Orlando Sentinel

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining extended through Oct. 31

- By Amy Drew Thompson 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, Or

In an unpreceden­ted year for the restaurant industry comes an unpreceden­ted move: a monthlong extension of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining.

Originally slated to run through Oct. 4, the program will continue through Oct. 31, the organizati­on announced today, citing its notable positive impact on local restaurant­s, their employees and a local charity.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining announces today that, due to the program’s notable positive impact benefiting local restaurant­s, their employees and a local charity, it will be extended through Oct. 31, thus creating the longest run in the program’s 15-year history.

“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is by far the most impactful marketing program we participat­e in annually, and, in the midst of these challengin­g times, more than ever, we are gratefully experienci­ng very strong demand for the promotion,” says Fred Thimm, owner of Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen + Bar, in a press release. “The program is not only enabling us to provide a great value to our guests, but it also is generating additional jobs and wages for our employees and much needed financial relief for our business.”

This will be the longest run in the program’s 15-year history.

“We knew that this year, more than ever, this popular seasonal program, executed in a safe and appropriat­e way, had the potential to bolster local business and employment opportunit­ies in the region, but the community’s response has exceeded even our expectatio­ns,” said George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, in the same release. “Participat­ing restaurant­s are telling us that the influx of added diners has helped them recoup lost business, keep people employed and even hire more staff. Residents also have embraced the program’s return as creating a sense of ‘normalcy’ that is encouragin­g them to resume enjoying dining across Orlando in new and safe ways.”

New to the program this year, and likely a key element in its success during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the addition of takeout

options from many participat­ing restaurant­s, as well as the addition of outdoor seating listings on the program’s website.

Diners are encouraged to check OrlandoMag­icalDining.com for the most current roster of restaurant­s and menu offerings, which are subject to change. Reservatio­ns are strongly encouraged as restaurant­s are operating under reduced capacity guidelines. The price — $35 for a prix fixe, three-course meal, with $1 per meal benefiting Feed the Need Florida — will not change.

 ?? VISIT ORLANDO/COURTESY PHOTO ?? Takeout and delivery options are being offered this year — the longest in the program’s 15-year history — allowing fans of the program to take part even if they’re not ready to dine out.
VISIT ORLANDO/COURTESY PHOTO Takeout and delivery options are being offered this year — the longest in the program’s 15-year history — allowing fans of the program to take part even if they’re not ready to dine out.

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