Program launches Aug. 14; OCA named primary charity beneficiary providing resources for individuals with autism

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ORLANDO, Fla. (July 14, 2026) – Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, presented by Orlando Health, returns for its 21st year with a record-breaking 187 participating restaurants. Running Aug. 14-Sept. 30, the program features 36 new restaurants and 15 MICHELIN Guide-recognized establishments, each offering three-course, prix-fixe menus priced at $40 or $60, plus tax and gratuity. Menus are now live on OrlandoMagicalDining.com, with filters for location, price point and dietary preferences. Diners are encouraged to book reservations as early as possible.  

New additions this year include for the first time ever a Michelin-starred restaurant with OMO by Jônt’s $60 menu, two options at the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, live music and dinner with a $40 menu at a cozy jazz club, a rooftop restaurant with nightly fireworks views and even a private pickleball club restaurant opening to the public exclusively for Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining.  

“This is shaping up to be the biggest year in the history of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, with a record 187 restaurants participating across the destination,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “What makes this program so special is that everyone benefits. Diners can enjoy exceptional meals at a great value, local restaurants welcome new and returning customers, and every meal helps support nonprofits that are making a difference in Central Florida. Few programs create this kind of positive impact for restaurants, diners and our community all at the same time, and Visit Orlando is proud to bring this signature event to life each year.” 

Dine for a Cause  

Each year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining supports local nonprofits by donating $1 for each $40 meal and $2 for each $60 meal to designated charity beneficiaries. The primary beneficiary for 2026 is OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability), an organization that provides programs and resources for individuals with autism and developmental differences and their families, and partners with other regional and national organizations. Funds raised will support therapy scholarships, increasing access to critical services and support, as well as programs that help guide adults with special needs in defining life after high school with purpose, independence and meaningful connection. 
 
"Every investment in OCA helps create opportunities that can change the course of someone's life,” said Silvia Haas, CEO of OCA. “Being selected as a charity beneficiary of Visit Orlando's Magical Dining is an incredible honor that will help us expand programs that empower individuals with special needs while providing families with the support, resources, and community they need to thrive together." 
 
Visit Orlando also awards $3,000 donations to local nonprofits in each of Orange County's six commission districts. This year’s recipients are Children's Safety Village, The Daily Bread, Nathaniel's Hope, NextStep Orlando, The Nurture Place, and Victim Service Center of Central Florida. 

Since the charity component was added in 2009, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has raised nearly $3.3 million for local charities. In 2025 alone, the program donated $398,307 to local charities, with REED Charitable Foundation being the primary beneficiary. REED has already made impactful use of the funds, engaging volunteers to deliver literacy-rich experiences to students across Orange County and distributing books to families in the Heart of West Lakes to help build home libraries.  

Orlando Health returns as presenting sponsor for the third year, reinforcing its role as Visit Orlando’s official Health & Wellness Partner. Together, Visit Orlando and Orlando Health are committed to promoting healthy travel and ensuring visitors have access to high-quality, health-care options and medical resources in the destination. 

“Everyone who participates in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, from our local community to visitors from around the world, is making a powerful impact," said Erick Hawkins, chief financial officer, Orlando Health, and Visit Orlando board member. "We're proud to continue partnering on this program, which is helping our local nonprofits expand their reach and promoting a stronger, healthier Central Florida." 

Magical Nights 

Recently named the number one staycation destination in the U.S. by WalletHub, Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights, the companion program to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is an easy way to enjoy the destination and culinary scene. From Aug. 14 to Sept. 30 find exclusive offers that pair memorable prix-fixe dining experiences with special offers at Evermore Orlando Resort, Grande Lakes Orlando, Hilton Orlando, Lake Nona Wave, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and more. More offers will be added in the coming weeks. 

36 New and Noteworthy Restaurants for 2026 

  • Alma Argentina – Celebration ($40) 
  • Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel – International Drive ($60)  
  • Conquistador Bar & Restaurant at Mission Resort + Club – Howey in the Hills ($40) 
  • Daniel Gabor's – Ocoee ($40) 
  • Estefan Kitchen – Kissimmee ($40) 
  • Flora Taverna at Universal Helios Grand Hotel – International Drive ($40) 
  • Fuji Sushi – Altamonte Springs ($40) 
  • H&H Brazilian Steakhouse – Kissimmee ($60) 
  • Hamlin House – Downtown Orlando ($40) 
  • Hokkaido Sushi and Teppan – Winter Springs ($40) 
  • illume – JW Marriott Bonnet Creek ($60) 
  • Jala Indian Cuisine – Winter Park ($40) 
  • Jazz Tastings – Maitland ($40) 
  • Lizzy’s Live – Sand Lake ($40) 
  • Mamazzita Gastro Bar – Sand Lake ($40) 
  • Manzzo Cuisine – Windermere ($40) 
  • Mordisco Steakhouse – International Drive ($40) 
  • Mosonori – Sand Lake ($40) 
  • Mosonori – Winter Park ($40)  
  • ÔMO by Jônt – Winter Park ($60) 
  • Osteria Ester – Thornton Park ($40) 
  • Palma Italian Kitchen – Champions Gate ($40) 
  • Papparella Trattoria – Sand Lake ($40) 
  • Pisco Peruvian Gastrobar – Lake Mary ($40) 
  • Primo by Melissa Kelly – International Drive ($60) 
  • Salt & Ember – Mount Dora ($60) 
  • Simply Capri – Winter Garden ($40) 
  • Stone & Current – Kissimmee ($40) 
  • Sushi Saint – Winter Park ($40) 
  • Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine – International Drive ($40) 
  • Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine – Lake Mary ($40)  
  • The Grove Bar & Grill – Winter Park ($60) 
  • Trevi’s – Champions Gate ($40) 
  • Vesuvio – College Park ($40) 
  • Vines by H – Sand Lake ($40)  
  • Yao’s – Oviedo ($40) 

15 participating restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide Florida 

  • 1921 Mount Dora – Mount Dora ($60) 
  • AVA MediterrAegean – Winter Park ($60) 
  • BACÁN – Lake Nona ($60) 
  • Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen – Lake Buena Vista ($60) 
  • Kabooki Sushi – Downtown Orlando ($60) 
  • Kaya – Mills 50 District ($60) 
  • Maxine's on Shine – Mills 50 District ($40) 
  • ÔMO by Jônt – Winter Park ($60) 
  • Osteria Ester – Thornton Park ($40) 
  • Otto’s High Dive – The Milk District ($40) 
  • Primo by Melissa Kelly – ($60) 
  • Ravello – Lake Buena Vista ($60) 
  • Sushi Saint – Downtown Orlando ($40) 
  • The Pinery – Ivanhoe Village ($40) 
  • The Ravenous Pig – Winter Park ($40) 
     

About OCA  

OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability) is a nonprofit serving youth and adults with autism and other special needs in Central Florida. OCA’s mission is to empower individuals and their families to fully engage and thrive in the community. What started as a conversation on a park bench in 2008 has grown into a dynamic organization serving more than 300 children and adults each year across Central Florida with therapy, recreation, vocational training, and life skills programs. With every program, OCA aims to remove barriers and create opportunities, so every participant can live with purpose, connect with peers, and reach their potential. 

OCA focuses on what each individual can do—because our community is full of joy, strength, and incredible ability. For more information, please visit GoOCA.org

About Orlando Health 

Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $12 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 23, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). 

About Visit Orlando    

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world’s top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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