So maybe you planned a babymoon vacation – one last hurrah before baby is due – or maybe you made your vacation plans before you knew you were expecting. Either way, being pregnant at Disney World means a little extra planning and a lot of patience. Of course the experience will be different based on whether you already have little ones or if this is your last grown up Disney trip for a while.
While there are some ride restrictions for expectant moms, there are still many fun things to enjoy while visiting Disney World while pregnant. A couple of fun ideas to make your trip that much more magical: 1. Think about doing a pregnancy announcement or gender reveal photo with characters, in front of the castle, etc. 2. Buy some special souvenirs for baby-to-be. If you already know the baby’s name, have it embroidered on baby’s first Mickey ears. This will make for an ear-resistible newborn photo prop.
Now on to the serious stuff – safety first! Talk to your doctor and make sure they clear you to travel at the gestational stage during which your trip is planned. Once you are there, definitely heed the warnings and avoid the rides that are not suitable for pregnant women. In many cases, especially early in pregnancy, no harm would come to the baby, but why take the chance? Follow doctor’s orders and ride restrictions. Hormones and equilibrium are often a bit out of whack while pregnant so plan on taking it easy, even if you’re normally a thrill-seeker. Take the opportunity to stroll through shops, rest your feet, or just enjoy some air conditioning and a cool drink.
Stay hydrated! Cups of ice water are available for free at every quick service counter so don’t be shy – keep yourself and your baby hydrated. It’s easy to overheat in that Florida sun.
Plan on going at a slower pace. You may find yourself feeling winded when you least expect it. Familiarize yourself with the parks and their layouts, including the restrooms and first aid stations in case you start feeling faint. Along the same lines, plan on a couple of down days to relax at your resort and prop your feet up by the pool. Don’t forget to bring your maternity swimsuit!
If you have room in your luggage/car, think about packing your body pillow or wedge for comfort at night, sleeping in a strange bed. If you’re flying, you might think about bringing a body pillow pillowcase and put 2 resort pillows inside for extra support.
Try to plan ahead for your food aversions, cravings, and morning sickness spells. Pack some crackers or other preferred food items to keep your blood sugar optimal. Have an idea of when and where you’d like to eat and try to stick to the plan so you don’t have long periods without food or drink available.
Splurge and treat yourself to a massage – call first to ensure that they are aware of the accommodations needed for a maternity massage. This is a special time in your life and your little baby’s first trip to Disney World. Great memories for you and the beginning of a lifetime of love for Disney for your baby.
Have you visited Disney while pregnant? Any other tips or suggestions?
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Candice was raised in east Tennessee. While in college, her best friend dragged her to a Walt Disney World College Program recruiting session at the University of Tennessee and the rest is Disney history. In the Fall of 1999, Candice became a quick service food hostess for Sunset Ranch Market and Fantasmic at Disney-MGM Studios – or what is now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While soaking up her time as a cast member, she met Ryan, a neighbor and a fellow college programmer who worked as a custodial host at Epcot. Four years later, Candice moved to the Midwest and married that boy from across the hall. They now live in Greenwood, Indiana with their two little boys. The Disney-loving foursome took their first family trip to The Happiest Place on Earth in 2013 and Candice is eagerly planning their return. Candice also works full-time at a community mental health center and enjoys taking photographs and blogging at Mommy in the Midwest.
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