Strict Dress Code Announced for Disney World as New Requirements Hit Resort

Disney World is now requiring a dress code for guests who want to enjoy a particular new experience coming soon to the Resort. Will this dress code spread to other parts of the parks? Let’s find out.

Disney Now Requires a Strict Dress Code for Sitting Down and Enjoying a Meal

An upscale steakhouse is replacing a fan-favorite at Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort—but it’s not just the menu that’s turning heads.

In a world where Disney guests don Minnie ears and flip-flops with pride, a quiet shift is underway—one that could subtly transform the way we dine at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

As construction crews and decorators put the finishing touches on an opulent new restaurant, longtime fans are beginning to notice something unusual. This isn’t just about food. This is about formality. Could one of Disney’s most iconic resorts be setting the tone for an entirely new guest experience?

Is this the beginning of a more refined era—or simply a one-off for the elite?

A Major Shakeup at the Swan and Dolphin

The Swan and Dolphin Resort, known for bridging luxury with family-friendly accessibility, has been undergoing a major facelift. Renovated rooms, an expanded convention center, and enhanced amenities signal a full-blown transformation—but one of the biggest surprises came with the closure of the much-loved Shula’s Steak House, a staple for steak lovers and sports fans alike.

That alone was enough to stir up conversation. But Disney wasn’t about to leave that space empty for long. Rising in its place is Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, a high-end dining concept that already has a reputation for indulgence, excellence—and standards.

A Dress Code in the Kingdom of Comfort?

Yes, you read that right.

Hidden in the fine print on the Swan and Dolphin’s official website, a new message appears under Bourbon Steak’s dining details. It reads:

“This restaurant is one of our Signature Dining experiences. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition, free from offensive language and/or graphics. Please no swimwear.”

For a resort destination where families walk straight from the pool to dinner, the news has left some scratching their heads—and others applauding.

While this isn’t the first Disney restaurant to implement such policies (Victoria & Albert’s, Takumi-Tei, and California Grill all require elevated attire), Bourbon Steak is the latest signal that Disney is doubling down on curating premium experiences.

Why It Matters: A Shift in Guest Expectations?

The new guidelines may seem simple—ditch the flip-flops, leave the swim trunks behind—but they hint at something deeper. As Disney World expands its luxury offerings, especially through third-party partnerships like those with the Swan and Dolphin, there’s a subtle yet significant expectation that guests will rise to meet a more sophisticated standard.

Is this just about ambiance—or is it about redefining the Disney dining demographic?

With summer 2025 marked as the target opening season for Bourbon Steak, the countdown is on. And as the opening nears, questions linger. Will this spark a trend across more resort locations? Could this impact park-to-table traffic flow as guests juggle attraction times with dinner dress codes? Or is this simply about offering variety in an ever-growing portfolio?

Bottom Line: Upscale Is in at Disney World

Let’s be honest—there’s a certain charm in grabbing a churro in your tank top after Splash Mountain. But Disney is also the home of high-end dining, where culinary prestige and immersive ambiance meet. Bourbon Steak isn’t just another restaurant. It’s a declaration: Disney is not afraid to ask for polish alongside pixie dust.

Whether this move elevates the guest experience or creates a divide among diners remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear—next time you pack for your Disney trip, don’t forget your collared shirt.