It’s officially here! Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, kicks off today and runs through Sept. 30, offering residents and visitors one of the most anticipated dining experiences of the year.

This year’s program features three-course, prix-fixe menus for $40 or $60 at more than 160 restaurants across Central Florida. Diners can explore 24 new restaurants, 15 MICHELIN Guide-recognized eateries and a new twist — special edition dishes at select locations. Plus, with Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights, guests can pair their dining experience with exclusive hotel offers at more than 20 Orlando properties.

As always, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining supports our community. Through Visit Orlando, $1 from every $40 meal and $2 from every $60 meal served will benefit 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. Visit Orlando will also award $3,000 donations to nonprofits in each of Orange County’s six commission districts.

To help spread the word, your Visit Orlando team has been actively promoting Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining to residents, visitors, influencers and even Yelpers. We hosted two media preview dinners with foodie journalists and influencers at newcomers to the program Otto’s High Dive and The Palm Tree Club. We also partnered with Yelp Orlando, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary for its Orlando Elite Squad dinners, for a special event at Everglades Restaurant at the Rosen Centre which holds the title as the longest-tenured restaurant in the Magical Dining program.

Whether you’re planning a date night, catching up with friends or colleagues, or simply exploring new flavors, Visit Orland’s Magical Dining is the perfect way to enjoy Orlando’s culinary scene while giving back. Start browsing menus and booking reservations at OrlandoMagicalDining.com, where you can filter by neighborhood, menu tier and dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.

Please help us spread the word by sharing your experiences on social media using #MagicalDining.

Bon appétit!

Multi Gen Family Travel Influencer Collaboration

Part of Visit Orlando’s Orlando For All campaign, we created a custom video collaboration with NGLmitu, a leading digital media company that connects with U.S. Latinx audiences, features influencer Fernanda Romero as she embarks on a heartwarming multigenerational adventure in Orlando. Joined by her mother and young son, Fernanda explores the destination’s vibrant attractions, family-friendly experiences and cultural richness — showcasing how Orlando brings generations together through unforgettable moments.

This video continues our commitment to welcoming storytelling and strengthens our connection with Latinx audiences seeking meaningful travel experiences. It’s another way Visit Orlando highlights the power of family travel and the lasting memories made right here in our destination.

Data & Trends

Weekly Hotel Metrics

Metro Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate for the week ending August 9, 2025, was 65.2% which was up 4.5% from the same week last year. The average daily rate for the week was $158.87 which was down -0.3% from last year. Room night demand surpassed last year by 6.3%.

Around the Destination

Orlando Business Journal Reveals 34 Most Influential Leaders

Congratulations to Visit Orlando board members Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort, and Steven Jamieson, corporate director of operations at The Forbes Company (The Mall at Millenia), on being named part of Orlando Business Journal’s 34 Most Influential Leaders list. With representation across hospitality, technology, professional services and more, this year’s honorees reflect the depth of leadership driving our region forward. Their vision and commitment continue to elevate Orlando’s standing as a world-class destination.

Posthumous recognition was also given to two industry icons whose legacies helped shape the foundation of our tourism economy—Harris Rosen, founder of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, and David Siegel, founder of Westgate Resorts. Their contributions remain deeply woven into the fabric of Central Florida’s hospitality story.

I-Drive Chamber Monthly Luncheon

On Aug. 14, the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly luncheon at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, where representatives from Universal Orlando Resort shared updates shaping the future of our destination. Economists predict Epic Universe could generate nearly $2 billion in its first year, create 17,500 new jobs and contribute $13 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue—underscoring the power of innovation to drive growth.  
 
This year, Universal is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Universal Studios Florida and the 34th year of Halloween Horror Nights. Globally, the brand continues to expand with the openings of Donkey Kong Country in Japan and Minion Land in Singapore. Attending these luncheons allows for our organization to stay connected with our partners and up to date with local developments.

Build-a-Bear Workshop Breaks Ground at ICON Park

Build-A-Bear Workshop, ICON Park and Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings broke ground on what will be the largest Build-A-Bear store in the brand’s history. Opening in 2026 at ICON Park, this multi-level location will bring new interactive experiences to the heart of International Drive, blending Build-A-Bear’s signature “make-your-own” fun with fresh, immersive elements for guests of all ages. This major investment highlights Orlando’s strength as a top-tier destination for family-friendly entertainment and retail experiences. We look forward to welcoming Build-A-Bear’s biggest store and seeing the positive impact it will have on elevating the experiences for visitors and residents.

Visit Orlando Engaged!

Visit Orlando Attends ASAE Annual Meeting, Orlando to Host in 2031

Visit Orlando joined thousands of association professionals and industry partners at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition — often referred to as the “Super Bowl of meetings”— in Los Angeles. It’s the world’s largest annual educational and networking conference for the association profession.

The event is a premier opportunity for Visit Orlando and our partners to engage directly with decision-makers on the trade show floor and promote Orlando as a leading convention destination. In August 2024, Orlando was selected as the host city for ASAE’s 2031 Annual Meeting. Hosting major events like ASAE’s Annual Meeting can bring long-term benefits to our destination by opening the doors to future business opportunities. We’re proud to be the future home of this event and look forward to showcasing all that Orlando has to offer.

National Celebrate Services Week

Visit Orlando partnered with the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) to celebrate National Celebrate Services Week — a nationwide initiative created to spotlight the essential role of event service professionals, advocate for the profession, foster peer-to-peer networking and encourage giving back to local communities. Visit Orlando hosted a networking event at Café Tu Tu Tango, bringing together event service professionals to explore and learn about the people and places that make Orlando Unbelievably Real.

ESPA, the leading organization for event and convention service professionals, champions the people who turn ideas into experiences and help destinations like Orlando thrive. We’re proud to support their mission and celebrate the many events services teams who bring Visit Orlando and our destination’s story to life every day.

FIA Business School Students Engage with Orlando’s Business Leaders

As part of our commitment to educating future global leaders, Visit Orlando partnered with Rollins College’s Crummer Graduate School, the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) to speak with 15 students from FIA Business School of São Paulo, Brazil. The visit was part of an international immersion program designed to introduce students to Central Florida’s economic and cultural landscape. Moderated by Crummer Professor Henrique Correa, the program featured:

• Jason Siegel, president and CEO of GO Sports, who shared key business trends and opportunities within the sports industry.
• Pedro de Melo Rodrigues, research and strategy coordinator at the Orlando Economic Partnership, covered the Central Florida’s dynamic business landscape.
• Wesley Costa, Visit Orlando’s director of international marketing, provided an overview of Visit Orlando and our international marketing opportunities to bring more global visitors to Orlando.

In the News

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