Disney World is almost always changing!
Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Magic Kingdom is expanding, Hollywood Studios is bringing Monsters Inc. to life, and that’s just scratching the surface. Now it seems like another Disney World restaurant is permanently closing and we’ve got the details right here!
Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel is a favorite of ours for so many reasons! These Marriot hotels aren’t Disney owned but they come with all of the Disney perks at an affordable price. They’re located within walking distance of EPCOT, have recently rethemed rooms, and offer some amazing dining options. While this resort is working on several upgrades, it seems we are losing a favorite of ours because Shula’s Steak House is permanently closing.
Welcome to Shula’s!
Shula’s is named after the location’s original owner and American football great, the late Don Shula. This restaurant has honed its presentation to be dark, mature, and indulgent making it a hidden gem in our opinion! In our experience, the portions have been delicious and generous but they come with a price.
Inside Shula’s!
The restaurant has been open since 1995, so this will be a significant change for the hotel! The restaurant will take reservations through June 14th, 2025.
10 oz. Filet with Bernaise Sauce, Jumbo Asparagus Spears, and Macaroni and Cheese
We do know, however, that the restaurant will be replaced with a Michael Mina Restaurant! Michael Mina owns The MINA Group, which manages over 40 restaurants worldwide, so we’re excited to see what’s replacing Shula’s. The anticipated debut of the new restaurant, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, is mid-summer.
Thick Cut Nueske’s Bacon
Sean Verney, Area General Manager of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin said that “The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin continues to distinguish itself with its food and beverage program” and “welcoming Chef Mina to our culinary offerings continues to push us forward in our efforts to provide guests heightened dining experiences.”
Shula’s Steakhouse
This isn’t the only spot leaving us soon. Jellyrolls is closing its location on Disney’s BoardWalk after April 19th! The popular piano bar has hinted at a new location, and unlike Shula’s, it’s not clear what will take over this space.
Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.
We will be sad to see this hidden gem go but have high hopes for the new restaurant coming! This resort is going through several changes thanks to room transformations, an expanded convention space, and more. As always, be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more Disney news and updates.
Our list of every Swan and Dolphin Restaurant is here!
Planning a Trip to Disney World? We’ve Got Everything You Need to Know
Tips, Hints, Lists, and Videos for Planning the BEST Disney World Trip
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Shula’s is an excellent restaurant. Had my son and daughter in laws rehearsal dinner at Shulas at the Dolphin. It was fabulous. It will be sorely missed.
They became too much of a sports bar atmosphere, with it being loud and too casual for the price. There are better cheaper options.
Can’t believe Shula’s is closing! A must stop for our twice a year visits to WDW. BIG loss.
Sad to see it go. It was the best steakhouse in Disney. We ate there every time we were at Disneyworld.
Aww, crud! No more Nueske’s bacon. That pork belly on grits is one of the top 5 things in all of WDW, and of course that’s saying something. The steaks were just ok ino and not worth the price, but we will definitely miss that pork belly and grits. I guess I’ll just have to keep going to Kona for their gouda grits (and I always add the ham on the side but it’s just not the same as pork belly 😉 )
Very expensive and definitely not aimed at families, so with all the other places to get steak at WDW, I’m surprised they stayed this long. There are still good dining spots at S&D and nearby. Brad should try the “Bacon and Eggs” pork belly and smoked cheese grits at Steakhouse 71 in the Contemporary. It’s a favorite of many of my friends.
Did you see the cost of Mina’s, at least a third more than Shula’s. A wedge salad at Shula’s is $16.00 it is double at Mina’s. 24 OZ porterhouse at Shula’s $71.00 a 32 OZ porterhouse at Mina’s is a $121.00, if Shula’s had a 32 OZ it would project to $95.00.
Another move at WDW to become only a place for the elite. After recent market crash wonder how many people are rethinking their vacation right now.
Bummer it’s not Blue Zoo. Got really sick from there, called to let them know. A representative called me back & wanted to know everything I ate. The only other thing I had all day before Blue Zoo was a Mickey Pretzel at Hollywood Studios, they told me it must have been the pretzel.
Shula’s had the best steak on property. Their servers were a notch above compared to other Disney eateries. They are a bit pricey, but that is offset because they encourage sharing. Another benefit is a low volume of kids. Definitely a place for the adults. YAY!
Sorry to hear Shula is closing they had the best French onion soup ? ?