Orlando Florida, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program is set to return, featuring more than 160 restaurants, including 26 new additions. Participants can enjoy three-course meals at $40 or $60, with a portion of proceeds supporting local literacy and education nonprofits. This initiative aims to enhance dining experiences while also benefiting the community, showcasing Orlando’s diverse culinary scene throughout the late summer. Reservations can be made online, and takeout options are available at several locations.
Orlando — Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns for 2025, running from August 15 to September 30, with more than 160 restaurants participating and a record 26 new additions this year. The seasonal program offers set three-course meals priced at $40 or $60 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and directs a portion of proceeds to childhood literacy and local education nonprofits.
Key facts up front
The two price tiers allow participating restaurants to offer either a $40 or $60 three-course menu. For each $40 meal sold, $1 is directed to the REED Charitable Foundation; for each $60 meal, $2 is directed to the same foundation. Proceeds from the program will also support six local nonprofits that address disparities in literacy and education.
Reservations and full menus are available online through OpenTable and at the program’s booking site listed as OrlandoMagicalDining.com and MagicalDining.com. Guests can expect dine-in three-course meals as well as takeout options at several participating restaurants.
Event scale and culinary offerings
This year’s lineup includes over 160 participating restaurants, with 15 restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide among them. Organizers note a record 26 new restaurants joining the program, expanding choices across a range of cuisines and dietary options, including vegetarian and gluten-free menus.
The initiative highlights Orlando’s culinary variety with representation from multiple districts, including Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, Disney and Restaurant Row. The program is described as an opportunity to sample diverse dining options across more than 145 local eateries that participate in various capacities.
How the charitable component works
Each qualifying meal contributes a set amount to literacy causes via the REED Charitable Foundation: $1 from each $40 meal and $2 from each $60 meal. In addition to the foundation, the program channels proceeds to six identified local nonprofits focused on reducing literacy and education disparities.
Since the program’s launch in 2006, it has raised over $2.9 million for local causes. The charitable model is built into the price tiers so that dining choices directly generate funds for community literacy initiatives.
Booking, logistics and related activities
Guests can make reservations online using OpenTable or by visiting the program’s booking site. The event includes dine-in options, takeout at select locations, and additional experiences tied to Visit Orlando’s wider offerings.
Magical Dining is paired with Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights program, which provides hotel stay options aimed at visitors seeking a packaged local experience during the dining period. For those visiting ICON Park, there are extra activities such as rides, shopping and live entertainment. ICON Park offers free parking on floors 4 through 7 and valet service after 5 PM, and some restaurants around ICON Park host happy hour events and entertainment during the program.
Why the program exists
Magical Dining was created to boost restaurant traffic during the historically slower late-summer period, particularly in September. The program encourages residents and visitors to explore new restaurants and culinary styles by offering set-price menus and curated dining lists.
Additional tools for diners
To help guests plan visits, organizers provide a Magical Dining Restaurant Checklist that categorizes participating eateries by tiers and cuisine styles. The checklist is intended to make it easier for diners to track where they want to go and to sample a variety of offerings during the program dates.
What to expect at participating restaurants
Participating restaurants offer three-course set menus aligned with the selected price tier. Many venues include options for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Some restaurants also feature special happy hour programming, entertainment, or takeout variations of the Magical Dining menu.
Background and impact
The program first launched in 2006 to stimulate dining traffic during slower months and to create a structured, citywide dining event. Over its nearly two-decade history, the initiative has raised more than $2.9 million for local causes, while showcasing Orlando’s food scene and encouraging repeat visits to participating restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Magical Dining run in 2025?
The program runs from August 15 through September 30, 2025.
How much do the meals cost and what do restaurants give to charity?
Three-course meals are offered at $40 or $60 per person (tax and gratuity are not included). Each $40 meal contributes $1 to the REED Charitable Foundation and each $60 meal contributes $2. Additional proceeds will support six local literacy and education nonprofits.
How many restaurants are participating?
More than 160 restaurants are participating in 2025, including 26 new additions and 15 restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
Can I take food to go?
Yes. Several participating restaurants offer takeout versions of their Magical Dining menus. Availability varies by restaurant.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations and full menus are available through OpenTable and the program’s booking site listed as OrlandoMagicalDining.com and MagicalDining.com.
Are there other events or hotel packages tied to Magical Dining?
Yes. The program is complemented by Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights hotel offerings and local entertainment options, including activities at ICON Park where free parking is available on floors 4–7 and valet service begins after 5 PM.
Quick reference chart: Magical Dining 2025 key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event dates | August 15 – September 30, 2025 |
| Price tiers | $40 and $60 per person (tax & gratuity extra) |
| Donation per meal | $1 from $40 meals; $2 from $60 meals to REED Charitable Foundation |
| Number of restaurants | Over 160 participating; 26 new additions |
| MICHELIN Guide restaurants | 15 included in the program |
| Nonprofits supported | Six local nonprofits addressing literacy and education disparities |
| Funds raised since 2006 | More than $2.9 million |
| Special features | Takeout options, Magical Nights hotel packages, ICON Park activities and parking |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Helena Modern Riviera Hosts Magical Dining at ICON Park
Helena Modern Riviera Joins Magical Dining in Orlando
Helena Modern Riviera Hosts Magical Dining Event in Orlando
Additional Resources
- Visit Orlando: Magical Dining Restaurant Checklist
- Orlando Date Night Guide: Magical Dining
- WESH: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Celebrates 20 Years
- Google Search: Magical Dining Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
