Dinner timing (Early/late) and attire

[JeniferO]

Hello! Leaving on the Magic next week!

Originally my family of 5 was reserved for late seating and wait listed to early seating. We recently got put into early. Thoughts on which is better? (I got used to the idea of late seating since we had no choice, but I don't love eating at 8-9pm!) Our kids are 8, 12, and 14.

 

Also, attire for my kids -- is it ok if they wear their athletic shorts and nicer tee shirt? What about shoes? Sneakers or flip flops? Or do they need a "nicer" shoe? Last year we were on RCCL and the boys wore collared shirts and khakis (which they do not love lol)

 

Thanks!

[ArthurUSCG]

DCL is pretty much ok with any clothing for dinner.

[ArthurUSCG]

I prefer the early dinning, since it is closer to the time we normally eat dinner. I could see the West coast people wanting the late dinning for the same reason.

[Shmoo here]

1 hour ago, JeniferO said:

Hello! Leaving on the Magic next week!

Originally my family of 5 was reserved for late seating and wait listed to early seating. We recently got put into early. Thoughts on which is better? (I got used to the idea of late seating since we had no choice, but I don't love eating at 8-9pm!) Our kids are 8, 12, and 14.

 

Also, attire for my kids -- is it ok if they wear their athletic shorts and nicer tee shirt? What about shoes? Sneakers or flip flops? Or do they need a "nicer" shoe? Last year we were on RCCL and the boys wore collared shirts and khakis (which they do not love lol)

 

Thanks!

The only "dress code" for the main dining rooms is "no swimwear or tank tops for dinner".  Beyond that, you'll see pretty much everything from t-shirt/shorts to formal wear (even on formal night).

 

 

[Cedricandsophie]

While adults and kids can wear pretty much anything I always have my family clean up and wear long pants and collared shirts.  Gym shoes are fine,  I just believe it is a good idea to teach our kids to be respectful to others and dress nicely for dinner.  We always do late dinner.  The thought of eating at 545 or 6 is just not appealing,  we go to 630 show, then 730 family event, like a game show or trivia, and then head to dinner. Very relaxing to us.  After dinner kids watch a movie or see characters and my husband and I head to the adult area.  

[Missus_Aitch]

I am on the side of collared shirts too.  Polo style are just as comfortable as tee shirts and look a cut above.  Also, with that age kids I would definitely opt for later dinner.  My first Disney cruise my daughter was seven, and we got late dinner against our will.  However, I found that it was nice to get back from shore excursions and have some down time before dinner, including time to clean up.  You can always pick up a snack or get room service (free!) in the late afternoon to tide the kids over.