Question for Muslim visitors to WDW

[disney1990]

I was giving them credit! While I do not hold to any particular conservative/strict religious rules, I am shocked to see what some people consider appropriate to wear into the parks.

my mother always says they must have no good friends. a good friend would never let you go out wearing that!

That reminds me of what my friends always say, "some people shouldn't be allowed to dress themselves!"

 

[disney1990]

As has been pointed out previously - it is often the case that it IS the woman's choice. Would you say that Amish woamn wear long skirts and head coverings because they're 'told' to or because they do so according to their religious beliefs?

I visited a family today (as a community nurse) and it was very obvious who was 'in charge' of the family....the mother and grandmother were giving out all the orders and the menfolk in the house were rushing round doing what they were told. Both of these women wear the full burkha when they are out of the house. Please don't make assumptions!

Amish women are definitly told what to wear. Clothes are made to very specific measurements as to length, etc.

 

[BensMom]

I particularly like the guys who wear the strip club teeshirts to Disney. Yeah! Like the guy who was sitting across from us at The Plaza Restaurant with a Hustler long-sleeve teeshirt on. Naked women silhouettes running up and down both the sleeves. Class act. My son spent most of his lunch trying to figure out what that was all about. So, it's not just the women.

 

[chobie]

Amish women are definitly told what to wear. Clothes are made to very specific measurements as to length, etc.

Exactly, it may be a "choice" to wear a burka, but when the consequences of not choosing to wear it is being not allowed out in the streets, divorced, kicked out of the family, or even perhaps even the victim of an honor killing, than it is a Hobson's choice, which is an apparently free choice that is really no choice at all.

No not every Muslim women is dealing with that, but many are and to make it seem like there is all this freedom of choice in the Muslim cultures is no beter than painting a picture that there is never any choice.

 

[caitycaity]

One of the sons was wearing a shirt with these four letters in this order - F C K U.

that's a brand: french connection - uk. (assuming the letters were fcuk). it's a very popular european brand, so i am guessing that is probably what ther shirts meant - not anything "sinister".

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

One of the sons was wearing a shirt with these four letters in this order - F C K U.
that's a brand: french connection - uk. (assuming the letters were fcuk). it's a very popular european brand, so i am guessing that is probably what ther shirts meant - not anything "sinister".

F.C.U.K. shirts are NOT allowed in Disney. I personally seen a security guard at Epcot confront a man who was trying to enter Epcot with one on. He said "This is a family park and FCUK shirts are not allowed. You may flip it inside out in that restroom over there (pointing) or I can escourt you to a gift shop where you may purchase an appropriate shirt. I cant let you into the park till you have done one or the other" that may not be a word for word quote, but its very close! The man was quite mad but the guard didn't back down. Rules are rules and its his job to enforce them. I was glad to see it. It IS a family park (as he said) and FCUK isnt the kind of message you want to send children reading your shirt. The ads on TV are quite clear what they are implying. Sure, Ive seen worse there too (like some of the Big Johnson shirts) but its a start at least!

 

[Fitswimmer]

F.C.U.K. shirts are NOT allowed in Disney. I personally seen a security guard at Epcot confront a man who was trying to enter Epcot with one on. He said "This is a family park and FCUK shirts are not allowed. You may flip it inside out in that restroom over there (pointing) or I can escourt you to a gift shop where you may purchase an appropriate shirt. I cant let you into the park till you have done one or the other" that may not be a word for word quote, but its very close! The man was quite mad but the guard didn't back down. Rules are rules and its his job to enforce them. I was glad to see it. It IS a family park (as he said) and FCUK isnt the kind of message you want to send children reading your shirt. The ads on TV are quite clear what they are implying. Sure, Ive seen worse there too (like some of the Big Johnson shirts) but its a start at least!

I was at the Shop-Rite about a month ago and the cashier was wearing a zip-up hoodie over her uniform shirt with that label. I mentioned it to the manager that maybe it wasn't the most work appropriate attire.

Personally, I think it's really offensive. We all know what they're trying to say and it's not a word that should ever be worn on a shirt in a public place like a grocery store or Disney. You want to wear it clubbing or to a concert, that's fine. I remember when the brand first made it to our area. I was shopping with my niece and she gravitated towards that stuff and I said "not with my money, you're not!"

 

[BensMom]

I think they're tacky, too. Along with my Hustler teeshirt experience, I have seen other strip club teeshirts, etc. Other offensive teeshirts show up in large numbers during Gay Days. Sorry, gay people, I am not trying to start anything, but some are way over the top.

 

[KPeveler]

fcuk is a brand, but that doesnt mean it is appropriate. it is obviously trying to make a play on words (or is it letters?). there are plenty of inappropriate things people wear. you would think some people did not have a mirror!!!

 

[Rneighh]

you would think some people did not have a mirror!!!

