It’s time to bust out those calendars, Foodies, as the return of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is deliciously imminent. From Aug. 27 – Oct. 3, more than 80 restaurants will be offering three-course, prix-fixe meals price at $37.
Menus for most participating restaurants are already live at MagicalDining.com, so you and your Magical Dining partners can start dishing on the dishes.
“Now in its 16th year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining continues to evolve with new features to make it easier for diners to research restaurant options, share plans and recommendations with others and even create a weekend getaway,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando, in a press release. “Magical Dining is an important program for our community because of both the money raised for charitable organizations and the support it provides to our local restaurants, who are still working hard to recover from a challenging year.”
New this year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights, through which diners can opt-in for offers on overnight stays at participating hotels and resorts, including up to 30% off a Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort stay or a free ride on The Wheel with popcorn and soft drinks for up to four people from the Element by Westin.
Updates to the MagicalDining.com website include new tools allowing diners to “favorite” their picks and create a game plan and as usual, there are some new participants. Joining the roster for the first time this year: 310 Lakeside, 310 Park South, Adega Gaucha, Aurora at the Celeste, Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe and RusTeak at Thornton Park.
A full list is available on the website — and the leash has been let out for chefs whose creativity will bring guests additional choices. Participating venues have the option of adding a bonus dish, a “Chef’s Creation” that’s not offered on the regular menu.
Takeout options will be back this year, as well, so participants can feel the magic in the comfort of home, but no matter where the food’s enjoyed, you’ll be dining with a purpose as every year one dollar from each meal is donated to local charities. This year, the funds will focus on two: Pathlight HOME and IDignity, which help combat homelessness in Central Florida and facilitate access to necessary services. For more information, visit magicaldining.com/charity/.
Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinel’s new Facebook Forum, Let’s Eat, Orlando.
