What to wear, what to wear?

[alyn]

Is is appropriate and expected to be dressed in "park clothes" for dinner? I can't imagine that we would have time to go back to the hotel and change and I don't think carrying a change of clothes for everyone is realistic. What do you normally do?

 

[figment_jii]

It depends on where you're going to be eating. At most of the restaurants, "park attire" is fine. However at the Signature dining locations, there is a dress code. From the California Grill website:

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.
Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable.

 

[minniebeth]

It depends on where you're going to be eating. At most of the restaurants, "park attire" is fine. However at the Signature dining locations, there is a dress code. From the California Grill website:

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.
Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable.

While they will enforce the "not permitted", they certainly don't enforce the suggested guidelines. We personally like to freshen up for dinner and change into nicer clothes, but see many, many people in park attire in Signature restaurants. It's all what you are comfortable with and what works for you.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

If you don't freshen up and change to at least resort casual then you may be uncomfortable if you are dining at The Yachtsman's Steakhouse, Bistro de Paris, BlueZoo, and places of that caliber.

Regardless of what is printed, or stated California Grill is extremely casual with people in tanks and shorts.

Victoria and Albert's of course enforces their dress code.

 

[figment_jii]

It might also be worth noting that it seemed like the level of dress increased as it got later in the evening. I've not been to WDW in the height of summer, but by fall I don't recall seeing folks in shorts and tank tops at the non-Park Signatures. Overall, most folks seemed to have gone to at least resort casual for late dinners.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As you can see, "park clothes"--ie, T-shirts and shorts (and tennis shoes) are acceptable attire at any Signature restaurant at any time of the evening.

What YOU wear is strictly up to you. I'd venture a guess that about 75% of folks stay within the general "resort casual" scheme, while the rest are in some sort of park attire. Regardless, no one is likely to give you a second glance.

And don't get caught up in the "dress shorts" business. I'd say that half the people in shorts are in cargo-style shorts.

 

[eddiemcgarrigle]

Well, I'll be visiting Cali Grill and Yachtsman in May and will be attired in cargo shorts and polo shirt. I don't expect any problem.

 

[Princess of the Poly]

I usually wear sun dresses to signature dining restaurants. I like to stop back at the room and "freshen up" before dinner anyway, and both restaurants are really close to where I'm staying. Sometimes I wear more casual dresses to the parks anyway because they tend to keep me cooler than the standard shorts and t shirt!

 

[Kay1]

We tend to dress fairly nicely for the parks so this is not an issue for us. Maybe you could wear nicer outfits the days you're planning to go out to dinner.

Have tons of fun either way.

 

[frunko1]

I wear nice golf shirts and khaki shorts in the parks, so don't really need to change for dinner. I highly recommend golf shirts, they stay cool, and don't show your sweat.

 

[alyn]

Thanks everyone. We tend to dress "resort casual" most of the time anyhow and will for the parks. We don't have any signature ADR's so I think we are good go!!