Where It Is and What It Is
Bourbon Steak is located inside the Dolphin Hotel, part of the Swan and Dolphin complex near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Even before you reach the restaurant, the setting already feels elevated. This is not a park day kind of dinner. It's a destination dinner.
It's the steakhouse concept from chef Michael Mina, a James Beard Award winning chef known for refining classic dishes, focusing on quality ingredients and precise cooking, and creating experiences that feel intentional from start to finish. The Swan and Dolphin have long been known for their signature restaurants, and Bourbon Steak fits right into that lineup as a modern, high-end steakhouse.
How the Evening Started
Right when we sat down, they surprised us with complimentary champagne for a toast. We had mentioned the anniversary when booking, and that small moment set the tone for the entire evening in a way that felt genuinely thoughtful rather than scripted.
After the champagne, we both ordered the Bourbon Steak Old Fashioned: bacon-washed Russell's Reserve six-year bourbon, smoked maple, and orange bitters. At $25 it's a cocktail that asks you to trust it, and it delivers. Smoky, rich, and well balanced. The vanilla was present without being sweet or syrupy. If you like a bold Old Fashioned with real depth, this one earns it.
The Fry Flight: The Thing Nobody Warns You About
Before anything else, they bring out a complimentary trio of fries. This is such a nice touch and genuinely differentiates the restaurant from those that merely bring out a basket of bread. The flight includes truffle fries with triple aioli, classic herbed fries with ketchup, and paprika fries with housemade bourbon barbecue sauce.
My personal favorite was the paprika fries with the bourbon barbecue sauce. That one surprised me. It's a fun way to start the meal and gives you a taste of the kitchen's personality right away. Just know they're going in before a wedge salad and a full steak, so pace yourself accordingly.
The Food
We ordered the wedge salad to split and they plated it onto two separate dishes without being asked, which I always appreciate. It was more generous with toppings than a typical steakhouse wedge, closer to a full starter than a side salad. Consider yourself warned if you're planning to eat a lot of steak after this.
For the entree we went with the dry aged cowboy ribeye and added the blue cheese crust with crispy onions. If you judge a steak by the first cut, this one passes immediately. Medium rare, beautiful color, cooked exactly the way you hope it will be. The blue cheese crust added richness without overpowering the steak, and the crispy onions gave it just enough texture. The steak came with a roasted tomato with a light breadcrumb topping that added a nice pop of acidity against the richness of the meat.
We also ordered the roasted mushrooms with garlic herb butter. Deeply flavorful and the perfect complement to a steak like this. By the end of the meal it felt like the kind of dinner you're meant to linger over, unhurried and genuinely enjoyable. Which was exactly right for the occasion.
Reservations: Highly recommended. Book directly through OpenTable. This is one of those places where planning ahead pays off, especially for special occasions or specific dates.
Dress code: Bourbon Steak is a signature dining experience with a dress code. The vibe is upscale and polished. Clean, neat, and well put together. Swimwear isn't permitted and clothing with offensive language or graphics is a no. Honestly it's a great excuse to dress up a little and lean into the night.
Location: Inside the Dolphin Hotel. Swan and Dolphin guests can walk. If you're coming from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, Boat transportation is available. If you're driving, you can self-park at the resort.
Not an everyday Disney dinner. Not trying to be. For a celebration or a night that's meant to feel special, it delivers completely.
- Anniversaries, birthdays, or any celebration that deserves a proper dinner
- Adults-only trips where you want one truly elevated night
- Anyone who takes their steak seriously
- Date nights when you want the full experience, not just a meal
- Cocktail lovers who appreciate something well-crafted
- You're feeding a large group with varied tastes and budgets
- You're mid-trip and want a lighter dinner before another park day
- You need a spot that works easily with younger kids
- You'd rather put that budget toward longer park time
Thoughtful service, excellent food, and a night that felt genuinely special. For a 25th anniversary dinner at Disney World, that is exactly what we were looking for.
Topolino's Terrace Dinner: Is It Worth It for a Special Occasion?
Another elevated Disney dinner worth considering for celebrations: Topolino's Terrace at the Riviera Resort, with rooftop views and fireworks from the terrace. Full honest review here.