Kosher meal during Hanukkah

[rentayenta]

As our plans stand now we will be in the World during Hanukkah and I am wondering if anyone has had a delicious kosher meal while in the World? I know I can call almost any restaurant and they'll make something kosher but not all kosher is created equal. I am still not quite sure how they can even call it kosher because I cannot imagine any of the restaurants are set up for kosher cooking and storing of food. Generally we don't mix meat and milk and keep a relaxed kosher as I don't have 2 kitchens.

 

[Cindyrellablue]

I heard that the Kosher Meals are prepackaged meals that are brought over to the restaurant you choose.

I found this on All Ears:

ost Walt Disney World Resort table service restaurants that accept Advance Reservations can accommodate Kosher needs if requested at least 1 day in advance by 407-WDW-DINE.

At Family Style or Buffet locations Guest will only receive one meal, this will not be all-you-care-to-eat. Guests will be charged the regular buffet or all-you-care-to-eat price.

Guests using their dining/resort package entitlements for dining will be able to mirror those entitlements for Kosher Meals (ex. if the package entitlements are 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert, then the Guest may order 1 Kosher appetizer, 1 Kosher entree, and 1 Kosher dessert.)

**********

Kosher Meals Available without Advance Requests at the following locations:

Animal Kingdom - Pizzafari
Disney's Hollywood Studios - ABC Commissary
Epcot: Liberty Inn - American Adventure
Magic Kingdom - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - Tomorrowland

All Star Food Courts: World Premiere (Movies)
Intermission (Music) and End Zone (Sports)
Caribbean Beach - Old Port Royale Food Court
Pop Century - Everything Pop Dining
Port Orleans French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Port Orleans Riverside - Riverside Mill Food Court

Kosher meals not offered at Garden View Afternoon Tea, Teppanyaki Dining Room, Gulliver's Grill, Palio, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club, Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Cafe, Shula's Steakhouse, Todd English's bluezoo, and Fresh Mediterranean Market. However, call several days in advance to inquire.

Prices for entrees are the same for adults and children except when ordering a kid's meal entree.

Dinner Show Prices: Guests are charged the regular dinner show prices. Guests will only receive one meal, this will not be all-you-care-to-eat.

Buffets and all-you-care-to-eat locations: Guests will only receive one meal, this will not be all-you-care-to-eat. Guest will be charged Kosher Meal price.

Credit Card Guarantee: Credit card is required as a guarantee. Full price of ordered meals will be charged if guest no-shows.

Packages: 1 appetizer, 1 entree and 1 dessert per guest apply to package plans (including Deluxe Magic, Grand Plan, etc.)

PACKAGING: Entrees are plated on an ovenable three compartment plastic dish, wrapped in a Kosher labeled ovenable bag. Entrees include a vegetable and starch accompaniment, two dinner rolls and stainless utensils. Pasta shells include only the vegetable, no starch. Meals are individually boxed.

VENDOR INFORMATION: Weberman products are Glatt Kosher and are certified by Orthodox Rabbinical Council of South Florida (O.R.C.) and by the National Koshruth organization (N.K.)

For menu pricing and menu specifics, please contact 407-WDW-DINE.

A very helpful reader, Eli, tells me that there is a kosher restaurant right off WDW property called Kosher Korner and it is off I-4 at exit 27 (Lake Buena Vista exit) and is under the rabbinical supervision of "HABAD".

 

[rentayenta]

I heard that the Kosher Meals are prepackaged meals that are brought over to the restaurant you choose. I found this on All Ears:

ost Walt Disney World Resort table service restaurants that accept Advance Reservations can accommodate Kosher needs if requested at least 1 day in advance by 407-WDW-DINE.

At Family Style or Buffet locations Guest will only receive one meal, this will not be all-you-care-to-eat. Guests will be charged the regular buffet or all-you-care-to-eat price.

