After a long day of dodging summer storms, weaving through stroller traffic, and managing ride reservations, most Walt Disney World guests look forward to one thing: a satisfying, no-stress dinner. But soon, one restaurant on property will ask diners to pause, rethink, and perhaps even iron their shirts.
Is this the future of Disney dining—where fine food meets fine fashion?
Disney World: A Fan Favorite Fades Away
Over at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, change is in the air. The resort, known for its unique balance of adult luxury and family comfort, is getting a serious facelift: modernized rooms, an expanded convention center, and—most notably—a major dining overhaul.
Among those changes is the closure of Shula’s Steak House, a long-standing staple known for its rich flavors, sports memorabilia, and laid-back charm. Fans mourned its loss, but the resort wasted no time in teasing a high-profile replacement.
Enter: Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina
The restaurant taking its place? Bourbon Steak, created by celebrity chef Michael Mina, and already a hit in high-end culinary circles across the country. Known for butter-poached steaks, luxurious interiors, and an air of exclusivity, this isn’t your typical theme park dinner spot.
But it’s not just the Wagyu on the menu that’s stirring up conversation—it’s what guests won’t find on their plates if they don’t meet the entry criteria.
Dress to Impress—or Stay Outside
A quiet but significant notice has appeared on the resort’s official website. Tucked beneath the restaurant’s description is this:
“This restaurant is one of our Signature Dining experiences. 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, free from offensive language and/or graphics. Please no swimwear.”
Translation? If you’ve just walked in from the pool in your swim trunks and character tee, you’ll likely be turned away.
It’s a bold move in a place where most guests are used to dressing for comfort over couture. While not unprecedented—top-tier locations like Victoria & Albert’s and Takumi-Tei have enforced dress codes for years—Bourbon Steak’s policy brings that exclusivity to a broader, more accessible resort.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
At first glance, it’s just a dress code. But zoom out, and the bigger picture becomes clearer: Disney is slowly expanding its offerings to include true luxury experiences for older guests, convention-goers, and couples seeking refinement over fireworks.
With new restaurants like this, the line between “theme park dining” and “fine dining” gets thinner.
This move also begs the question: Will other restaurants follow suit? If guests are willing to accept upscale policies in exchange for elevated ambiance, we could see more Signature Dining locations update their expectations in the coming years.
Final Thoughts: A Taste of the Future at Disney World?
Bourbon Steak is expected to open in summer 2025, and if it’s anything like its sister locations in California, it’s bound to draw a crowd. But this time, it won’t just be about who has a reservation—it’ll be about who came dressed for the occasion.
Whether this signals a cultural shift in the way we “do Disney,” or simply offers more options for those who want a dressed-up date night, one thing’s clear: magic comes in many forms—sometimes even with a collar and cufflinks.
So, Disney is finely showing its true colors, wanting to cater to the above working class of guest, which has been shown to be true in the past price hikes and cost for an average family, one shouldn’t need to save all year long for a visit to the magic kingdom, what’s next, having to show credit score or bank statement to qualify for a visit, are you planning to feature chauffeured golf carts for the elitist whisking them from one attraction to the next without having to mingle with the few working class that figured saving all year for a visit was worth it.