Disney World and kashrut

MOSHE DANN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

For the average traveller and even for those who like amusement parks, Walt Disney World can be an overwhelming experience; there's so much to see and do. For those who observe the laws of kashrut, it can also be difficult and expensive.

Everyone warns you about are the lines and they're right. There's no getting around them, especially on popular rides, like Splash and Thunder Mountain. The lines wind back and forth, like switchbacks, so that it's difficult to gauge how long it will take to get into the ride or show; an hour's wait is not unusual. Carry gum, snacks or drinks and lots of patience.

Everything at Disney is expensive. The drinks are kosher, at $1.50 US for a very small bottle or cup, but that and ice cream are about all you can get quickly in the park itself. There are only a few drinking fountains, so you must carry plenty of water.

Kosher food is available with 24-hours notice at the hotels and it is sometimes possible to arrange to be served the same day that you order - but not always. The food is frozen airplane dinners which cost about $15 US each, not including drinks, bread (where available) or dessert.

The only other alternative is the Kosher Korner restaurant, which is about a 45-minute ride away from the park. They deliver a variety of home-cooked meals at a slightly cheaper price than the airplane dinners. You must order in the morning for your meals to arrive at dinner time. If you want them warmed up, the hotel will accommodate you, for a charge.

Most hotels offer a small snack area where you can buy a tiny box of cereal for $1.50 US, bottled juices, crackers and fruit. There is a supermarket just outside the park, but the only way to get there is by cab (about $10 US each way). So, unless you bring your own food into your hotel and the park beforehand, you're stuck. Without wheels, the best idea is pack a suitcase and cooler with the food you want before you arrive at the park.

If you can stay in or near Disney World, you'll save a lot of time just getting in and out of the three main parks, the Magic Kingdom (amusements), MGM (movies) and EPCOT (exhibits). But, of course, it's more expensive. I found the Dolphin to be the least expensive hotel and the service was wonderful.

There are often discounts available at the hotels, but you should arrange this beforehand. If you aren't eligible, and choose to stay outside the park, free shuttle services are provided.

There are two entrance passes: one-day, limited entrance to one park only; four-day, unlimited entrance to all three parks. For some reason, there are no three-day passes. If you arrive in the afternoon or evening and want to enter the park, you are charged for the day. The parks are open until midnight and each day ends with a spectacular fireworks show.

The Magic Kingdom and MGM will be the most enticing parts of Disney World for children. EPCOT has many corporate-sponsored exhibits, some of which are interesting. For example, GM sponsors one on the history of travel, ATT on communications, etc. At the exhibit of Man and Body, there is a thrilling ride through the body.

Everything is organized to get you to purchase expensive items that relate to what you have just seen. For example, the Mickey Mouse show ends up in a Mickey Mouse store. Adults will realize this gimmick, but you'll have to deal with the kids who have just been set up and are dazzled.

There are discounts available that can be arranged through your travel agent when you're planning your trip and there are several hotels in the park that you can call for their prices. Be sure to ask whether you are entitled to discounts. Try your business, airline, credit cards or ask them for suggestions.

Disney World can be reached at 1-800-647-7900; they will answer your questions and you can make reservations. The number for Kosher Korner is 1-800-356-7437 (1-800-3-kosher) or 813-834-4335 in Florida.

Dr. Moshe Dann is an author and licensed tour guide living in Jerusalem. He can be reached at [email protected].

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