If people had a mirror, they would realize that stretch pants should not be worn over a size 8. Just because they are made in bigger sizes does not mean you buy them!

Renee

 

[BensMom]

Well, then, I think New York Yankees teeshirts should be just downright banned! So there!

 

[qanita92]

I visited WDW during August and I wore jeans and a long sleeved light shirt and scarf (face showing). It was alright. I didn't get sun burnt so that was good!

Regarding prayer: My family and I would go to the parks in the morning and take an afternoon break where we would pray, sleep, take a shower, etc.

Food: Since halal wasn't available (not enough request for it) I had to go as a vegetarian that can eat seafood though (but fish without scales-except for shrimp-is not allowed) We just didn't drink alcohol. There is no need for it.

I am a Muslim women who CHOSE to wear the head scarf. My father didn't force me to ware it. I actually remembering my father feeling somewhat sad. It was his way of seeing his little girl grow up and make her own decisions. He asked me if I wanted to take it off and I told him that I like everything about it. PLUS SIDE: I don't have to worry so much about looking like a model and having an obsession with thinness. I love my body! GIRL POWER!

 

[SandraVB79]

I am trying to compile some information about about common issue faced by Muslim guests to Walt Disney World. Some that immediately come to mind are:

Dietary issues - pork / alcohol.

Riding wet attractions like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids when you are "covered"

Is the idol near Expedition Everest or the Tiki gods in Adventureland an issue?

What are the less obvious issues that I am missing?

Will you please send a message to me if you are Muslim or if you have a Muslim friend or relative who has visited WDW?

Thank you.

I don't know Muslims who have visited WDW, but in the street where I live, we are surrounded by Muslims + there are many of them at DLP.

1. Dietary restrictions: nobody forces you to eat pork or to drink alcohol. Other options are available, so they can choose options that are appropriate for their dietary restrictions, or bring own snacks, go offsite/ to the hotelroom/ whatever to eat their own food.
All my neighbours (all Muslim) all go buy their groceries in regular grocery stores (except for meat, they will get that from Hallal butchers) where they also sell pork and alcohol. Doesn't seem a problem for them.
Btw, as far as I know, there are no "cooking rules" for their food. The animal their meat comes from needs to be butchered in a specific way.

2. Riding "wet" rides when covered: I don't know where all these people come from, but yesterday, here at home, I was soaking wet from the heavy rain we had, as were all the other people in the street, and many of them are Muslim. If they are soaking wet then, I don't see why it should be a problem being soaking wet after Splash Mountain. Don't wear white if you don't want a see-through effect. Or don't ride the ride if you don't want to be wet, but this is for everyone

3. The idols. Every Muslim in Europe is subjected to lots of Catholic/ Christian-inspired statues and what not all over the cities. Why would it be a problem to see that? In my Catholic high school, I was in a class of 6 girls, and 2 of them were Muslim. They had to take Catholic courses, went to mass with us (didn't have communion though), went to the yearly retreat with us, etc. Didn't make them too uncomfortable.

I don't think going to WDW would be a problem for them, and those that think it is a problem, simply don't go.

 

[BensMom]

Nothing should be a "problem." You're in the minority. "When in Rome..."

It is what it is.

 

[ilisao]

Poor woman...I'd be rebelling if that were me!

Can someone enlighten me as to where the belly dancer at Morocco fits in to the dress code for Muslim women?

I am a belly dancer. The belly dancing at Morocco is a cabaret style dance that is geared towards tourists. It is what people associate with belly dancing; they would be very disapppointed if the dancers were covered up in more of the traditional, folkloric dresses.

Belly dancing was originally done as a dance for women, by women and was created by Muslim women. Some of the most traditional forms of belly dancing women would be covered up.

 

[ilisao]

Regarding belly dance, because it's a hot button of mine, I have to get this off my chest.

Most people in general in that region can dance that way. Men, women, children - it's just how they move when they dance. Traditionally, women would dance for other women to entertain themselves. Same goes for men dancing with men. The movements performed during the dance help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and ease pregnancy and childbirth. A friend of mine even went through certain motions while in labor to ease the pain.
There are many traditional reasons for "belly dancing" and many forms of the dance. Some are religious, some are spiritual, people dance to celebrate weddings, fertility, to tell a story and to pass history on to future generations. Rarely is it the oversexualized version that we see here in the west. Yes, it does exist there, but it would be like saying that the only women that dance in the US are strippers.
In my experiences with traditional dances, the amount of clothing worn would surprise most people. I've had costumes that weighed over 35 pounds when it was all thrown into a bag.
A huge part of the western misconception has to do with the Victorian era reports of the dance that were made by men who would only have been exposed to a lesser caliber of dancer and not the respectable women dancing with their families and friends in private homes and celebrations.

Ok, I feel better now.

