Visiting Disney World or Disneyland is almost an American rite of passage. By some estimates, more than 70% of Americans (and as many as 90%) have visited one of the parks at least once.
Just the two original Disney parks saw nearly 70 million visitors in 2024, and Disney World is the most popular travel destination in the U.S., according to a Travel & Leisure survey.
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While Disney is a must-do for many families, it’s expensive. Even the company’s CEO Bob Iger recently acknowledged publicly that the cost of a park ticket has led to declining attendance.
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Disney (DIS) faced criticism in recent months because it increased prices for annual passes by between $30 and $100, depending on the pass type. At the same time, it raised prices for food and beverages at several dining locations in all park locations.
Disney World is closing one steakhouse and opening a new one.
Image source: Todd Anderson/Disney Parks via Getty Images
Disney has a history of partnerships with celebrity chefs
Budgeting for meals is a big part of trip planning, and eating in a Disney park is not cheap.
The company faced backlash from consumers in October after it revealed menu prices for some items in its Cake Bake Shop Bakery at Disney World’s EPCOT. A slice of cake at the new spot is $22 plus $8 for a single scoop of ice cream. After criticism, the park did lower some prices.
The company also recently offered some advice on how to eat free at Disney World this year, but the option is only for people who buy multi-day packages.
While the packages will appeal to some visitors, many will likely dine a la carte at one of Disney World’s 90 full-service restaurants.
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Within the park there is literally something for everyone, including more than a dozen eateries led by celebrity chefs.
In the mood for Spanish tapas? Stop by Jaleo by Chef Jose Andres. How about fried chicken? Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy is for you. If you like sushi or Korean, check out Morimoto Asia from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. And Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill serves up everything from meatballs and bruschetta to calamari.
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Since its opening in 1995 Shula’s Steak House has served up classic steakhouse fare. The spot is named for Don Shula, the NFL player and coach who was most well known for his years with the Miami Dolphins.
Shula’s Steak House closing
Shula died in 2020, and Disney just announced it will close his namesake restaurant in June and replace it with Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina.
There are nine Bourbon Steak locations across the country, including in foodie cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York.
The new menu includes everything from filet mignon and wagyu beef steaks to Maine lobster pot pie and stone crab claws. Bourbon Steak is scheduled to open mid-summer.
For guests who want one more meal at Shula’s, the restaurant is taking reservations through June 14, 2025.
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