Taste
Best Magical Dining Month in Orlando
Orlando becomes even more magical in September of every year. During this time, the tourist season is slowing down, allowing the restaurants to have the opportunity to create fantastic dining deals. This event is referred to as Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. It usually starts on August 23 and goes on for five full weeks until September 30 of each year.
Each year, there are more than 100 participating restaurants in this magical dining event. Orlando opens up the opportunity for residents and tourists to explore new restaurants or revisit favorites to sample amazing three-course dinners at a discounted price! Consequently, restaurants joining this event have a prix fixe menu with a wide selection of appetizer, entree, and dessert. It comes at the great special pricing of $35 per person.
But what is so magical about this? Orlando’s Magical Dining Program supports local non-profit organizations. This means that part of the profit restaurants make for your meals is donated to their choice of charity!
Why was the Magical Dining Created?
Visit Orlando designed the Magical Dining program to showcase the city’s diverse and upscale dining options while helping children in need. Every year, more restaurants across Orlando are joining this noble cause.
The organizer has a list of all the participating restaurants and menus for the convenience of guests, tourists, and locals. They have also designated options for special diets like gluten-free, vegetarians and vegans and they are included in OpenTable reservations. Venues range from the Restaurant Row to Disney Springs as well as the growing neighborhoods in Downtown Orlando and beyond.
The Magical Dining Program has become a much-sought-after event that tourists and locals are already requesting for reservations a month before it starts. This eagerness spreads the word about the incredible dining choices that Orlando has to offer. More so, it also highlights the noble cause to give more back to the children in the community.
Why Should You Try It?
Orlando, Florida, is a beautiful destination for family adventures and for making truly unique memories. Here you’re sure to find something that will suit your taste - from theme parks, activities to mouth-watering meals. The range of venues can go from remarkable to exceptional dining choices.
This month-long event gives you a chance to sample culinary possibilities from venues run by world-renowned chefs as well as home-grown favorites in Orlando. When you come to visit during this season, you will realize that the city is not only famous because of the theme parks in the area. Orlando is fast emerging as a prominent dining destination, and the place continues to bloom in gastronomic quality and quantity.
And finally, joining the Magical Dining Month by sampling out special menus around the area not only gives you a luxurious experience. You are also contributing to their cause. Every year, more diners and restaurants are participating in the Orlando Magical Dining Event. It helps raise more funds for the non-profit charities supporting families in times of emergencies, therapy programs as well as the medical needs for children with special needs.
What Kind of Restaurants are Included in the Program?
The types of restaurants that diners can explore during this magical month of gastronomic adventure changes each year. Currently, the options have expanded to cover individual requirements like gluten-free diets, vegan and vegetarian. Diners have options from family-style restaurants, themed venues, romantic and steakhouses.
Family Style Restaurants
Orlando offers an exceptional array of family-style restaurants. It can be challenging to find the perfect spot that the whole family will enjoy or find a place where kids eat for free! Some of the top choices are the Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse and the Ale & Compass Restaurant. At Fogo, the whole family can enjoy southern Brazil dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. Their menu includes imported meats, seasonal salads, and cheeses. Likewise, the Ale & Compass Restaurant is a must dine at the venue at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. They offer New England comfort food as well as classic seafood dishes. The friendly atmosphere and coastal theme make it a welcoming place for kids and families.
Themed Restaurants
Orlando Magical Dining Month also features the area’s top themed restaurants. Some of the top recommendations are the T-Rex Cafe and the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando. The T-Rex Cafe is also a big hit for families with kids. This spot allows you to get up-close and personal with the dinosaurs. Their menu offers delectable treats worth sinking your teeth into. The Hard Rock Cafe is another popular dining venue because of some rare collection of music legends. They also have an impressive menu, specially prepared for the magical dining experience.
Romantic Restaurants
If you’re out for date night for the Magical Dining in Orlando, you’re also in luck. More romantic restaurants will be spoiling their diners with delicious menus offered for a fixed price. Consider visiting Hemingway’s Restaurant located at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Their Key Lime Pie is highly recommended, and they have great wine and dessert pairings on the menu. Additionally, the local diners can visit Capital Grille to enjoy romantic wining and dining. They also have their annual promotion called The Generous Pour happening alongside the Magical Dining Program’s menu.
The Best Steakhouses
Exceptional Steakhouses are also included in the Magical Dining Program. It delights diners because ordinarily, you have to splurge to sample some of the best steaks in the menu. Some of the notable venues include the Rosen Shingle Creek in Universal Blvd and STK located at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista. You may also want to try out Morton’s beautifully done steak amid the restaurants’ elegant interiors. Or how about the superb pairings of wine and steaks offered at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse? You will indeed find the Magical Dining to be a worthwhile experience.
Try Out New Restaurants
For Orlando locals who are waiting for the right opportunity to sample out the newest dining destinations, the Magical Dining Program is the best time to go out! Some notable venues are Fig’s Prime and the Wine Bar George.
Revisit Old Time Favorites
Finally, the Orlando Magical Dining event is another chance for you to revisit some of the old-school dining destinations in the area. More of these venues are joining the event to the excitement of their fans. They are also preparing special menus to participate and give diners a chance to reminisce about the taste and experience of original Orlando dining.
What Disney Restaurants are Included in the Magical Dining Event?
Magical Dining Orlando is indeed more magical for Disney goers in September! It’s a rare chance for you to participate in the program while you also enjoy the wondrous Disney experience. Several Disney restaurants join this annual event with the bulk at Disney Springs. Choose from JALEO, Morimoto Asia, STK Orlando, Wine Bar George, The Edison, Maria and Enzo’s Ristorante, Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill, Terralina Crafted Italian, Paddlefish Restaurant and Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant.
Other locations include Walt Disney World Swan’s II Mulino New York Trattoria and Walt Disney World Dolphin’s Todd English’s Blue Zoo. For a full list of restaurants participating in the Magical Dining Experience, guests and diners may check out the Visit Orlando page or the official Magical Dining month site.
What Kind of Food are Offered During the Magical Dining Month?
Orlando Magical Dining month opens up a diverse dining experience for locals and tourists alike. Given the fixed price point, foodies can quickly try out numerous restaurants without breaking the bank! A three-course meal at $35 is a considerable saving.
Each participating restaurant prepares a special menu that they present in connection with the event. Magical Dining menus are consists of an Appetizer, Entree, and Dessert. Some venues also offer deals on wine and discounts for other meals in conjunction with the event.
With an extensive array of establishments joining the event each year, diners will always have somewhere to go whatever cravings they have. You can find the freshest seafood choices, yummiest comfort foods, juiciest steaks, delectable desserts and more! International cuisines are ranging from American, Italian, Brazilian, French, Peruvian, Asian and many more.
Do You Need Reservations?
While Magical Dining menus are automatically offered to walk-in diners at participating restaurants, it is recommended to make reservations where it is accepted. These prix-fixe meals will be on a special menu, so make sure to inform your server that you are participating in the Magical Dining Month when you arrive at your venue.
Why Else Should You Visit Orlando in September?
The fall season in Orlando is a beautiful time to explore and enjoy the scenery and events in the area. It is considered as a low-season, thus tourists and visitors can enjoy more affordable rates on accommodations and shorter queue lines at world-renowned theme parks.
Visiting Orlando in fall provides you with lovelier weather and lesser crowds. It is the best time for you to sample out the best cuisines offered at Magical Dining Month and other Food and Wine Festival happening during this month.
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