Should I Bring Dressy Clothes to Walt Disney World?
How and Where to Dress-Up in Your Favorite Fancy Outfit on Your Disney Vacation
Can you dress up in fancy clothes or a semi formal-outfit at Walt Disney World? You sure can and it’s not just wedding parties that you’ll see in semi-formal wear.
What should you wear to a fancy dinner at Disney World?
Dressing up in upscale resort wear is definitely doable at Walt Disney World, whether you’re heading out for signature dining, a drink or a night on the town. Here's what you need to know.
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What does Fancy Style Look Like on a Disney vacation?
While a Walt Disney World vacation is most often comprised of hot sunny weather and theme park days, there are occasions where you may want to dress up just a little bit for a night out, or dinner and drinks at a Disney Signature Restaurant.
In most cases, you don’t need to bring formal wear or even a jacket and tie, unless you really want to. It is rare to see guests dressed up to that degree at Walt Disney World, unless they are part of a wedding party or heading to Victoria & Albert’s for dinner (more on that below).
Still, it is nice to get a little more dressed up in the evenings, especially if you are heading out for dinner, drinks or to stroll through Disney Springs or take in a show.
For women, dressing up at Disney World could include a nice breezy dress, or a skirt and blouse combination. Both are great ways to get upscale style while still staying in the spirit of your Disney vacation.
For men, casual pants or casual shorts (think business casual), along with a button-up shirt and a pair of casual shoes is the perfect way to go. A collared golf shirt or polo shirt would also work with nice pants or shorts as well.
Dressing up for Dinner at Walt Disney World
For dining at Disney Signature Restaurants, there is no singular dress code that applies to all (although there is one that applies to most Disney Signature restaurants). Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort has the most stringent dress code at Walt Disney World. As for the other Signature Dining Restaurants, it really depends on where they are located.
Disney World Signature Dining restaurants located inside Disney Parks (examples include Le Cellier and Takumi-Tei at EPCOT, Tiffins at Animal Kingdom and the Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios) tend to be a little more lenient with casual wear and less formal, since most guests dining there are having a theme park day and will be dressed in theme park casual wear.
For Disney World Signature Dining restaurants located inside Disney Resort Hotels or at Disney Springs (such as California Grill, Narcoossee’s or the Yachtsman), the expectation is that guests will respect the restaurant’s ambiance and aesthetic with a little bit more attention to their outfits. It’s not uncommon to see some nice resort-wear outfits at The Boathouse in Disney Springs for evening drinks and dinner, for example.
No swimwear or ultra casual clothing would fit in these locations, but rather dress up a little in neat and tidy resort wear at the very least.
You will find the specific dress code for each Disney Signature Dining Restaurant on the restaurant’s page at DisneyWorld.com.
Disney Signature Dining Dress Code
The Dress Code on each restaurant’s information page is the same for virtually all Disney Signature Restaurants. It states (note, the bold text is theirs):
This restaurant is a Disney Signature Dining experience offering fine dining with a distinctly magical flair. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant's sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please no swimwear.
Victoria & Albert’s Dress Code
The Dress Code for Victoria & Albert’s is unique at Walt Disney World. It states:
Victoria & Albert’s is an exquisite and intimate upscale dining experience and the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.
Disney Bounding and Dapper Days
Beyond bringing nicer clothes to dress up at Walt Disney World for dinner, drinks or night at a show, guests may also take part in Disney Bounding and the occasional Dapper Days.
Disney Bounding is where you create an outfit that is inspired by a Disney character. It’s not a character costume, but rather an outfit that takes elements of a character’s style that you craft with your own clothes.
Dapper Days are specific days (not Disney official) where guests dress to the nines in vintage style clothing and outfits. You’ll definitely notice guests dressed up on Dapper Days at Disney, a true celebration of style and fun to see in parks.
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Thank you for listening and have a magical day!
Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic