Fire reported at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, lobby briefly evacuated
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.— A small fire prompted a brief evacuation at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort on Thursday evening, June 25, 2026.
According to WKMG News 6/ClickOrlando, the fire was reported in a kitchen area at the hotel. The lobby was evacuated as a precaution while firefighters responded to the scene. Orange County Fire Rescue crews quickly extinguished the fire, and no injuries have been reported.
The Walt Disney World Dolphin is home to several dining locations spread throughout the resort. On the ground floor, guests can dine at Rosa Mexicano, Todd English’s bluezoo and The Fountain. On the lobby level is grab-and-go from Fuel. The lobby is also home to Phins Bar, while the resort’s signature steakhouse, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, is located on the second floor.
Photo by bioreconstruct
Fire at Bourbon Steak
It is in the newest restaurant, Bourbon Steak, that the fire originated. In a statement provided to WKMG News 6/ClickOrlando, a resort spokesperson confirmed a small fire occurred in the kitchen of Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina.
The resort evacuated the lobby and some guest room floors while crews responded. Guests were later allowed back inside once the situation was determined to be safe. The spokesperson added that the building sustained no hotel damage, with the incident confined to the restaurant, and said Bourbon Steak will remain closed until further notice.
Photo by Dani Meyering
June 26, 2026, update: spokesperson statement
The following morning, Attractions Magazine received a statement from a spokesperson for the hotel.
“A fire occurred in the kitchen of Bourbon Steak restaurant in the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. As a result, the ventilation system moved the smoke out to the exterior of the Dolphin Hotel, as it is designed to do, which made the smoke visible from outside. In the interest of guest and cast member safety, the hotel evacuated the lobby and many guest room floors. Once they were assured of no safety concerns, guests were allowed to return to their rooms.
The situation has been contained and there is no safety concern at this time; however, the restaurant will remain closed until further notice.”
Guest observations
Photos and videos shared on social media showed dark smoke rising near the Dolphin, with some guests reporting smoke drifting around the Crescent Lake resort area.
Walt Disney World Dolphin quick facts
- Opened: June 4, 1990.
- Part of: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort complex, which now includes three hotels: the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve. The Swan Reserve opened in 2021.
- Rooms: The Dolphin has 1,514 guest rooms and suites, making it the larger of the original two hotels.
- Owner: The resort is owned by Tishman Realty & Construction Corporation and MetLife.
- Operator/manager: The hotels are managed by Marriott International. The Dolphin operates under the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts brand, while the Swan is part of Westin Hotels & Resorts.
Attractions Magazine will update this story if any more details become available.
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