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After a major kitchen fire and a brief evacuation at this Disney World location, the doors have reopened to all guests after 106 days.

Disney World Reopens Dining Location After Kitchen Fire, Evacuation

A Disney World restaurant reopens after fire damage forced one of the resort’s upscale dining destinations to remain closed for more than three months.

Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, located inside the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, resumed operations on October 3, 2026, following a June 25 kitchen fire that prompted a precautionary evacuation of parts of the hotel. The reopening restores a signature dining option near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The restaurant’s return marks the end of an unexpected shutdown that interrupted operations barely a year after Bourbon Steak replaced the longtime Shula’s Steak House.

Disney World Restaurant Reopens After Fire Forces Months-Long Shutdown

Bourbon Steak’s reopening follows a lengthy closure that began when flames broke out inside the restaurant’s kitchen on June 25.

The incident prompted hotel management to evacuate the lobby and several guest room floors while the situation was assessed. Although smoke was visible outside the building, officials subsequently clarified that the fire was smaller than the exterior images suggested.

According to WKMG ClickOrlando’s original report, a resort spokesperson confirmed that the fire was confined to the restaurant, with no damage reported elsewhere in the hotel.

The evacuation was precautionary, and guests were eventually permitted to return to their rooms.

Despite the limited extent of the reported damage, Bourbon Steak remained closed while repairs were completed. The disruption continued throughout the summer, leaving guests without one of the Dolphin’s signature restaurants.

Inside the Magic previously covered Disney World’s official restaurant closure notice, including the uncertainty surrounding the restaurant’s reopening timeline.

Now, more than three months after the emergency, Bourbon Steak is welcoming diners again.

What Happened During the June 25 Dolphin Hotel Fire?

The June emergency began in Bourbon Steak’s kitchen, where a small fire triggered an evacuation response.

Smoke traveled through the building’s ventilation system and became visible outside the Dolphin Hotel. The images raised concerns about the extent of the incident, but resort officials explained that the ventilation system was directing smoke outdoors as designed.

The fire did not spread throughout the hotel, and no injuries were reported.

The incident nevertheless disrupted restaurant operations for months, demonstrating how even a contained kitchen emergency can have lasting consequences for a dining establishment.

The hotel evacuation and resort’s response were previously documented by Inside the Magic.

Importantly, the fire did not mean that the entire Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel was permanently closed or that neighboring theme parks were affected.

The restaurant itself was the location facing the prolonged operational disruption.

Bourbon Steak Returns to Disney World’s Signature Dining Scene

Bourbon Steak’s comeback carries additional significance because the restaurant is a relatively recent addition to the Walt Disney World dining landscape.

The Michael Mina restaurant replaced Shula’s Steak House in 2025, bringing a contemporary steakhouse concept to the Dolphin Hotel.

Inside the Magic previously reported on the replacement of Shula’s Steak House, a change that introduced a different culinary identity to the resort.

According to the official Bourbon Steak Orlando website, the restaurant specializes in prime cuts of beef, seafood, signature duck-fat fries, cocktails, and tableside presentations.

Its location near EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios makes it an option for visitors seeking a sit-down dinner outside the theme parks.

The June fire interrupted the restaurant’s early operations at the Dolphin, making its October return an important milestone for the establishment.

However, the reopening should not be confused with another restaurant debut or a newly announced replacement. Bourbon Steak is returning to its existing location.

What the Reopening Means for Walt Disney World Guests

For visitors planning upcoming vacations, the most immediate change is the return of another reservation-based dining option.

The official Walt Disney World dining page lists Bourbon Steak as a fine-dining steakhouse and provides reservation information.

The restaurant’s official website currently advertises daily operating hours from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., although schedules remain subject to change.

Guests should also understand that Bourbon Steak has different payment policies from many Disney-operated restaurants.

Disney’s listing states that the location does not participate in Disney Dining Plans and does not accept MagicBands, Disney Gift Cards, or Disney Dining Cards as payment.

Dinner guests driving to the Dolphin can have their parking fee waived by presenting their parking ticket for validation.

Those arrangements are particularly relevant for families comparing restaurant options before an evening away from the parks.

For additional background, Inside the Magic previously examined Bourbon Steak’s dining expectations and dress code.

What Happens Next After Bourbon Steak’s Reopening?

With Bourbon Steak operating again, attention shifts from the prolonged closure to the restaurant’s ongoing service.

Its return was reported on October 9 following an October 3 reopening, ending a shutdown lasting approximately 100 days.

However, detailed public information about the completed kitchen repairs, associated costs, and any equipment replacements remains limited.

There is also no verified announcement indicating that the reopening includes a substantial menu overhaul or permanent changes to the restaurant’s dining concept.

The restaurant’s official website continues to promote its established steakhouse offerings, while Disney maintains an active dining listing.

Guests considering reservations should consult those official channels for current availability, operating hours, and restaurant policies before arriving.

For the Walt Disney World Dolphin, the reopening closes an extended chapter that began with an unexpected fire and a precautionary hotel evacuation.

For diners, it means Bourbon Steak is once again an option for an evening meal near two of Walt Disney World’s busiest theme parks.