The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel has officially confirmed that it will soon replace its well-known luxury restaurant with a brand-new dining experience.
The Dolphin Hotel, one of the few non-Disney-owned hotels on the Walt Disney World Resort property, has always been a go-to for visitors seeking a deluxe experience without the high price tag of Disney’s own resorts. Operated by Marriott, the Dolphin offers top-tier amenities, including luxurious spas, a range of dining options, and easy access to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs.
For years, Shula’s Steakhouse has been a dining staple at the Dolphin, famed for its fine cuts of beef and its connection to the Miami Dolphins’ legendary 1972 “Perfect Season” under Coach Don Shula. However, the resort recently announced that the popular steakhouse will be replaced by Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina this summer.
Bourbon Steak will open sometime this summer, though an exact date hasn’t been announced. Shula’s Steakhouse will continue serving guests until June 14, 2025, offering one last chance to savor the renowned menu.
Chef Michael Mina, whose restaurant group is behind Bourbon Steak, is no stranger to the world of high-end cuisine. This new location at the Dolphin Hotel will be the tenth Bourbon Steak restaurant, with three already in Florida.
Mina explained in his statement that the decision to partner with the Dolphin was based on the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence. “Each Bourbon Steak is uniquely designed to represent the environment it is in,” Mina said, adding that he plans to collaborate with the Dolphin team to create a space that feels distinctly connected to its surroundings.
Reservations for Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina are highly recommended. The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel has reminded guests that, in keeping with the restaurant’s upscale ambiance, proper attire is required: “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.”
Have you ever tried a Michael Mina restaurant? Is Bourbon Steak a good fit for the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
