Bourbon Steak Closed After Small Kitchen Fire Prompts Brief Evacuation at the Walt Disney World Dolphin
A small fire broke out Thursday in the kitchen of Bourbon Steak at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, briefly forcing an evacuation of the lobby and some guest floors. Guests were allowed back inside once the scene was cleared, and the restaurant has closed until further notice. The resort reported no damage to the hotel.
A small kitchen fire at Bourbon Steak, the signature steakhouse inside the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, briefly forced an evacuation of the hotel's lobby and several guest-room floors on Thursday before guests were cleared to return. The resort says there was no damage to the hotel, and the restaurant has closed until further notice.
Key Details
- What: Small fire in the kitchen of Bourbon Steak
- Where: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, near EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios
- When: Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Impact: Lobby and some guest-room floors briefly evacuated; guests later let back in
- Status: Restaurant closed until further notice; no damage to the hotel
The Buzz
Any incident at a Walt Disney World–area resort travels fast, and this one was amplified by photos that made the blaze look far more serious than it was. Orlando station ClickOrlando (WKMG) first reported the fire, and the contrast between the dramatic images and the resort's "small fire" statement is exactly what has Disney travelers talking.
What Happened at the Dolphin
According to a public relations official cited by ClickOrlando, the fire broke out Thursday in the kitchen of the Bourbon Steak restaurant at the Walt Disney World Dolphin. Out of an abundance of caution, the lobby and some guest-room floors were evacuated; guests were allowed back inside once the situation was confirmed clear.
The resort moved quickly to tamp down alarming images circulating online, attributing the smoke to the kitchen's ventilation system rather than a large fire.
"Pictures make it seem the fire was much larger than it was, as the ventilation system is meant to push smoke outside. No damage to hotel and only in the restaurant."
The statement did not mention any injuries and emphasized that the incident was contained to the restaurant. Bourbon Steak has been closed until further notice while the space is assessed.
About Bourbon Steak and the Walt Disney World Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Dolphin and its sister property, the Walt Disney World Swan, anchor the Swan & Dolphin complex in the heart of the resort, within walking distance and boat ride of EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Though they sit on Disney property and offer Disney transportation and theme-park perks, the hotels are operated under the Marriott umbrella rather than by Disney directly.
Bourbon Steak is the resort's upscale steakhouse from acclaimed chef Michael Mina, one of several signature dining rooms that make the Swan & Dolphin a popular choice for date nights and special occasions among Walt Disney World visitors.
What This Means for Fans
For guests with upcoming stays or dining reservations, the practical impact appears limited: the resort reported no damage to the hotel, and only the restaurant was affected. Travelers holding reservations at Bourbon Steak in the coming days should confirm status directly with the resort and consider one of the Swan & Dolphin's other dining options in the meantime. Expect the steakhouse to reopen once it has been inspected and cleaned.