Guests using their dining/resort package entitlements for dining will be able to mirror those entitlements for Kosher Meals (ex. if the package entitlements are 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 1 dessert, then the Guest may order 1 Kosher appetizer, 1 Kosher entree, and 1 Kosher dessert.)

**********

Kosher Meals Available without Advance Requests at the following locations:

Animal Kingdom - Pizzafari
Disney's Hollywood Studios - ABC Commissary
Epcot: Liberty Inn - American Adventure
Magic Kingdom - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café - Tomorrowland

All Star Food Courts: World Premiere (Movies)
Intermission (Music) and End Zone (Sports)
Caribbean Beach - Old Port Royale Food Court
Pop Century - Everything Pop Dining
Port Orleans French Quarter - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Port Orleans Riverside - Riverside Mill Food Court

Kosher meals not offered at Garden View Afternoon Tea, Teppanyaki Dining Room, Gulliver's Grill, Palio, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club, Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Cafe, Shula's Steakhouse, Todd English's bluezoo, and Fresh Mediterranean Market. However, call several days in advance to inquire.

Prices for entrees are the same for adults and children except when ordering a kid's meal entree.

Dinner Show Prices: Guests are charged the regular dinner show prices. Guests will only receive one meal, this will not be all-you-care-to-eat.

Buffets and all-you-care-to-eat locations: Guests will only receive one meal, this will not be all-you-care-to-eat. Guest will be charged Kosher Meal price.

Credit Card Guarantee: Credit card is required as a guarantee. Full price of ordered meals will be charged if guest no-shows.

Packages: 1 appetizer, 1 entree and 1 dessert per guest apply to package plans (including Deluxe Magic, Grand Plan, etc.)

PACKAGING: Entrees are plated on an ovenable three compartment plastic dish, wrapped in a Kosher labeled ovenable bag. Entrees include a vegetable and starch accompaniment, two dinner rolls and stainless utensils. Pasta shells include only the vegetable, no starch. Meals are individually boxed.

VENDOR INFORMATION: Weberman products are Glatt Kosher and are certified by Orthodox Rabbinical Council of South Florida (O.R.C.) and by the National Koshruth organization (N.K.)

For menu pricing and menu specifics, please contact 407-WDW-DINE.

A very helpful reader, Eli, tells me that there is a kosher restaurant right off WDW property called Kosher Korner and it is off I-4 at exit 27 (Lake Buena Vista exit) and is under the rabbinical supervision of "HABAD".

Darn, I was afraid of that! I had glanced at the Allears info but wasn't sure how they'd cook a Kosher meal onsite. Bugger! I really don't want some pre-packed pre-made meal. Looks like they are made offsite thus not fresh. At all.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

Darn, I was afraid of that! I had glanced at the Allears info but wasn't sure how they'd cook a Kosher meal onsite. Bugger! I really don't want some pre-packed pre-made meal. Looks like they are made offsite thus not fresh. At all.

For TS, the kosher meals are like upscale airline food -- like what you get in business class. The portion sizes were average, nothing huge. The chefs are very helpful, and were willing to also make a fresh tossed salad using clean, cold utensils. They even provided packaged salad dressing (Ken's) because their house-made would not be acceptable.

For CS, there are at least two pre-packaged choices at each location. They have separate microwaves and instructions for heating the food -- they puncture only the outer seal. The meals are OK, portions average, but really nothing special.

During Passover, kosher for passover meals are available only a TS locations. You can even order a pre-packaged seder plate.

Overall I applaud Disney for their effort.

ETA: There is a glaat kosher restaurant about 5 minutes from DTD. It is completely lacking in ambience and decor, but the food is wonderful. Prices are about the same as NY or DC, portions are huge. We eat here at least once each trip, usually twice.

 

[rentayenta]

For TS, the kosher meals are like upscale airline food -- like what you get in business class. The portion sizes were average, nothing huge. The chefs are very helpful, and were willing to also make a fresh tossed salad using clean, cold utensils. They even provided packaged salad dressing (Ken's) because their house-made would not be acceptable.

