Big Question: Eating Kosher at Disneyland

Last Sunday Aba and I took the girls to Disneyland in the afternoon so that we could see the Electrical Parade before it leaves for Walt Disney World. Other than being a bit busy and cool it was lovely. We didn't get to ride a couple rides because the lines were too long so Aba has said he will go mid-week once more before his pass expires.

I've been asked quite a bit recently what we eat in Disneyland. While Disneyland's official policy is no outside food, the security guards tend to look the other way for reasonable amounts of food. We eat a large and hearty meal before we leave (oatmeal, fish and rice) and bring a light meal with some snacks with us. I bring sandwiches for everyone (pb&j or cream cheese and vegetable).Some combination of grapes, bananas, apples, quartered oranges, cucumbers and grape tomatoes go with us. I also bring water for everyone, a juice box for each of the girls, yogurt tubes and string cheese.

I also try to bring one treat item. I've brought bags of chips, cookies, Mickey-shaped Rice Krispy treats and kettle corn. The kettle corn is the most popular treat, but is also the messiest so I don't bring it often. My logic is to not flaunt the brought-in food.

As for what you can buy in the park, there are a number of choices. Many of the sit-down resturaunts have kosher meal choices that you can order off-menu. These are airline-type meals that are sealed up and microwaved for you. The girls and I had these when we went to Ariel's Grotto for a princess lunch. The girls had pizza which they ate with gusto. (I tried a bit and it tasted like a microwaved pizza.) I had a spinach lasagne which I figured would be okay microwaved, but it was awful. A couple of the fast-food stands also have the kosher options. The only one I know off the top of my head is Tomorrowland Terrace.

Most of the ice creams sold are kosher. The one I know for certain isn't is the frozen banana. The Mickey ice cream sandwich, ice cream bar and Dibs are kosher. A number of the candy sold in the candy store is also kosher. There are a number of places around the park with fresh fruit available. Also, in Adventureland they sell Dole pineapple juice which is kosher.

The Dole Whips sold there are one of those things you need to ask about. This is made with Dole pineapple juice and a mix that is frozen. The company that sells the mix claims it is kosher but I cannot get a reply to inquiries as to who does the certification. Without that information my Rabbi has said no. Churros are also a mixed bag. Some people say that if you ask to see the packaging of the frozen churros and it shows certification, they are fine. Many of the ice cream parlors serve Nestle Ice Cream. COR certifies a lot of flavors and some food service options so that might work for you, too.

The Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street has coffee and Monin syrups which are kosher. Many places throughout the park sell Coke, Vitamin Water, single servings of milk and Nestle's chocolate milk as well as Lays chips.

As you can see it isn't necessarily easy, but it is possible to eat well at Disneyland while keeping kosher.

Big Day

I'm bushed. We went to Disneyland and spent eight hours in the wonderful world of Disney. I'm only posting to get my day in.

I'm off to bed.

Night All!

We Are Three Triplets!

I find myself in a bit of the same predicament as many of the mommy bloggers I follow. The original goal of blogging is no long relevant. Or no longer inspiring. Or no longer fitting into my day. Part of it is a bit of melancholy over my girls growing up. Diapers, woolies and carriers need to be sold. The week is filled with outings and activities. Free time is no longer time to be spent glued to my laptop. I've also been fighting off some SAD which should be easing as the sun emerges from our oddly gloomy winter. I'm also still battling with the bronchitis that started during October's trip to New York.

As we come up to the time change, our daily routine is being adjusted and I've added in specific writing time which should help. I find when I start writing I can't stop. Pesah is coming and I have a few ideas for projects to occupy the girls and get them interested in the story. I also have a list of things I want to write reviews of.

"But Miriam, what have you and the girls been doing lately?" I hear you ask.

We've been using up our passes to the various museums, zoo and the aquarium before their various expirations. We've also gone on a couple field trips with the LA Jewish Homeschooling group and have a few more coming up. I've been busy cleaning for Pesah and knitting birthday dresses.

The title is from Shira's answer to Cinderella when asked if they were all sisters.

Shira's Disneyland Experience

If you are a friend on Facebook, this was posted over there, but I thought I'd share with everyone. (Plus I almost skipped today's post!)

Carnival Thoughts (and a picture)

Today is the Mothering.com blog carnival and I'm at a loss as to what to write. I had wanted to present a beautiful, well-written essay that exemplifies some of Mothering's core values and the way it is reflected in my life.

But I'm not going to.

I was laid out Monday evening with a migraine. Tuesday I was almost better and went to Disneyland with the girls anyway. That evening the migraine started reviving and I'm sharing my Wednesday with a low-grade migraine that I'm combating with pretty much everything I have. Good week to have a Shabbaton and not need to prepare any Shabbat meals! Yay!

Now I'm back to where I started, though. What to write? As I thought about this more and more my left eye starts throbbing and I realize that this is what I'm writing.

I have long and often remarked that attachment parenting should be rebranded as responsive parenting. A parent needs to respond to the needs of the child and the family unit and work towards a common goal. That means Ima's needs also need to be responded to and met. Right now I need to relax and rest and not worry about a blog post.

