Walt Disney World® Resort Boring Menorahs

[mikelan6]

One of my favorite things to do at Walt Disney World® during the holiday season is to visit the resorts to see all the holiday decorations. Every park and resort has uniquely themed Christmas decorations.

However, this past weekend when I went to see the resort's Hanukkah menorahs, they were almost all identical. While I am grateful that Disney recognizes the holiday, I do think that the best entertainment company in the world could have uniquely themed menorahs in each resort. Think an animal decor menorah for AKL, a tropical theme menorah for the Poly, etc. Disney could also sell a few of these to guests at Art of Disney.

Below is a collage of the seven menorahs I saw this weekend. All but one are identical.

As a side note, I did not see a menorah at the Grand Floridian. When I asked one of the cast members, he first asked what a menorah was and offered to ask someone else. The answer when he returned was "The hotel does not have any religious objects on display," as we were looking at a fifty foot high Christmas tree.​

 

[Hibiscus]

How on Earth does a person reach adulthood without knowing what a menorah is...

I suppose they're thinking of the tree as a secular tradition, not a religious object, but the fact remains that it is a nod to a Christian holiday.

 

[minnie mum]

The answer when he returned was "The hotel does not have any religious objects on display," as we were looking at a fifty foot high Christmas tree.

While a Christmas tree is a Christmas tradition it is not a religious symbol. A Nativity scene would be.

 

[Jerusalem Gal]

A menorah is also a secular (Jewish) tradition. A lot of non-observant Jews light menorahs because it's a family thing.
Not at all a religious object.

 

[kiford]

I suppose they're thinking of the tree as a secular tradition, not a religious object, but the fact remains that it is a nod to a Christian holiday.

Technically, the tree is a pagan symbol that was integrated into Christianity by pagans who converted. Some people consider it a secular tradition, others religious; until Prince Albert made it popular, many religious groups considered the tree to still be a pagan tradition and symbol. I don't personally consider it to be a religious symbol, but then I celebrate the season as a secular holiday centred around friends and family not as a religious one. I still can't believe someone can be so clued out as to not know what a menorah is. OP left out the one at the Osborne Lights in the collage.

 

[toodycat]

Wow. That is pretty disappointing. I think if enough people express an interest, they might be able to pretty up the menorahs rather than purchasing such basic models. You should email your photo montage to someone in the design department and ask if this is the best WDW can do. It probably would cost almost no money and generate tons of good will to customize them by resort.

 

[OKW Lover]

Please pardon my ignorance of Jewish traditions. I ask this in genuine interest.

Is it common to have creative menorahs? Perhaps I should just google this.

 

[mikelan6]

Please pardon my ignorance of Jewish traditions. I ask this in genuine interest.
Is it common to have creative menorahs? Perhaps I should just google this.

As long as all eight candles are even height and the ninth is slightly above, it's kosher. You can make it out of any material, any design, any height. Silver is probably the most traditional.

Personally, I have a "miniature" silver menorah as well my Disney menorah, which I bought about 16 years ago.

​

 

[dansdad]

As long as all eight candles are even height and the ninth is slightly above, it's kosher. You can make it out of any material, any design, any height. Silver is probably the most traditional.

Personally, I have a "miniature" silver menorah as well my Disney menorah, which I bought about 16 years ago.

​

Now THAT is awesome!

 

[OKW Lover]

Thanks @mikelan6!

Am I correct that a candle is lighted for every night? When does that start?

 

[BigAlsGal]

As long as all eight candles are even height and the ninth is slightly above, it's kosher. You can make it out of any material, any design, any height. Silver is probably the most traditional.

Personally, I have a "miniature" silver menorah as well my Disney menorah, which I bought about 16 years ago.

​

Is it weird that I'm not Jewish and I want this?

 

[dansdad]

Is it weird that I'm not Jewish and I want this?

If so, then please sign me up for the weird group too!

 

[L&Lfan]

How on Earth does a person reach adulthood without knowing what a menorah is...

I suppose they're thinking of the tree as a secular tradition, not a religious object, but the fact remains that it is a nod to a Christian holiday.

It could also be a nod to the federal holiday of Christmas. I always thought the Christmas tree is a secular symbol. That's why so many non Christians have them. The Nativity scene is the symbol of the religious/ spiritual component of Christmas.

 

[WEDWDW]

Just wanted to throw in that the Hanukkah presentation at Holidays Around The World is great-the "presenter" does a great job explaining the Menorah,etc!

She sings really well also.

 

[Jerusalem Gal]

Thanks @mikelan6!

Am I correct that a candle is lighted for every night? When does that start?

The candles are lit for 8 nights- 1 candle on the first night, 2 candles on the second night, 3 on the third, etc.
The 9th candle that stands out is used to light the rest of the candles so it is lit every night.
You start from the right side of the menorah on the first night and add candles to the left every time you light.
The holiday goes by the Jewish calendar so it's hard to give you a specific date but it normally falls around December. (The Hebrew date is the 24th day of the month of Kislev.)

Personally, I have a "miniature" silver menorah as well my Disney menorah, which I bought about 16 years ago.

I WANT THIS!!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

The candles are lit for 8 nights- 1 candle on the first night, 2 candles on the second night, 3 on the third, etc.
The 9th candle that stands out is used to light the rest of the candles so it is lit every night.
You start from the right side of the menorah on the first night and add candles to the left every time you light.
The holiday goes by the Jewish calendar so it's hard to give you a specific date but it normally falls around December. (The Hebrew date is the 24th day of the month of Kislev.)

Thanks for the educational post!!!

 

[Jerusalem Gal]

Thanks for the educational post!!!

My absolute pleasure

 

[Dannek]

Is it weird that I'm not Jewish and I want this?

You can convert, but just don't do it for the jokes... (referencing a Seinfeld episode)

 

[Jerusalem Gal]

You can convert, but just don't do it for the jokes... (referencing a Seinfeld episode)

We have great jokes! It's totally worth converting for them!

The El Al plane landed at Ben Gurion Airport, and as it taxied to the terminal, the voice of the captain was heard:

"Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until this plane has come to a complete stop at the gate, and the seatbelt signs have been turned off.
We also remind you that cell phones may not be used until the exit doors have been opened.

"To those of you still seated, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and hope you enjoy your visit to Israel."

"To those of you standing in the aisles talking on your cell phones, Happy Hanukkah and welcome back home."

 

[shaynar]

We have great jokes! It's totally worth converting for them!

The El Al plane landed at Ben Gurion Airport, and as it taxied to the terminal, the voice of the captain was heard:

"Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until this plane has come to a complete stop at the gate, and the seatbelt signs have been turned off.
We also remind you that cell phones may not be used until the exit doors have been opened.

"To those of you still seated, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and hope you enjoy your visit to Israel."

"To those of you standing in the aisles talking on your cell phones, Happy Hanukkah and welcome back home."

lol! Love that one! (But I'm Jewish so I'm allowed to!)