For CS, there are at least two pre-packaged choices at each location. They have separate microwaves and instructions for heating the food -- they puncture only the outer seal. The meals are OK, portions average, but really nothing special.

During Passover, kosher for passover meals are available only a TS locations. You can even order a pre-packaged seder plate.

Overall I applaud Disney for their effort.

ETA: There is a glaat kosher restaurant about 5 minutes from DTD. It is completely lacking in ambience and decor, but the food is wonderful. Prices are about the same as NY or DC, portions are huge. We eat here at least once each trip, usually twice.

Thanks! I called Disney Dining and the CM said that they do make the kosher meals at WDW just not in the restaurants and they are served like you said. We chose Les Chefs to just get an idea and my choices were brisket or salmon, a few appetizers, and chocolate cake. I think we might cook that night or try the place off property.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I think we might cook that night or try the place off property.

1) Yep.
2) No sense eating "average" food, since WDW doesn't make Kosher.
3) Off-site might be the best alternative.

 

[TDC Nala]

The restaurants don't cook kosher meals. They have them brought in. That's how they get by the kosher preparation requirements. That's also why you need to have your request in early.

 

[rentayenta]

1) Yep.
2) No sense eating "average" food, since WDW doesn't make Kosher.
3) Off-site might be the best alternative.

Looks like we'll be cabbing it to the place Eeyore's Pal mentioned. Anyone know the name?

The restaurants don't cook kosher meals. They have them brought in. That's how they get by the kosher preparation requirements. That's also why you need to have your request in early.

The CM sounded uninformed for sure. She specifically said they make them at WDW which I suspected wasn't true. Why call Disney Dining when I have the DIS?!

 

[TDC Nala]

Not sure whether WDW outsources kosher meals or if they are made in a separate kitchen on property. At any rate they are not cooked in the individual restaurants. They're prepared ahead of time and brought into the restaurant you ordered them for. That is why when you are at a buffet or family style restaurant, the writeup about the kosher meals is careful to note that you won't get all you can eat.

 

[ibela]

We eat "relaxed kosher" too and will eat fish (not shellfish) and vegetarian out but if there are no good options, we order the kosher meal. Our typical at a TS (ex. O'hanas) is matzoh ball soup, brisket, and the apple streudel. It's better than "typical" pre-packaged kosher food and is certainly a good and easy alternative to going off-site.

Wanted to add...they're definitely NOT prepared onsite. I don't remember where they're sent in from but it is from a kosher FL restaurant.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

The kosher restaurant near WDW is --
The Lower East Side Restaurant: A Fine Glatt Kosher Restaurant
8548 palm parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL. 32836
LINK to their website.

They also put together pre-made meals for Shabbat or holidays. We nearly always eat here on Thursday nights so we can buy challah.

The CS kosher meals are from a supplier in Miami. My DS is pretty sure the TS meals were from the same place.

A couple random pieces of info --
The chocolate cake is pareve. (WDW Dine would not know this.)
You can get a kosher pizza meal at Pizzafari in AK. I don't think any other location has the pizza.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[rentayenta]

Not sure whether WDW outsources kosher meals or if they are made in a separate kitchen on property. At any rate they are not cooked in the individual restaurants. They're prepared ahead of time and brought into the restaurant you ordered them for. That is why when you are at a buffet or family style restaurant, the writeup about the kosher meals is careful to note that you won't get all you can eat.

Thanks- great info.

We eat "relaxed kosher" too and will eat fish (not shellfish) and vegetarian out but if there are no good options, we order the kosher meal. Our typical at a TS (ex. O'hanas) is matzoh ball soup, brisket, and the apple streudel. It's better than "typical" pre-packaged kosher food and is certainly a good and easy alternative to going off-site.

