Magical Dining Returns for 20th Anniversary in Orlando

Orlando. Visit Orlando’s annual Magical Dining returns for its 20th anniversary from August 15 to September 30, 2025, featuring more than 160 participating restaurants that will offer special three-course prix-fixe menus and contribute a portion of proceeds to local charitable causes.

Summary of key details

The event will offer curated three-course menus priced at $40 or $60 per person, each including one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert. For every $40 meal served, $1 will be donated to charity; for every $60 meal, $2 will be donated. Proceeds will benefit the REED Charitable Foundation, which focuses on early childhood literacy and supports local nonprofits. Since the program began fundraising in 2009, it has raised more than $2.9 million for local causes.

What diners can expect

More than 160 restaurants are participating in this year’s program, including 24 new restaurants and 15 MICHELIN-recognized dining locations. Notable MICHELIN Guide establishments on the list include AVA MediterrAegean, Sushi Saint and The Ravenous Pig. Some participating venues will feature limited-edition 20th anniversary dishes as part of their Magical Dining menus.

Reservations and access

Diners can make reservations online through the Magical Dining website or by calling restaurants directly when online bookings are not accepted. An extensive list of participating restaurants and their individual menus is posted on Visit Orlando’s site for review prior to booking. Select hotels and resorts are offering exclusive packages and deals tied to the event.

Locations and offerings

The program spans multiple dining districts across the Orlando area, including Winter Park, Restaurant Row, Downtown and Disney, among other neighborhood groupings. Participating venues will present a range of experiences and activities, with options suitable for families and children at many locations. The event aims to bolster restaurant traffic during September, a month traditionally slower for dining businesses.

Organizational and financial context

Visit Orlando created the Magical Dining program to support local restaurants and enhance culinary tourism in the region. Although the initiative’s early development dates back to 2006, fundraising figures for the program are tracked from 2009 onward. The program’s cumulative contributions have surpassed $2.9 million, with this year’s donations directed to the REED Charitable Foundation to support literacy and nonprofit partners in the community.

New inclusions and recognition

This year’s lineup spotlights a mix of long-time participants and new entrants, including 24 restaurants joining the program for the first time. The inclusion of 15 MICHELIN-recognized locations reflects continued attention to culinary quality and diversity within the event roster.

Practical information for attendees

Menus are set at two price points to simplify choices for diners and to channel donations consistently: $40 menus contribute $1 per meal and $60 menus contribute $2 per meal. Most menus consist of three courses (appetizer, entrée, dessert) tailored for the Magical Dining period. Reservation methods vary by restaurant; diners are advised to check individual restaurant booking policies and to book early for popular venues and weekend seating.

Purpose and timing

The event is timed to stimulate dining activity during a slower period for restaurants and to raise funds for local charities. Alongside standard menus, some restaurants will offer special anniversary items and experiences, and family-friendly programming will be available at selected sites.

Background

The Magical Dining program was developed to highlight Orlando’s dining scene while supporting local businesses and charitable causes. Over time the initiative has grown in size and impact, expanding into multiple districts and adding both high-profile and neighborhood restaurants. This year’s expanded participation and inclusion of MICHELIN-recognized establishments aim to attract a broad range of diners and to increase charitable contributions during the event window.