Shulas steakhouse closing disney world


shulas steakhouse closing disney world

DisneyBizJournal Substack

by Ray Keating

News

April 10, 2025

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More than a few years ago, I was on a business trip in Richmond, Virginia, and was looking for a nice dinner one night. And I found Shula’s Steak House on my doorstep.

Now, as a Minnesota Vikings fan, the Dolphins and their onetime head coach, the late Don Shula, have never been high on my “good guys” list. After all, one of the Vikings four Super Bowl losses was to Shula’s Dolphins in January 1974 by a score of 24-7. At the same time, there’s no denying greatness of the Dolphins under Don Shula, including an undefeated 1972 season.

As I recall, the meal was delicious, including an excellent steak. Heck, it had to be good, given that I remember it years later.

When we moved to the Disney area a few years ago, I added Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to my list of places to eat.

Unfortunately, it was just announced that Shula’s at the Swan and Dolphin – a winner of Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence 2024 – is closing, and I

Eat Like A Legend

Shula’s Steak House

Shula’s Steak House Closing June 15th

Shula’s Steak House will close on June 15 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. We thank you for the memories and are excited to welcome Bourbon Steak as its replacement.

 

Themed after the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ “Perfect Season” – the only team in NFL history to finish a season undefeated, our custom cuts and aging process are the highest in the industry. Newly renovated and refreshed with new menu items and a new look, guests can enjoy a premium Black Angus steak, The SHULA CUT®, surrounded by Miami Dolphins memorabilia representing the 1972 undefeated season under the NFL’s winningest coach, Don Shula. From the field to the kitchen, Shula scores big with entrees that have made his restaurant “Critic’s Choice for Orlando’s Best Restaurant.”  A wine list featuring more than 450 selections has been a consistent winner of the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence.  You won’t find a better steak anywhere. Touchdown!

Reservations recommended. Dinner only.

A special article about our complex sommeliers.

 


This restaurant is one of our Signature Dining expe

Another Disney World dining icon is about to say goodbye for good.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a big, bold steak dinner at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, get ready — Shula’s Steak House is officially closing. The longtime favorite is making way for a brand-new upscale experience: Bourbon Steak by public figure chef Michael Mina. Plus, there’s already a new spot unseal at the Dolphin — and it’s a totally different vibe: Lagoon Games, Lanes, and Eats. Let’s break it all down.

Shula’s Steak House Is Closing

After nearly 30 years of serving up hearty steaks and old-school charm, Shula’s Steak House will hold its final reservations on June 14th, 2025.

This place has been a bit of a disguised gem. Named after NFL legend Don Shula, it’s got that classic, masculine steakhouse vibe — dark wood, white tablecloths, great portions, and big prices to match. It’s not flashy, but that’s kind of the indicate. It’s the kind of place where you settle in, arrange a giant filet, and discard you’re a 10-minute walk from EPCOT.

But that era is conclusion. Shula’s is officially being replaced by Bourbon Steak, a fine-dining concept by Michael Mina, who’s behind more than 40 restaurants around the w

Well, we knew it was coming, but now, we’ve officially said goodbye.

Some of the best dining in Disney World is outside the parks — we often recommend you look to the hotels on property for some of the elite dining experiences around the resort. However, one steakhouse has just closed its doors for good at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, and it’s already set to be replaced by something new!

Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort has officially closed for good. This was a chain restaurant owned by former Miami Dolphins football Coach Don Shula. Like a traditional steakhouse, it offered up a variety of red meat, as well as generously sized side dishes.

June 14th was its final day of operation, and we stopped by to see how things were looking the next day. Sure enough, black curtains are already up over the entrance.

While the curtains are pretty see-through, right now, the only thing you can see is the walkway that leads to the former restaurant and lounge, so nothing is being revealed. However, it’s possible that this could change as the remodel really begins to ramp up. In fact, we could already hear

NEWS: Bourbon Steak to Replace Shula’s Steak House at Disney World’s Dolphin Hotel

The dining at Disney World is one of the best parts of visiting the resort, in my opinion! There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, whether you’re in the parks or at the hotels.

Wailulu Bar & Grill Lunch

Somewhere that many may not think to dine during their trip is over at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels. There are excellent restaurants at these spots, which are located on Disney World property right next to the EPCOT resorts.

Photo: Marriott

And, we just found out about a NEW restaurant coming to one of these hotels!

New Steakhouse Coming to the Dolphin Hotel

A new steakhouse is replacing Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel! The new spot will be Bourbon Steak from Chef Michael Mina.

Photo: Disney || Shula’s Steakhouse

Bourbon Steak is an ode to the traditional steakhouse that features perfect sears and tableside old fashioneds! You can expect a fresh perspective on the familiar steakhouse.

Photo: Walt Disney World Dolphin

The spot will only be open for dinner and reservations are recommende