Wanted to add...they're definitely NOT prepared onsite. I don't remember where they're sent in from but it is from a kosher FL restaurant.

We don't do shellfish or pork. Good to know the meals are decent. I keep picturing pre-packaged airline meals.

The kosher restaurant near WDW is --
The Lower East Side Restaurant: A Fine Glatt Kosher Restaurant
8548 palm parkway, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL. 32836
LINK to their website.

They also put together pre-made meals for Shabbat or holidays. We nearly always eat here on Thursday nights so we can buy challah.

The CS kosher meals are from a supplier in Miami. My DS is pretty sure the TS meals were from the same place.

A couple random pieces of info --
The chocolate cake is pareve. (WDW Dine would not know this.)
You can get a kosher pizza meal at Pizzafari in AK. I don't think any other location has the pizza.

Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for the link! I would love to get challah so it might be worth the cab fare to go over. If I ever learn to make a decent chaallah, I would just make one in our villa. I'm not sure if it's the Utah altitude or I am a lousy baker but my challah turns out like a brick. Good to know about the kosher pizza in AK.

 

[bendy]

I know this is a late reply but here's a bit more kosher food info:

All prepackaged meals are prepared by Webberman Foods of Miami
TS meal options: (all come with dinner roll)
Appetizer:
1) Matzah Ball Soup
2) Garden Vegetable Soup
Entree: (all come with some veggies and a starch)
1) Salmon
2) Brisket
3) Lasagna
Desert: (all parve)
1) Chocolate Layer Cake
2) Apple Strussel (we'd all call it strudel, but it's different)
3) Cheesecake

CS meal options:
As mentioned by a previous poster, not all options are available at each location and as far as I know pizza is only available at Pizzafari at DAK.
1) Hot dog (really a bagel dog) with potato croquets. (this one seems to be available at all locations)
2) Hamburger and Potato croquets.
3) Corn Beef sandwich and potato croquets.
4) Pizza (no side)

Also available on property:

• most resort gift shops have a small food section with lots of kosher food and drinks (all national chain products, I love Entemanns )
• Pretty much all ice cream served at WDW is kosher with the notable exception of the chocolate covered bananas found at DAK. It's up to your own kashrut level, but Disney uses Edy's for all the ice cream stores (like main street ice cream shop). All the Edy's products except rocky road are hechshered and the utensils are cold, but ask your Rabbi.
• Packaged minute maid frozen ices are OU
• Please consult with your Rabbi, but currently Disney has a contract with Oreville Reddenbacher to provide all popcorn. The last time I checked the bags, they were OU. Additionally, the popcorn machines were also provided by O.R. when the contract was negotiated.
• Chip and Dale's mixes can be found at lots of merchandise shops and most of the nut mixes are OU or Star-k, check the package.
• Walkers short-bread cookies are also available in most gift shop and are delicious and OU (although horrifically fattening, but who cares, you're on vacation)
• Most of the packaged gift chocolates (even the gelt) is hechshered so look for that in the merchandise shops

As for other kosher options off property:
Restaurants:

• Kosher Korner - 7522 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
  owned by Chabad of Souther Orlando
• Lower East Side - 8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
  Owned by a nice Spanish couple. He has a small shul for the off chance he can get a Minyan. Closest restaurant to WDW. Take a bus to DTD then either walk or pick up a cab (long walk).
• Cohen's Deli - 16640 Cagan Crossings Boulevard, Clermont, FL
  new restaurant with very reasonable prices (more standard than tourist $$). Take bus to DAK then catch a cab. (10-15 minute ride)

Shopping options:

• Goodings at Disney Crossroads - closest store to WDW, walkable (about .8 miles) from DTD). Limited kosher selection and slightly raised tourist prices but still a food store.
• Publix on 192 - decent kosher selection (I even found kosher pizza kits and pre-boiled eggs that were OU) as many Publix brand items are kosher. Must drive but only 15 minutes from property.
• Super Walmart on 535 - it's super walmart, enough said.

