Disney While Pregnant
I have been to Disney World 3 times while pregnant. Here is what I learned and the mistakes that I made so you can have the best Disney trip ever!
Before pregnancy, my husband and I were used to doing frequent Disney trips as proud Annual Passholders 🥳. When I learned that I was pregnant, I knew that I wanted to continue enjoying one of my favorite places but struggled to find much information on how to enjoy the Disney magic while being mindful of the changes that pregnancy brings.
I made 3 trips to Disney world during my first pregnancy. These trips were spread between my first and second trimesters. I did not know what to expect from my trips. I know that every week of pregnancy can present new symptoms and even though I was very active before my pregnancy, I knew that my body may not be able to handle the park open to park close schedule that I used to enjoy. In a lot of ways, it felt like I was going to Disney World for the first time all over again!
These Disney trips definitely looked different than my pre-pregnancy trips, but I found a new rythme, some new Disney hacks, and some new favorite activities at Disney World! I can’t wait to share them with you so you can have the Best Disney World trip while pregnant.
Take advantage of the Baby Care Centers and First Aid Centers in each park
Did you know that all 4 Disney World Parks have a designated space where parents can come to feed, change, and care for their babies? This is also an indoor area where pregnant women can come to get a break from the heat and sit in comfort. I did not take advantage of the Baby Care Centers and I wish that I did! Having a place to rest, especially on hot days, can make such a big difference in your trip. I understand that not all Baby Care centers are equally well kept, so if you don’t like the Center in one park, do not be afraid to try it in a different park!
Every Disney World park also has a First Aid Center where you can go for minor physical ailments or if you just need a place to lay down for a while. These locations can give you Tylenol, a back support wrap and many other items to make your Disney day more comfortable. First Aid Centers can also store any refrigerated medications that you need during your day.
Before your trip, locate these spots in your MyDisney App so you know right where to go if you need them during your Disney day.
Pre-Plan which rides you can go on while pregnant
Like I said, before pregnancy I was pretty active so I felt confident that early in my pregnancy I could handle all of my favorite rides. But I learned from my OBGYN that it’s not about what you think your body can handle, it’s about the security of your placenta which is the organ that brings nutrients to your growing baby. It is attached to the wall of your uterus, and if this tears away due to a jolty ride, it can cause some big problems! With that in mind, even if some rides don’t seem like an issue, it may be best to stay on the side of caution. Disney World has safety warnings for each ride and some rides will explicitly say “Expectant mothers should not ride”.
You can find this information in the MyDisney app. Locate the Accessibility Information for each ride and when you scroll to the bottom of the page you should find the ride safety information. If the Accessibility information does not it is unsafe for pregnant women but you are still unsure. When a ride does not have a height requirement, it should be safe for you to ride. However, always consult with your doctor to determine if your Disney World plans are safe for your pregnancy.
Plan to take breaks during your Disney Day
Your feet and back will thank you! During one of my Disney trips while pregnant, I planned just one break in my days and it was not enough. I ended up spending the last day of that trip exhausted with a migraine in our hotel room. By my next trip at the end of my second trimester I had learned my lesson! I came back to my resort every afternoon for a nap and planned out several opportunities to sit for a few minutes in every park we visited. I also took advantage of watching stage shows as extra rest opportunities. Stage shows are often indoors, thank God for air conditioning in the Florida heat! 🥵 Even though I was much more pregnant and moving slower than my previous visits, I enjoyed so much more of that trip! Everyone’s pregnancy is different, so listen to your body and plan for more rest than you may think you need.
Pack a belly Band
A belly band is an elastic, belt-like, wrap that fits under your belly and wraps around your back in order to give you extra support. I could not have made it through my days without my belly band. I struggled with back pain as I progressed in my pregnancy. The belly band was a game changer for me because of the relief it gave my back, even after hours on my feet! You may find yourself walking 10 to 15 miles around Disney World. Walking that much on any day can be tiring, but that kind of effort with a soccer ball sized bump is a whole other issue. Do yourself a favor, get the belly band!
Bonus tip: some moms swear by also wearing compression socks to help with circulation and swelling during a long day on your feet!
Use Lightning Lanes
Speaking of being on your feet, you can cut down on how much standing around you have to do by using Disney’s skip the line service. Lightning Lanes allow guests to skip the traditional standby line by using the MyDisney app. Lightning Lanes significantly cut down or entirely eliminate the amount of time that you spend waiting in line for rides. I used Lightning Lanes on two of my Disney trips while pregnant and it was so helpful. Especially in Magic Kingdom where you can ride the most rides while pregnant but wait times often get long. When you are pregnant, every minute spent on your feet makes a difference! Save your precious energy by using Lightning Lanes to get through rides quicker and get more out of your day! Lightning Lanes have an additional cost per a day, per a person but if the expense can fit into your budget, it is definitely worth it!
The number one thing I can share is to listen to your body!
Carrying your baby is such a beautiful gift. It is okay to take it slow on your Disney vacation and change plans as your body needs to protect your precious cargo. Disney is truly a place where everyone can have fun and respect their physical limitations. Find the rhythm and activities that are best for you and I hope you have the best Disney trip!
Your friend,
🤍 Candace
