upcoming trip.

 

[Leota]

From the Big Cheese (WDW website) himself:

Dress Attire is Business Casual
Men: Dress slacks, jeans, trousers, or dress shorts, short or long-sleeved shirt with a collar required. Jackets are optional.
Ladies: Jeans, skirts, or dress shorts with blouse or sweater, or a dress required.
Not permitted in dining room: tank tops, swimming suits or swim suit cover ups, t-shirts, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing of any kind

This is the Disney version of Business Casual for all their Signature Restaurants. V&A is obviously no included in this.

As you can see, this is really very relaxed. You will see a wide range of attire. So don't sweat it too much. Go with what makes you comfy within the confines of "the code" & you'll fit right in.

 

[webray]

It means anything but swimsuits.

We have went to CA grill in everything from park attire, to going back to room and dressing up a bit.

Don't pack extra, just go and enjoy your meal. CA Grill has been quite good lately.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

As a guy...business casual to me means dress pants or khakis and a polo, or nice button up shirt (short sleeve or long sleeve) and dress shoes or loafers (NOT tennis shoes or sandals).

Business casual...I always think what would I wear to work on like a casual Friday. I would NOT wear shorts, sandals, or tennis shoes.

But that's just me!

 

[eva]

Tinkerboy00, I tend to agree with you. We normally dress true business casual at the signature restaurants. DH wears Dockers and a polo or a button up dress shirt and a pair of loafers. I usually wear a sundress or skirt and blouse with dressy sandals. Do I inflict the same standards on others? Nope. It just makes the meal more special for us if we get cleaned up and a bit dressy before we go. If the table next to us is all in jeans or shorts, it won't affect my meal. I'm sure I won't even notice. Now if someone wears a bikini, DH might notice that.

 

[Tinkerboy00]

Tinkerboy00, I tend to agree with you. We normally dress true business casual at the signature restaurants. DH wears Dockers and a polo or a button up dress shirt and a pair of loafers. I usually wear a sundress or skirt and blouse with dressy sandals. Do I inflict the same standards on others? Nope. It just makes the meal more special for us if we get cleaned up and a bit dressy before we go. If the table next to us is all in jeans or shorts, it won't affect my meal. I'm sure I won't even notice. Now if someone wears a bikini, DH might notice that.

Oh, I agree.

If I saw someone in pool attire, Id probably frown at them.


But if a guy is in nice khaki shorts, and a polo...whatever. Fine.

I just like to dress up a bit more personally. I feel it makes the experiene a bit nicer.

 

[Sammy]

Thanks for the quick replies! DH will already have a few khaki shorts with him, so no problem there. My DS-15 however, might be a little more of a challenge. He's not a "scuzzy" dresser by any means....more "bohemian", with loose cargo shorts, tee shirt, and flip-flops. We'll have to see if we can find a happy compromise outfit for him to wear!

Thanks again!! We are sooo looking forward to this particular dinner. We are going to be celebrating my parents' anniversary and want it to be special for them!

 

[raidermatt]

Flip flops used to be on the banned list but have since been removed.

All reports are that the enforcement of the dress code (which is really resort casual, not business casual) continues to be spotty to non-existent, as long as you aren't in torn or raggedy clothing, or pool attire, but even that is a crapshoot.

There's actually a review of Narcoossee's on a recent episode of the DIS podcast and they said nobody was following the dress code. I'm sure that's a bit of an exagerration, but you get the point.

As for specifics, cargo shorts are fine. The only question would be the t-shirt, but if its clean and doesn't have anything offensive on it, he'll probably be ok.

A compromise might just have him wearing a polo shirt, or even an Aloha shirt with the rest of his normal attire.