In a sudden change to its dining offerings, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel has confirmed plans to replace a luxury restaurant with a new dining experience this summer.
The Dolphin Hotel is one of the few non-Disney-owned hotels on Walt Disney World Resort property. Operated by Marriott, it has long been an attractive alternative to Disney’s own Deluxe Resorts, offering a similar luxury experience at a slightly lower price. The resort’s easy access to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs, along with its spas, dining venues, and meeting spaces, has made it a popular choice for many visitors.
However, this summer, Shula’s Steakhouse, a standout dining experience known for its ties to the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ “Perfect Season,” will be closing its doors. For years, the restaurant has served high-end cuts of beef and seafood in an elegant setting. Now, the space will be transformed into Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, a new luxury dining option that promises to offer the same level of upscale cuisine with an exciting twist.
Bourbon Steak will open sometime this summer, but an exact grand opening date hasn’t been announced. Shula’s Steakhouse will remain open until June 14, 2025, giving guests one final opportunity to enjoy the classic steakhouse experience before the changeover.
Chef Michael Mina, the culinary mastermind behind Bourbon Steak, is no stranger to the world of fine dining. This marks the tenth Bourbon Steak location and the third in Florida, a milestone for Mina and his acclaimed restaurant group. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of the partnership with the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, noting that the resort’s commitment to food quality and a strong culinary program made the collaboration a natural fit.
“Each Bourbon Steak is uniquely designed to represent the environment it is in,” Mina said, adding that he looks forward to working closely with the Dolphin team to create an environment that reflects the unique spirit of the resort.
Reservations for Bourbon Steak are expected to be in high demand, and Disney Park guests should plan accordingly. As with other fine dining locations at Walt Disney World Resort, the Dolphin Hotel has clear guidelines on dress code for the restaurant: “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.”
Do you agree with the Walt Disney World Dolphin’s decision to replace Shula’s Steakhouse with Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
