Hi Jennifer, and welcome back to planDisney!
Dining at
California Grill is an exceptional experience. The views of Cinderella Castle and the sunset are absolutely stunning, and the food is a “culinary cabaret” fit for a princess. I am so excited that you were able to land a dinner reservation for your Walt Disney World vacation!
The times that my husband and I have had dinner at California Grill, we have planned an early park day, returned to our resort to shower and change, and then gone to dinner. This is an upscale, signature dining experience, and it should be treated as such.
That being said, the published dress code for California Grill is:
“Guests are asked to adhere to the minimum dress code requirements at this Signature Dining experience. Dressier attire is also welcome. Please explore the minimum dress code requirements:
Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.”
So, seeing the dress code, and for the enjoyment of your fellow guests and diners, it is appreciated that you follow the published dress code. While gym shoes could be acceptable, basketball shorts and tank tops really are not. Perhaps you could plan to bring a second set of clothing with you and store it in a locker while you enjoy the theme park. (Last time we did this is was around $7 for the day) You could arrive to
Disney’s Contemporary Resort a bit before your dinner reservation, and use the restroom to freshen up and change before dinner. The restrooms near the Conference Rooms are usually very clean and quiet.
If you would rather go to dinner in more casual clothing, might I suggest looking for an alternative location.
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen has wonderful food and a delightful atmosphere, and it’s located right within Adventureland in Magic Kingdom!
Happy Traveling,
Tracy