What if your next meal could help a child learn to read?
That’s the magic behind this year’s Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health. And with September also being National Literacy Month, the timing couldn’t be more meaningful.
Now through Sept. 30, $1 from every $40 meal and $2 from every $60 meal served during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining will support REED Charitable Foundation, an organization working to end 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.
To date, REED Charitable Foundation has trained 1,376 educators and impacted more than 172,000 students across Orange County. That’s the kind of ripple effect that changes lives.
In a recent video, Jennifer Knopf, president and founding director of REED Charitable Foundation, shares the personal story that inspired her to launch the foundation. Her passion is echoed by Jamie Merrill, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, who said, “Our kids can't go out and be the leaders of tomorrow if they can't read and write. That's when we started partnering with REED Charitable Foundation.” Their voices reflect the deep impact the foundation has on students in classrooms and in students’ futures.
Since 2009, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised nearly $3 million for local charities. Over the years, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has supported organizations like The Lifeboat Project, which helps survivors of human trafficking; iDignity and Pathlight HOME, which address homelessness; and The Mustard Seed of Central Florida, which helps families rebuild after hardship. Each of these nonprofits reflects the heart of our region — and the collective power of how Visit Orlando, our region and the tourism industry give back to our community.
In 2025, Visit Orlando will also award $3,000 donations to nonprofits in each of Orange County’s six commission districts:
- Boys 2 Men Mentoring
- Early Learning Coalition of Orange County
- Finding the Lost Sheep
- Nuevo Sendero
- Samaritan Resource Center
- Therapy Wish
Every reservation counts. Every meal gives back. Let’s keep showing up — for our restaurants, for REED Charitable Foundation and for the future of our community.
Make your reservation today at OrlandoMagicalDining.com and be part of something truly magical.
Data & Trends
July Tourist Development Tax Collections
Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections received by Orange County for the July 2025 TDT collection month were $29,571,100. That is a 11.1% increase compared to July 2024. July 2025 delivered the strongest July collections on record.
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy in July grew slightly year-over-year by +0.4%, settling at 71.2%, with room demand increasing at a stronger rate of 1.3%. The average daily rate climbed to $180.87, representing a 4.2% increase over the same time period last year ($173.59). Leisure bookings led the growth, up 3.8% from last year, while group demand remained steady. The Orange County Convention Center reported a 4.7% increase in citywide attendance, supported by major events such as AAU Volleyball extending into early July, ICAST and the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. Short-term rentals also experienced robust demand growth (+15% year-over-year).
Weekly Hotel Metrics
Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending August 30, 2025, was 61.4%, up 3.5% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $166.18, up 5.9% from last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 5.3%.
Around the Destination
Apopka Tour with Orange County District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore
As part of Visit Orlando’s Neighborhood Series, our team joined Orange County District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore for a half-day tour through West Orange and Apopka. We were happy to have representatives from Orlando Economic Partnership and GoPegasus join us as well. From Magnolia Park and the West Orange Trail to the emerging Downtown Apopka Entertainment District and Amphitheater, we explored local treasures with strong visitor appeal. We also gained valuable insight into future development plans that support regional growth.
These immersive experiences help us elevate the stories of the various neighborhoods in Orange County and uncover new ways to inspire visitation and media interest. Special thanks to Commissioner Moore for hosting our team on this collaborative and insightful tour!
Visit Orlando Engaged!
Smart Meetings’ Luxury Experience Event in Orlando
Smart Meetings hosted its Luxury Experience event at Conrad Orlando, drawing top-tier meeting professionals from across the country. Visit Orlando’s Chief Sales Officer Lisa Messina welcomed attendees at the opening reception, highlighting the destination’s blend of luxury accommodations, elevated dining and exclusive experiences.
From the newly opened Conrad Orlando and Evermore Resort to MICHELIN-starred restaurants and VIP theme park offerings, Lisa showcased why Orlando should be top of the list for luxury-focused corporate events. Events like this offer a unique opportunity to bring meeting professionals to our destination, for a firsthand experience that will elevate Orlando in the future consideration set.
Visit Orlando Connects with Meeting Professionals
Visit Orlando recently participated in the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) in Toronto, Canada’s largest and longest-running trade show for meeting professionals. With Canada being one of Orlando’s top international markets, this show offered a key opportunity to connect with planners and partners, reinforce our destination’s value, welcoming message and keep Orlando in the considerations set for future sourcing decisions.
Joined by Visit Orlando members Mango’s Orlando, Lake Nona Hotels, Caribe Royale and Rosen Hotels, our team engaged with Canadian and U.S. planners, strategic site selection partners and Florida peers. From networking on the show floor to celebrating industry milestones at the Last Call event, CMEE reminded us how important it is to maintain strong relationships across borders. These connections help drive long-term business and keep Orlando front and center in a competitive global landscape.
In the News
National Geographic: Orlando’s Mills 50 might be the most interesting neighborhood in Florida
Horizon West Magazine: Magical Dining returns with local restaurants in the spotlight
Netmums (UK): Orlando with the grandparents – fun for every generation
Forbes: The world’s happiest places to visit in 2025