Thank you! People are often amazed at the amount of clothing some of my costumes consist of - between the stomach cover, harem pants, skirt, top, scarf, etc. They are also amazed at the fact that the women in my troupe are all shapes and sizes, and that we are not all lithe, svelte women.

 

[ilisao]

My best friend is an orthodox Jew- I've gone to Disney with her (and her now husband who is actually a CM!)

She only wears long skirts but I have seen her wear tshirts.

I was her bridesmaid and helped her pin up her gorgeous long hair the first time she put on a hat. Then I cried because I couldn't imagine the loss but she accepted it gracefully. She DID understand why I was crying though. She will not leave the house or have other men besides her husband see her hair. While her husband is orthodox as well, this is her decision... She wore pants when I met her and wouldn't ever consider covering her head! I'm much more used to it now and I've even bought her some scarfs.
In Disney, they brought sandwhiches and snacks into the park for most meals and ate a few of the kosher meals. I guess it's not so weird for me to hear them saying the prayers after meals or during the day. I'm used to it.

On the other hand, when her husband works at Animal Kingdom, he is not allowed to wear his head covering and he had to cut his pais (long "side burns"). Because both are NOT required even by orthodox law, he was able to. Your head only needs to technically be covered during meals apparently and the side burns is a custom thing (not every male).

Let's put this in another perspective. Have you any idea how sexual that really is? No one can see her hair but her husband. That turns the most ordinary thing we take for granted into something extraordinary. It's nothing to cry over.

As far as the head covering, halacha (Jewish law) does say that you have wear your head covering at all times . This did come out of custom but has become law (not that every Jewish male actually does it). However, according to talmudic scholars the one time the head HAS to be covered is during prayer.

 

[Lei]

I visited WDW during August and I wore jeans and a long sleeved light shirt and scarf (face showing). It was alright. I didn't get sun burnt so that was good!

Regarding prayer: My family and I would go to the parks in the morning and take an afternoon break where we would pray, sleep, take a shower, etc.

Food: Since halal wasn't available (not enough request for it) I had to go as a vegetarian that can eat seafood though (but fish without scales-except for shrimp-is not allowed) We just didn't drink alcohol. There is no need for it.

I am a Muslim women who CHOSE to wear the head scarf. My father didn't force me to ware it. I actually remembering my father feeling somewhat sad. It was his way of seeing his little girl grow up and make her own decisions. He asked me if I wanted to take it off and I told him that I like everything about it. PLUS SIDE: I don't have to worry so much about looking like a model and having an obsession with thinness. I love my body! GIRL POWER!

Exactly the same here

Regarding the OP's questions:

1. Dietary issues - pork / alcohol
This is an issue I have to deal with everytime I travel abroad. However, it's quite easy IMO. I just avoid pork / alcohol and anything that looks suspicious. If you're not sure, just go vegetarian altogether. I can't, though. I have to have my meat!

2. Riding wet attractions like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids when you are "covered".
I would never, ever go on rides that will absolutely drench me like Kali or the Popeye ride in Island of Adventure. If one day I decide to ride one, I'll bring one set of extra clothes and I will change my whole clothes and headscarf. I cannot pass up flume rides (in any amusement park), though, I love them too much. They're not as wet as river rides, so sometimes I'd just let it be, other times I'd wear a rain poncho. No problem.

3. Is the idol near Expedition Everest or the Tiki gods in Adventureland an issue?
No.

4. What are the less obvious issues that I am missing?
Praying area. I seriously have no clue on praying areas in Disney parks. Please please please shed me some lights on this! And I mean in all 4 parks. I can't go back to the hotel as I'll be staying offsite, won't be driving, and have limited time on my upcoming trip. Thanks!

 

[Took]

I think its because very strict muslims insist their wives wear burquas with only their eyes showing because other men are not allowed to look at them.
Its to cover their sexuality.
I won't give my opinion on this though as it would probably get me banned.
Iam not talking about a simple haed scarf rather a total body and face covering burqua.

In fairness, many times, it's the women themselves who embrace the dressing style. As is often the case for those who are religiously conservative, the women see dress, especially, as a way of expressing their faith. To abandon it would be abhorent to them. Thus, the burqua.

I used to have this discussion regularly with a fellow professor (female) who was orthodox Muslim and wore the head scarf and very concealing clothing (though not a burqua, per se). We'd debate the merits/problems with the exposure of the human body. VERY interesting talks but, i confess, I remained and remain unconvinced that it makes any difference (I have no problem with nudity although I don't practice it myself).

 

[Straitlover]

4. What are the less obvious issues that I am missing?
Praying area. I seriously have no clue on praying areas in Disney parks. Please please please shed me some lights on this! And I mean in all 4 parks. I can't go back to the hotel as I'll be staying offsite, won't be driving, and have limited time on my upcoming trip. Thanks!

According to a PP on page 1, they have prayer rugs and a place to pray in Morocco at Epcot.