Hope that helps people out. I'm happy to answer more if I can.

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

A couple more pieces of info:

1. There is also a chicken nuggets with potatoe croquettes option at some CS locations.
2. I don't think Bendy's list of TS entrees is complete; I'll be ordering some soon, so I'll update if I can confirm others.
3. At 1900 Park Fare, the chef was very friendly and accommodating. He offered to make a fresh salad on clean cold utensils, and even had individual packages of Ken's dressing.
4. I think I heard the frozen bananas are also now kosher; check the package to be sure.
5. You can order packaged and prepared foods from Kosher Kats and they deliver to WDW resorts. Here's the LINK to their website.

 

[Mindy5767]

Hey!! Just saw your post. The information about Weberman's kosher foods is correct. I have their phone number.... somewhere... 305-751-7100.

During a very severe August thunderstorm, my husband, daughter and I got stuck in the America Pavilion at EPCOT. We ran in because it was large, roomy and dry. We were hungry and once we saw the menu of treif on trief.. we were discouraged until I saw the Kosher meals on the menu board. The CM showed us a binder with tabs for several kinds of special meals. We looked the 3 lunch choices on the kosher page. My DH and I chose the hamburger with potato croquets and my DD8 chose the kosher hotdog (as usual). When they brought it out, it was double wrapped just as described in previous post. I was skeptical. The burger and hotdog were completely inside the buns with no slit. We had to cut it open to add mustard. However, that said... it was a delicious meal!! It was the best hamburger and potato meal (fast food variety) that we had at Disney. And the day was saved... from hunger... not the rain!!

At a table service restaurant, we usually just choose the fish option or vegetarian. We don't mix milk and meat either (but are laxer with chicken since it was not originally fleishedicke).. we don't eat shell fish or pork. Sometimes that means a restaurant is hopeless because there aren't good choices.. but we know now... ask ask ask!

 

[atsolomon]

So, nu, what will you be doing for a menorah while you're there during Chanukah? I'd say, go for the gusto: bring yours and light it in the food court of your resort at a table. I'm sure you'd find lot of MoT's who would be happy to join in. ;-)

--Adam

 

[Mindy5767]

So, nu, what will you be doing for a menorah while you're there during Chanukah? I'd say, go for the gusto: bring yours and light it in the food court of your resort at a table. I'm sure you'd find lot of MoT's who would be happy to join in. ;-)

--Adam

Actually, that's a great idea. Once, when the 4th of July fell on a Friday, we went to the town's big Independence day festival with our Shabbat supplies in hand. As people were gathering for the fireworks, as the sun went down, we had our candles and challah and grape juice (no alcohol allowed in the festival grounds). We walked through the crowd and collected Jews. We ended up having a fabulous time and met some nice people. In fact, the following year 4th of July fell on a Saturday, so we brought Havdallah and gathered up Jewish festival goers for that.

If you bring your menorah, and ask others to join in, you'd be surprised how many of the Tribe are there around you. You may make some good friends.

 

[atsolomon]

How did it go? Did you find good kosher meals?

Happy Hanukah!



http://www.flickr.com/photos/atsolo/5244389399/


--Adam

 

[figmentguy2]

Matt at Pizzafari was very helpful when it came to the kosher meals. He was the only person that knew about the kosher meals. I mean compare to the other cashiers he knew that the pizza was Chalav Yisrael, the meat was glatt, and the desserts were parve. I wish Disney had more cast members like him. He also told me where else I can find kosher food even off of Disney property.

 

[Mindy5767]

Matt at Pizzafari was very helpful when it came to the kosher meals. He was the only person that knew about the kosher meals. I mean compare to the other cashiers he knew that the pizza was Chalav Yisrael, the meat was glatt, and the desserts were parve. I wish Disney had more cast members like him. He also told me where else I can find kosher food even off of Disney property.

Either Matt is Jewish or very good at his job.