ORLANDO — For the average traveler and even for those who like amusement parks, Disneyworld can be an overwhelming experience; there’s so much to see and do. But for those who observe the laws of kashrut, it can be difficult and expensive. First, the “fun.”
Everyone warns you about 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 chewing gum, snacks, drinks and lots of patience.
Everything at Disney is expensive. The drinks are kosher — $1.50 for a very small cup — but that and ice cream are about all you can get quickly within the park. 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 each, not including drinks, bread (where available), or desert.
The only other alternative is the Kosher Korner restaurant, about a 45-minute ride from the park. It delivers a variety of home-cooked meals at a slightly cheaper price than the airplane meals. You must order in the morning for your food to arrive at dinner time. If you want it 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, bottled juices, crackers and fruit. There is a supermarket just outside the park, but the only way to get there is by taxi (about $10 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 to pack a suitcase and cooler with the food you want before you arrive at the park.
If you can stay in or near Disneyworld, you’ll save a lot of time just getting in and out of the three main parks, Magic Kingdom, MGM, and Epcot Center. But, of course, it’s more expensive. The Dolphin may be the least costly accommodations with the best service.
There are often discounts available at the hotels, but you should inquire in advance. If you aren’t eligible, and choose to stay outside the park, free shuttle services are provided.
The entrance passes include one-day, limited entrance to one park only and 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 end each day with a spectacular fireworks show.
Magic Kingdom and MGM will be most enticing for children. Epcot has many corporate-sponsored exhibits, some of which are interesting. For example, GM sponsors one on the history of travel, AT&T on communications, etc. At the exhibit of Man and Body, there is a thrilling ride through a replica of the human body.
Everything is calculated 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.
AAA discounts can be arranged through your agent when you’re planning your trip. There are several hotels in the park and you can call them for prices. Be sure to ask whether you are entitled to discounts. Try your business, airline, credit cards, or ask them for suggestions. Unfamiliar as one may be to such encounters, often the representatives can be most helpful.
Some useful phone numbers:
Disneyworld: (800) 647-7900 to answer questions and make reservations.
Kosher Korner: (800) 356-7437 (which spells kosher); 834-4335 within Florida.