Disney for Expectant Moms: 9 Tips to Help You Enjoy Your Trip

Visiting Walt Disney World while you are pregnant is not impossibility. Many women do this every year successfully, and so can you! Of course, you must use your discretion, as well as your doctor’s. If you are experiencing complications or severe symptoms, a vacation might not be in the cards for you. But, assuming you are feeling mostly fine and are in good health, you can have an enjoyable trip. Consider our tips below for an even smoother experience!

9. Know that your trip will be different this time, and accept it.

If you’re already a super-relaxed park visitor, then this won’t be an issue for you. However, if you are more of a planner who likes to see everything an efficient manner, then you’ll have to adjust your expectations. Don’t overdo it! Extra breaks, a slower pace, and missing out on some favorite attractions are a given. Instead, take your time and seek out the details- things you might normally miss. Look on the bright side- by skipping a lot of the headliners, you’ll have less time on line and more time to explore.

8. Drink plenty of water.

This is an important tip for everyone, but especially future mamas! Staying hydrated is important for your health. If you want to be able to have reasonably full days at Disney, you can’t do it unless you are hydrated.

7. Carry snacks with you.

The parks have plenty of awesome snack options, but having your own go-to snacks with you will make things easier. Do you want to buy an entire container of popcorn if all you really want is a handful of crackers? A small bag of trail mix, crackers, or other munchable snacks are all good choices.

6. Schedule a mid-day break.

A nap, swim, or shower (or all three) can do wonders to refresh anyone, especially a pregnant woman. Warm showers can help with muscle aches, and naps are essential to recharge your batteries so you can enjoy the magical Disney evenings. A dip in the pool is not only cooling and relaxing, but it takes all the pressure off your body.

5. Know what you’re allowed to ride.

It would be a shame to select FastPasses and plan your day around visiting favorite rides just to find out that you really can’t ride them. Obviously, you’ll want to avoid rides that are restricted for expectant moms. You should also talk to your doctor about any additional restrictions he or she might feel are important based on your individual situation.

You’ve probably guessed (correctly) that the most thrilling rides are off-limits, as well as some others. At Magic Kingdom, you’ll need to avoid Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain, as well as the Tomorrowland Speedway, Goofy’s Barnstormer, and the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. At Epcot, only Test Track and Mission: Space are restricted. At Hollywood Studios, skip the Tower of Terror, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, and Star Tours. The most disappointing experience for pregnant women might be Animal Kingdom. Almost all of their rides are restricted: Dinosaur, Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest, Primeval Whirl, and even the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Some pregnant women scoff at the Safari warning and ride anyway, but that’s a personal judgment. Disney recommends pregnant women not ride, presumably because of the bumpiness.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the list memorized, however. Each ride and attraction will have a warning if it’s not recommended for pregnant women. Also note that the park maps have indicators about restrictions, so check your map before walking across the park to find out that the ride is restricted!

4. Adjust Your Dining Plans.

This will vary greatly depending on how you’ve been feeling, of course. Some pregnant women are hungry constantly, so you’ll want to plan plenty of small meals. Others can’t stomach a large meal, so making those “once in a lifetime” reservations for a 4 course dinner may not be the best choice. There are plenty of good counter service options at Disney, and this might just be the trip to “wing it” a bit more in terms of your meals.

3. Wear the right clothing.

This is always important for any Disney traveler, but especially if you are an expectant mom. Make sure your shoes are truly comfortable and that you’ve been wearing them recently. They’ll need to accommodate your potentially swollen feet. Also, if you are farther along, consider a maternity support belt, which some women say really helps stave off back pain, especially when you are on your feet for much of the day.

2. Take pictures!

Women seem to be increasingly interested in documenting their pregnancies through monthly or weekly photos. This is a great way to chronical a very special time in life. Imagine how cherished photos of you standing with your favorite characters will be when added to your collection. Adults or couples traveling without children don’t always take the time to stop and pose for phots the way that families do. Make sure to resist that urge to pass up the photo in front of the castle this time. Now that you can’t ride Space Mountain, use a FastPass+ to meet Mickey Mouse or a favorite princess instead. Consider this trip to Disney a partial maternity photo-shoot.

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1. Buy a cute souvenir for the baby!

Whether an adorable onesie, “First Christmas” ornament, or a personalized Mickey hat, you’ll probably enjoy picking out a special gift for your baby. Did the rest of your party head off to ride something that you can’t enjoy? Take some time to wander the gift shops. No one can fault a pregnant woman for buying adorable things for her baby!

If you’re feeling well enough to travel, go for it! It’s okay to travel while pregnant if you are comfortable doing so and your doctor says that it’s okay. Just make sure you follow our tips and take it easy to ensure a worry-free trip for you and your baby!