News Summary
The Magical Dining Program in Orlando will return to celebrate its 20th anniversary with over 160 restaurants participating from August 15 to September 30. This culinary event features three-course prix fixe menus at fixed prices, supporting childhood literacy through donations. New participating restaurants include Michelin-recommended eateries, and proceeds will go to local charities focusing on education. Orlando Health sponsors the event, highlighting a commitment to community support while providing food enthusiasts an opportunity to explore diverse dining experiences.
Orlando – The popular Magical Dining Program in Orlando is set to return from August 15 to September 30, 2025, celebrating its 20th anniversary with an impressive lineup of over 160 participating restaurants. This annual event not only offers food enthusiasts a chance to enjoy exquisite dining at a fixed price but also supports a worthy cause aimed at improving childhood literacy.
This year, the participating restaurants will present three-course prix fixe menus priced at $40 or $60, exclusive of tax and gratuity. The program, which began in 2006, was created to stimulate restaurant traffic during September, traditionally a slow month for dining establishments. It provides local residents an opportunity to explore new restaurants they may not ordinarily frequent, making fine dining accessible at an affordable rate.
A notable feature of this year’s event is the inclusion of 24 new restaurants, along with 15 Michelin-recommended eateries. Among the well-known participating venues at popular theme parks are Amatista Cookhouse, Mama Della’s Ristorante, The Kitchen at Universal Orlando Resort, Jaleo, Maria & Enzo’s, and Amare at Disney World. These restaurants cover a broad area that includes Seminole, Lake, Orange, and Osceola counties, expanding the reach and variety of dining experiences available to locals and visitors alike.
This year’s program also prioritizes social responsibility, with a portion of the proceeds directed to the REED Charitable Foundation. The foundation focuses on enhancing childhood literacy, particularly for children facing challenges such as dyslexia. For every $40 menu sold, $1 will be donated to the foundation, while $2 will be donated for each $60 menu. This initiative underscores the importance of accessible reading instruction for young learners.
In addition to supporting the REED Charitable Foundation, Visit Orlando plans to donate $3,000 to a local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts to bolster educator training programs. Beneficiaries of this charitable effort include organizations such as Boys 2 Men Mentoring, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, Finding the Lost Sheep, Nuevo Sendero, Samaritan Resource Center, and The Therapy Wish.
Menus and a complete list of participating restaurants can be accessed on the Visit Orlando website, which anticipates that additional restaurants may join the program as the event date approaches. Since its inception, the Magical Dining program has raised nearly $3 million for local organizations, with $352,218 donated to charities in Central Florida last year alone.
This year’s Magical Dining is presented by Orlando Health, affirming its status as Visit Orlando’s official Health & Wellness Partner. The collaborative effort not only promotes culinary excellence but also demonstrates a commitment to community support and enhancing the quality of education for children in the region. As the local dining scene flourishes, attendees are encouraged to enjoy the diverse offerings while contributing to a significant cause that impacts the lives of children and educators alike.
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Additional Resources
- Wesh: Magical Dining Celebrates 20 Years
- WFTV: Community Impact of Magical Dining
- Orlando Sentinel: Magical Dining Return
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
