Yeshiva Week at Walt Disney World

While January-February is usually the slow season, there’s a week that ends up being one of the most crowded times of year at Walt Disney World, and yeshiva families are a huge part of why. Here’s what actually matters if you’re planning a Yeshiva Week trip.

BIG CAVEAT: I am not a rabbi. And I am definitely not your rabbi. I’m merely a nice Jewish lady who loves Disney. My observance level is somewhere between Conservative and Reform, but I’ve consulted several sources to make sure I have the correct info for my Orthodox friends. As always, consult your own rav.

Why is this week different from all other weeks?

Yeshiva Week is when yeshivas and Jewish schools all over the country let out for a mid-winter break for the same 7-10 days, and a large number of those families land in Orlando during that time. Yes, it’s going to be busy, but who wants to miss an opportunity to visit Disney World?

Kosher Dining Options at Walt Disney World

Yes, you can eat well at Disney during Yeshiva Week. No, you don't need to BYOB (bring your own bagels, though I absolutely do that myself!)

The easy button: call ahead

Call 407-WDW-DINE, that's 407-939-3463, and order a Glatt Kosher airline-style meal for pickup at any Walt Disney World restaurant, in any park. This is the move if you want zero surprises. Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian on the call.

Reserve a kosher meal 24 hours out

Every table-service restaurant, in every park, can prepare a kosher or Glatt Kosher meal. It's OU-certified, supplied by Borenstein Caterers, sealed until it hits your table. Book it 24 hours ahead, either when you make your dining reservation or by calling the number above.

Walk up, no reservation needed

A handful of quick-service spots keep kosher on hand without advance notice. Availability isn't guaranteed, so don't bank your only meal of the day on it, but these are your best bets:

  • Animal Kingdom: Satu'li Canteen (Pandora) and Tiffins

  • Hollywood Studios: Rosie's All-American Cafe and Sci-Fi Dine-In

  • Epcot: Sunshine Seasons, Garden Grill, Coral Reef

  • Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, plus every table-service restaurant in the park

Resort hotel restaurants, table-service and quick-service both, also carry kosher options without advance notice, subject to availability. Disney doesn't publish which specific resort food courts stock what on a given day. If you're staying at a Value or Moderate resort and kosher is non-negotiable for that meal, call ahead and confirm, or just order the airline-style meal instead.

Keeping Shabbat at Walt Disney World

Not gonna lie, friends. Shabbos at Disney World is tough, especially if you’re staying at an on-property resort. Depending on your level of observance, I would advise you to skip being there on Friday/Saturday altogether.

However:

Chabad of South Orlando offers Shabbos dinner with great food and singing every Friday night. You have to put your reservations in no later than the Tuesday of the week you plan on attending.

Contrary to what some on the internet would have you believe, there is no eruv around Walt Disney World. Not the parks, not the resorts, not on property whatsoever.

WDW also does not allow open flames in the resort rooms, but most resorts should be able to accommodate you with an alternative location nearby.

There are also no shabbos elevators at any of the resorts, so you need to ask for a first floor or ground floor room if this is important to you.

Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation (SOJC) is a Conservative synagogue nearby that has both Friday night services with oneg and Saturday morning with kiddush.

Miscellaneous Jewish Info for Disney Travelers

Need a minyan? Check with Chabad of South Orlando. They have quite a few in the area all year, and even more during Yeshiva Week. Their Yeshiva Week page is a great resource in general.

Need a mikvah? There’s only one in the Greater Orlando area, about 45 minutes from the parks. $54, appointment only, and you must arrive fully prepared. Appointments are generally after 7pm, but check the schedule (and schedule your appointment if you want) here.