Dress Codes

You're going on vacation to one of the happiest places on earth and you're wondering, is there a dress code? The answer to that depends primarily on you and what you plan to do while there. While no dress code can cover all contingencies, you must exert a certain amount of judgment in your choice of clothing to wear at Walt Disney World.

What is the best way to dress for a day at the parks?
Firstly, the Disney parks are family-friendly. Casual dress is the key. We suggest you dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes. Wear clothing that is practical, not distracting or offensive to others. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other guests is unacceptable. It's important to remember that Disney does reserve the right to refuse entry to any of their gated attractions to anyone wearing anything that could be considered a distraction or inappropriate.

Attire that is not appropriate for Disney theme parks includes, but is not limited to:

• Adult costumes or masks (unless you are dressing up for a particular event).
• Clothing displaying easily visible obscene or objectionable language or graphics.
• Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment. (i.e. clothing that is excessively torn, transparent, string bikini tops, G-strings, bikini bottoms, etc.)

All Disney Theme Park guests are required to wear shirts and shoes at all times. This policy is in effect at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Depending on the venue and event, variations may be acceptable. Swimsuit tops are allowed when worn with other appropriate clothing. DisneyQuest, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon have other criteria in place which may vary from the general appearance guidelines.

What about dining at the sit-down restaurants at the theme parks, do I need to dress differently?
Most of the restaurants in Disney World are very relaxed and have a casual dress code. If you're dining at one of the theme parks it's one of the few places a guest can arrive at an elegant restaurant in tee-shirts, shorts, and sneakers and be treated like royalty. Disney does not expect guests to return to their hotel room to change before dinner unless it is their choice.

However, there is an exception. As of this writing Bistro de Paris, located in the France Pavilion at Epcot, does ask that you follow a "Business Casual" dress code for dinner service:

Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, or dress shorts and a short or long-sleeved collared shirts or T-shirts. (Jackets are optional)
Ladies: Capris, skirts, jeans, or dress shorts with a blouse or sweater, or dress.

Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swim wear or swim cover-ups, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics will not be permitted.

Signature Dining Restaurants, a "Business Casual" dress code is in effect.
Several of the finer upscale restaurants located on-property at the Walt Disney World Resorts have established a Business Casual dress code. What exactly does that mean?

Yes -- Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, dressy shorts, capris, and nice looking jeans are acceptable. No -- Whereas sweatpants, exercise pants, short shorts, bib overalls, leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as people wear for biking would be considered inappropriate.

Yes -- Casual shirts, T-shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, golf-type shirts, and turtlenecks are acceptable. As well as dresses for ladies young and old. No -- Tank tops, midriff tops, shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans, halter-tops, tops with bare shoulders, and sweatshirts (unless worn under another blouse, shirt, jacket, or dress) would be considered a no-no.

No -- Additional items considered inappropriate for this dress code are: hats for gentleman, swim wear, swim cover-ups, cut-offs, torn clothing or flip-flops.

The Signature Restaurants that enforce this dress code are:

• Artist Point -- Location: Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• California Grill -- Location: Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's -- Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (See Note)
• Citricos -- Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Flying Fish Cafe -- Location: Disney's BoardWalk
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria -- Location: Walt Disney World Swan Resort
• Jiko - The Cooking Place -- Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Narcoossee's -- Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Shula's Steak House -- Location: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
• Chef's Domaine at Citrico's -- Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Todd English's bluezoo -- Location: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort
• Victoria & Albert's -- Location: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Yachtsmen Steakhouse -- Location: Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Last Updated: May 9, 2009