Pregnant at Disney? Top 5 Tips to Improve Your Trip

According to Duke University researchers, being pregnant is the equivalent of running a 40-week marathon. Expecting moms exert the same energy as athletes competing in the Tour de France—except they do it daily for nine months.

Even if a pregnant woman sat on a couch with her feet up all day, she still participates in the most energetically expensive task humans can do: carry a child. While everybody responds to pregnancy differently, one thing’s for sure, traveling to a Disney Park while pregnant will be exhausting. While your body endures a built-in organ-building marathon, a marathon day at the Parks can do a number on your feet, back, and energy levels.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to have a bad time on a Disney vacation as a mom-to-be. Disney trips are typically planned far in advance, and whether you want to visit your happy place while you have a bun in the oven or can’t let down your other child who’s been dreaming about a Disney trip, there’s no reason to skip it.

All it takes to have a magical time while pregnant at the Parks is some extra planning, a few churros, and these expert tips and tricks. Let’s dive into the top five tips to navigate Disney Parks like a pregnant pro.

Related: The Fatal Disney Vacation Error Experts Say You Should Avoid

Stay at an Onsite Resort

Naps are everything when you’re pregnant, and it’s much easier to catch some Z’s at Resort with direct transportation to the Walt Disney World Parks. With EPCOT’s World Showcase being an ideal place to spend time at Disney while pregnant, a Resort nearby can be life-changing.

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are all a short walk from the World Showcase entrance. Eating around the world can get tiring, and a quick walk to your bed is top-tier while pregnant.

Pack Snacks

While popcorn buckets and churros can be everything a pregnant woman wants, your stomach might not agree with all the smells and offerings at the Parks. Walt Disney World allows outside

food throughout the Parks, and having plain crackers or a bagel on hand can be crucial if nausea strikes. It’s also essential to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated—especially if you head to Disney in the summer heat.

Skip Certain Rides

While it may seem obvious, pregnant women should skip certain Disney rides. Most attractions, like DINOSAUR and Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, spell out pregnancy restrictions if they have them.

Technically, expecting moms can ride anything without a height restriction, but attractions like Frozen Ever After, such as a few drops and sudden movements, might not be ideal. It’s always best to seek professional medical advice before your Disney vacation. Still, shows like Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Magic Kingdom and Festival of the Lion King in Animal Kingdom are foolproof for moms-to-be.

Take Advantage of Genie+

It should be illegal for pregnant women to have to wait in winding queues, but long lines can be unavoidable at Disney. Although some may not want to pay extra to use Genie+ and hop on the Lightning Lane, pregnancy is as good of an excuse as any to expedite the waiting process for attractions and shows. Planning out attractions in advance can spare you discomfort from being on your feet. Using Genie+ as often as possible and spending time at a flexible part of the Parks like EPCOT’s World Showcase can be trip-savers.

Use an Electric Scooter or Wheelchair

Again, everyone is different regarding pregnancy—from beginning to end, no one can predict how great (or not-so-great) they’ll feel. If you’re further along in your pregnancy or battling nausea in the first trimester, it might be worth it to use an electric scooter or wheelchair to get around. Crowds will likely create space for you to navigate the walkways, and you can endure the Parks for longer stretches with some help from transportation.

With these Pro pregnancy tips for Disney Guests, you can conquer the Parks and still feel (mostly) rested by the end of your vacation. There’s no shame in slowing down your usual Disney pace while you’re growing a Disney fan in the making—you’re running a 40-week marathon, after all.