As a reminder, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, officially ends its six-week run on Tuesday, September 30th.
Celebrating its 20th year, the program features a record 160+ restaurants – including 15 MICHELIN-recognized and 24 new participants – with three-course, prix-fixe menus at $40 or $60.
Each meal also gives back to the community by supporting the REED Charitable Foundation, continuing a tradition that has raised nearly $3 million for local nonprofits since 2009. Donation totals, along with recognition of top-performing restaurant partners, will be announced at Visit Orlando’s Annual Year-End Luncheon on December 11th.
Menus, details, and reservations are available at OrlandoMagicalDining.com. Other need to know details:
- Record Participation: 160+ restaurants, including 24 newcomers and 15 MICHELIN-recognized
- Three-Course Menus: $40 or $60 prix-fixe menus (+ tax/gratuity), with $1 or $2 per meal donated
- Charity: This year’s primary beneficiary is REED Charitable Foundation, supporting early childhood literacy (nearly $3M raised since 2009)
- Anniversary Dish: Many restaurants will offer a special 20th Anniversary Dish
- Reservations: Book online at online, with filters for location, price and dietary needs
Each year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining selects nonprofit organizations that make an impact on the Orlando community as charity beneficiaries, with $1 for each $40 meal and $2 for each $60 meal going toward the organization. This year’s beneficiary is REED Charitable Foundation, focused on ending the literacy crisis by ensuring all children have access to reading instruction based on how the brain learns to read, through educator training that’s both affordable and accessible.
“For 20 years, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has been a cornerstone program supporting both our restaurant community and local nonprofits—raising nearly $3 million to date,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With a record-breaking number of restaurants participating this year, we’re proud to see the community come together again to continue this legacy of impact, with REED Charitable Foundation serving as our primary beneficiary.”
REED Charitable Foundation has worked with organizations including Orange County Public Schools, Lift Orlando, Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, Adult Literacy League, UCP Charter Schools and the Winter Park Library, among others to implement programs that help equip children with the tools to read, succeed and thrive.
“We are deeply honored and grateful to be chosen as the nonprofit beneficiary for the 20th anniversary of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program,” said Jennifer Ford Knopf, president and founding director of the Reed Charitable Foundation. “Thanks to the generous support of this program, REED Charitable Foundation will be able to further its mission and expand our impact across Orlando by ensuring every child has an educator in their life who can confidently teach them how to read.”
Visit Orlando will also award a $3,000 donation to a local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts, supporting the expansion of educator training programs. This year’s charities are: Boys 2 Men Mentoring, Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, Finding the Lost Sheep, Nuevo Sendero, Samaritan Resource Center and The Therapy Wish.
Orlando Health joined as presenting sponsor under a multi-year agreement, reinforcing its role as Visit Orlando’s official Health & Wellness Partner. This is an extension of a current partnership between Visit Orlando and Orlando Health, which commits to healthy travel and offers high-quality, health-care options and medical services for visitors to the destination.
“We’re so pleased to celebrate Magical Dining, which has been enjoyed by our local community and visitors alike for two decades now,” said Erick Hawkins, chief administrative officer, Orlando Health, and Visit Orlando board member. “As the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Visit Orlando, Orlando Health is proud to sponsor this program that supports our city and gives back to organizations working to serve the community. Congratulations to Visit Orlando on 20 years of such a beloved tradition.”
