Orlando Florida, September 20, 2025
News Summary
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is set to return for its 20th anniversary, featuring over 160 participating restaurants offering specially curated prix-fixe menus. This annual event aims to boost local dining during a slower month for restaurants while supporting important charitable causes. Diners can enjoy three-course meals priced at $40 and $60, with proceeds benefiting the REED Charitable Foundation and other nonprofits focused on childhood literacy. Special events and themed nights will enhance the dining experience, making it a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
Orlando
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining begins on August 15, 2025, and runs until September 30, 2025.
Summary — What to know first
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns for its 20th anniversary with more than 160 participating restaurants and prix-fixe menus designed to draw diners during a traditionally slow month for the restaurant industry. Over 160 Orlando-area restaurants will be participating, offering three-course, prix-fixe dinners priced at $40 and $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity: $1 from every $40 meal served and $2 from every $60 meal will benefit the REED Charitable Foundation, focusing on childhood literacy. Proceeds will also support six other local nonprofits.
Key participation and charitable details
This year’s lineup includes 15 MICHELIN Guide honorees and 26 first-time participating restaurants. The program allows diners to try unique menus and special anniversary dishes at establishments they may not typically visit, with many restaurants offering special 20th Anniversary dishes as part of the Magical Dining menu. The Magical Dining program has raised nearly $3 million for local charities since its inception.
Events and special programming
Events include special themed nights like Marrakech Nights at Helena Modern Riviera on September 20, 2025, featuring Moroccan cuisine, music, and belly dancing. Other events during the dining period include happy hours at Tin Roof and ICON Park. Guests can enjoy valet parking after 5 PM and free parking on higher floors at ICON Park. The Orlando Eye and various attractions are part of ICON Park’s entertainment offerings, enhancing the dining experience for guests.
How it works
Participating restaurants serve three-course, prix-fixe dinners at set price points of $40 and $60 per person, with tax and gratuity not included in the listed prices. Guests can make reservations through OpenTable on participating restaurants’ listings. Reservation recommendations include filtering options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus. Magical Dining participants will also have access to discounts and special accommodations through “Magical Nights” at local hotels and resorts.
Geography and access
Participating restaurants are spread across six main districts, including Winter Park, Downtown, and Disney. The participating venues span throughout Orlando and its surrounding areas, offering a range of cuisines, including Cuban and Mediterranean options and multiple themed concepts across neighborhoods.
Charitable impact and literacy focus
The event directs a fixed portion of each qualifying meal toward charity. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity: $1 from every $40 meal served and $2 from every $60 meal will benefit the REED Charitable Foundation, focusing on childhood literacy. The REED Charitable Foundation trains educators to improve early childhood literacy, with a special focus on children with dyslexia. Proceeds will also support six other local nonprofits. The combined fundraising model supports both immediate community needs and long-term educational programs.
Practical visitor information
Reservations can be made through OpenTable on participating restaurants’ listings. Guests are encouraged to book ahead as many restaurants will limit seating for the prix-fixe menus. Valet and parking options vary by venue; Guests can enjoy valet parking after 5 PM and free parking on higher floors at ICON Park. The program is designed to promote dining at local establishments during a traditionally slow month for the restaurant industry and to provide diners an opportunity to experience restaurants they may not typically visit.
Background
Magical Dining was created to boost local restaurant traffic and support community causes by bundling promotional pricing with charitable donations. Over its 20-year run the program has grown in participation and scope, attracting honorees from recognized guides and bringing new restaurants into the program. The current edition emphasizes both culinary exploration and community support through the REED Charitable Foundation and other nonprofit partners.
FAQ
When does Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining 2025 run?
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining begins on August 15, 2025, and runs until September 30, 2025.
How many restaurants are participating and what are the price points?
Over 160 Orlando-area restaurants will be participating, offering three-course, prix-fixe dinners priced at $40 and $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
How much from each meal goes to charity?
A portion of the proceeds goes to charity: $1 from every $40 meal served and $2 from every $60 meal will benefit the REED Charitable Foundation, focusing on childhood literacy.
Which organizations benefit from the proceeds?
Proceeds will also support six other local nonprofits.
How many MICHELIN and first-time restaurants are included?
This year’s lineup includes 15 MICHELIN Guide honorees and 26 first-time participating restaurants.
How much has the program raised since it began?
The Magical Dining program has raised nearly $3 million for local charities since its inception.
Are there special themed events during the dining period?
Events include special themed nights like Marrakech Nights at Helena Modern Riviera on September 20, 2025, featuring Moroccan cuisine, music, and belly dancing.
How do guests make reservations?
Reservations can be made through OpenTable on participating restaurants’ listings.
Where are participating restaurants located?
Participating restaurants are spread across six main districts, including Winter Park, Downtown, and Disney.
What parking options are available at ICON Park?
Guests can enjoy valet parking after 5 PM and free parking on higher floors at ICON Park.
What does the REED Charitable Foundation focus on?
The REED Charitable Foundation trains educators to improve early childhood literacy, with a special focus on children with dyslexia.
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Key Features Chart
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025 |
| Anniversary | 20th anniversary |
| Restaurants Participating | Over 160 Orlando-area restaurants |
| Menu Price Points | $40 and $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity |
| Charitable Contribution | $1 from every $40 meal and $2 from every $60 meal to REED Charitable Foundation |
| Special Honorees | 15 MICHELIN Guide honorees |
| First-time Participants | 26 first-time participating restaurants |
| Funds Raised to Date | Nearly $3 million |
| Reservation Platform | OpenTable on participating restaurants’ listings |
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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.
