As we wind down to the end of my third (and final) pregnancy, I get asked a lot of questions about how to do Disney while pregnant and still have fun. We were fortunate enough to go twice during this pregnancy, once in the first trimester and once toward the end of the second. While both stages of pregnancy were very different, one thing stayed the same – there is definitely tons of fun to be had at Disney while you are pregnant.
Below are my Top 10 Tips for doing Disney while pregnant and enjoying yourself!
- Have Flexibility – If you’ve been to Disney, or are in the middle of planning a Disney trip, you know that scheduling things like Fast Passes, dining reservations, and pretty much all parts of your trip are important in getting exactly what you want. This is great and totally how we vacation, except while pregnant. You need to have the flexibility to cancel fast passes (even the best ones) if you are feeling like you need to head back to the resort to rest or find a cool spot to rest.
- Stay Hydrated. I hate water. There, I said it. I live on pop and love staying in a Disney resort with an unlimited mug of cool Coca Cola refills. However, there’s a time and a place for everything, and Florida is HOT. So, even I, hater of water, force myself to drink a few bottles of water a day to stay hydrated. A refillable water bottle or cup is the perfect souvenir or compliment to your park bag.
- Don’t Get Hungry. Disney is a place that is known for their food. We usually plan at least half of our trip around where we are going to eat, and often times split something small like a Mickey pretzel for lunch in favor of a huge buffet dinner at one of their awesome restaurants. When pregnant though, hunger is the root of all evil and usually the cause of most sickness in pregnant women. Therefore, it’s important to eat throughout the day. I like to pack some snacks in our park bag so if I start to feel a little sick, I can eat immediately.
- Plan on Resort Time. We often do balls-to-the-wall park days. We get there at rope drop and linger long after the fireworks end to avoid the big rush to the buses. While I love long Disney days full of magic, I know my pregnancy limits. When I start to get tired or overheated, I know some resort time is necessary. Especially during the hot months, a nice afternoon nap or trip to the pool can really make the difference in my day.
- Avoid the Heat. This one goes hand-in-hand with resort time. Florida is hot for the majority of the year. Whether your trip is in the dog days of summer or in January where it can be relatively cooler weather overall, you can still encounter days that are just downright hot. The middle of the day is particularly the most brutal, so it’s the perfect time to take a break. If you are staying offsite and don’t want to leave the park, this is the time to make an awesome dining reservation at a great restaurant and get into the AC and off your feet. Take your time too, don’t rush to get back out into the heat.
- Shoes are Important. Because Disney World is HUGE, you are going to be doing a lot of walking. I will never forget sobbing as we walked to the buses at Hollywood Studios from the back of the park because it was SO FAR away and my whole body hurt. I learned that two pair of shoes are necessary. Tennis shoes for the majority of the day and flip flops for when your feet start to swell and need to breathe. Benches are also your best friend when your legs just need a break.
- Use Fast Pass as Much as Possible. I am the person who goes crazy when people say they used fast passes for rides like Mad Tea Party, Buzz Lightyear, and The Haunted Mansion. Lines for those rides are usually only 30 minutes at max and are often not a good use of a fast pass. When you’re pregnant, though, any time on your feet can lead to pain, swelling, and a general feeling of being unwell. So, use those fast passes, schedule them close together and then you can add more as you go. Staying off your feet as much as possible is just as important as riding the popular rides (I know it sounds ridiculous, but I promise it’s true!)
- Stick to One Land. Most of our Disney trips we find ourselves crisscrossing the park a million times to get on the rides we want. This is usually great (and great for your daily steps!) but not while pregnant. Finish one “land” before moving on to the next so you can minimize your walking. This will keep you going longer in the park.
- Dress for Comfort. This one is just as important as shoes. Especially during the warmer months, dressing comfortably is a key to enjoying your day. Wear the most breathable, least amount of clothing possible. My rule of thumb is if you can wear a dress, wear one! Something that doesn’t squeeze your growing midsection is my preference.
- Listen to Your Body. This is absolute, most important thing you can do! What works for me in the parks may not work for you! Or even, what worked well during one pregnancy may not work during another. When we went in 2015, I was just as far along as when we went this January. I could power through the parks all day and make it to fireworks. This trip, I maxed out at 4 hours. Take it easy and go on whatever schedule YOU need to! It’s really the biggest key to a successful pregnant trip!
Going to Disney while pregnant can be great fun. There’s an extra layer of magic when the cast members make a fuss about your little mousketeer on the way. If you plan ahead and do it right, you can still have the trip of a lifetime.
Do you have any secrets to successfully doing Disney while pregnant? I would love to hear them!