On December 28th, 2024, I dined at Shula’s Steakhouse at The Dolphin Hotel (A Marriott Hotel on Disney property). Conveniently situated between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, this high-end steakhouse is a perfect dining option for anyone seeking a premium dining experience.  It is also a restaurant reservation outside the constraints of Disney’s “My Disney Experience” App or WDW bookings. This can be a game-changer for Disney enthusiasts when last-minute dining plans are needed, and no good options are left!

In fact, the Swan and Dolphin resorts are home to over 20 noteworthy dining options, but Shula’s stands out as the premier destination for steak and seafood lovers.  Trip Advisor ranks Shula’s as the #1 restaurant in Lake Buena Vista, beating out Michelin-reviewed restaurants like Cítricos and Morimoto Asia. The menu offers an outstanding range of traditional steakhouse favorites, including steak tartare, shrimp cocktail, all the best premium steak options, daily specials, and an inspired variety of salads, soups, and desserts. 

I ordered the Tuna Tartar, 1/2 a Ceasar Salad, 3 ounces of A5 Waygu, and a 7-ounce portion of Blackened Red Snapper with a side of Haricot Vert with macron almonds. I enjoyed every last bite!

Let me just get right to my beef. The A5 Wagyu beef is a cut I’ve had many times before, but this one was on a whole new level. A5 is the highest possible quality rating awarded by the Japanese government and literally means “Japanese cow”. It is well known for its superior, even marbling, texture and flavor. I asked for a robust crisp sear and a medium rare plus temp and they hit it spot on! I experienced a soft, buttery texture that just melted away almost instantly in my mouth, leaving me in awe and slightly perplexed. How have I not had this experience before with A5 Waygu? I paused, smiled, and let the moment sink in. This is why I created Destinations We Know—to share experiences like this. A meal that resonates so deeply, one that lingers in your mind and heart and stays with you long after the final bite.   This was an experience that redefined my traditional steakhouse expectations and I knew immediately it simply must be shared and reviewed as soon as possible.

The service at Shula’s Steakhouse was exceptional. I sat at the bar, where three skilled bartenders delivered top-notch, five-star service. They were kind, attentive, and offered thoughtful recommendations, striking the perfect balance between being conversational and giving me space to enjoy my meal. Their deep knowledge of the menu and insights into the dishes I ordered truly enhanced the experience. Interestingly, all three bartenders had been employed at Shula’s for over 10 or even 15 years—a testament to their job satisfaction and genuine love for what they do. One of the bartenders told me that the original chef who launched Shula’s over 20 years ago still works on the grill 5 days a week. This experience shows!

The presentation was beautiful, yet simple. This was the only area I felt could be improved upon a tad. For example, the Tuna Tartar could have been elevated with a bit more color or textures. It was served with crunchy wonton chips on the side. There was just a lot of tuna staring at me, and while I savored and enjoyed every bite, maybe a few more color contrasts could have been added. The Bartender said the portion size is generally 3.5 ounces, but I am sure I received over 5. It was a very generously portioned appetizer. The same could be said for the Ceasar Salad. It was a delightful salad with a perfectly balanced house-made dressing, and while beautiful in its simplicity, a few thoughtful tweaks could elevate the presentation of these dishes, like a few large shavings of Fresh Parmesan adorning the top of the salad? The Atmosphere was outstanding. It was sophisticated and elevated, as you would expect from a top-tier steakhouse, and the prices matched. It is hard to give 5 stars on price to one of the most expensive meals of the week, but you get what you pay for here. So be ready for the price tag, but know ahead of time that it’s totally worth it.

If you want to elevate your Disney dining experience, Shula’s Steakhouse deserves a place on your list. It’s more than just dinner—it’s an unforgettable foodie experience that may become your new favorite.