So that's where I'm headed now. First, though, a gratuitous photo from yesterday...

Other Mothering.com Writing Women

http://codenamemama.com

http://greenvneck.blogspot.com/

http://www.moderatemeans.blogspot.com

http://www.oneplustwoislove.blogspot.com

http://paxye.com/blog/

http://moosaidthemama.blogspot.com/

http://simplyjess.wordpress.com/

Wordless Wednesday: Sunset at Walt's Park

Don't forget to check out the other Wordless Wednesday photos here.

Sunset, originally uploaded by tripletlyblessed.

You Sure Are Brave!

aka tips for taking triplet toddlers to Disneyland all by yourself.

Inevitably when someone hears I'm going to Disneyland they ask who I'm going with. Just the girls and I! Then there is some comment about bravery or a "Wow!" with that look of vague terror in their eyes as they imagine facing my plight. Even Aba can't figure out how I do all of these things alone. This last trip we had company for the first day and most of the second so it was a bit different, but the basics are still the same.

Step 1: Plan

This is usually the first step in any outing for me. Going to the grocery store? Plan. Taking a walk? Plan. I've found that having a well-stocked diaper bag is key to any plan. Diapers, wipes, a bag of non-perishable snacks, napkins, straws, a small first aid kit, sunscreen and a small plastic bag live in there. Another wonderful addition are those disposable sippy cups with straw lids so that I can divvy up beverages. I also keep a pack of wipes, 6 diapers, three jackets, a blanket, a carrier and a babywearing jacket and changes of clothing in the back of the car.

For Disneyland trips I add an old M&M tube that I fill with pennies and quarters for pressed pennies, a pressed penny album, an autograph book and marker, and a selection of extra batteries for the camera. To be added for the next trip are sunglasses and sunhats.

Step 2: Figure Out Food

I then plan breakfast, lunch and snacks for the trip and pack the cooler. I toss in 2 bottles of water for me and each of the girls gets a full water bottle, too. (I freeze one of my bottles to act as an ice pack.) Great things to bring are fruits and veggies, hard boiled eggs, string cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches and left over pizza. For myself I usually add in a veggie and cheese wrap. 

When we made our first visit, Kathy introduced us to a wonderful picnic spot so we usually go there or next to Princess Fantasy Faire. We also get one treat of ice cream, a pineapple wedge or Dole Whip (girls' choice) and a drink on the way out (coffee for me and the girls get a flavored milk).

Step 3: Plan Clothing

I admit it. I plan their clothing for pictures. I like them to be comfortable, but I also want them to look cute all gathered together. Their newest trend has been a shirt of some type, a skirt, footless tights, and sneakers. For myself, I'm looking for comfort, mobility and something that looks decent. Once I've figured out the girls' clothing, I tag them. 

We have the Brickhouse Child Locator and I slip the tag onto their pants the night before so that we just get dressed and go. The only problem with this is that I have to be certain I put the correct pants on each girl.

Step 3: Charge all of the Electronics

GPS? check

Camera batteries? check

Phone? check

Step 4: Gather My Personal Stuff

A new thing I started using on our last trip is a hip pouch. Think a flat fanny pack work on the hip. Into this I put the small camera, my cash and ID, my pass and the tracker for the Brickhouse. I carry my phone and Photopass card in my pockets.

Then I decide on cameras and lenses. I really try not to cart around everything I own even though it seems that way. I always take the small point-and-shoot camera and usually also bring my big one. And I pick one lens. That's where the thinking comes in. What am I trying to achieve? Artistic shots? Indoors? Portraits? A little bit of everything?

Step 5: Plan for the Unusual

Is there a threat of rain? Toss the rain coat and umbrella in. Does Batya have a bad diaper rash? Bring some cream. Are we staying later than usual? Bring jammies and bottles for the trip home. Is someone particularly clingy? Move the carrier to the diaper bag. Anything else?

Step 6: Pack the Car

I like to get as much as possible into the car and ready to roll the day before. I also pack the cooler and leave it open in the fridge just waiting for the frozen bottle of water to be added. This way we can have a nice breakfast and get ready without all of the running.

Step 7: Have Fun!

And realistic expectation. When you got with toddlers you have to expect to move slower and know you aren't going to be doing all the rides you might want. This is when it is important to remember that Disneyland is both rides and experience. There are years to get in all of the rides so enjoy the experience.

Bonus Tip: Be Firm

I'd have to say that this is the biggest part of the trip. I mean, I can buy diapers and changes of clothing and food and drinks when there so none of that is all important. What I can't buy is having my girls safe and somewhat behaved. The key to this is firmness. 

I allow them out of the stroller and let them run and play. We stop at some of their favorite places for long breaks. I let them wander and explore a bit. But there are two rules. Stay in sight of the stroller (or me if we are in a line) and come back when I call. If they don't do either of these, they get a warning. Still running all over? Buckled into the stroller. More than one running or one out of control? We leave.

I practiced this at Ikea and Target with them and we have left. Then I tried this at the LA Zoo on a Tuesday and it worked well. At Disneyland I've had to put someone in the stroller and I've given warnings and asked if they wanted to leave, but we haven't even advanced to buckling.