So you're going to be a mommy and you're going to Disney before your new bundle of joy arrives. Have no fear! There are still plenty of things to do and see even when you are pregnant. Now I know you might be skeptical and maybe even a little bummed out but trust me, Disney can be enjoyed to its fullest even if you are expecting a little prince or princess.
Of course I suggest talking to your doctor because they might have additional restrictions for you based on your particular pregnancy, but this is of course, the first step. You might want to bring Disney Park maps to your doctor's office to give them a better idea of the parks especially if they have never gone.
Speaking of restrictions, there are of course off limit rides.
Magic Kingdom off limit rides: Space Mountain - Tomorrowland, Tomorrowland Speedway -Tomorrowland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Frontierland, Splash Mountain - Frontierland, and The Great Goofini - Fantasyland.
EPCOT- Mission Space - Future World, Test Track - Future World (although it is currently under refurbishment, when it reopens it will still be off limits)
Disney's Hollywood Studios - Tower of Terror, Rock N' Rollercoaster, and Star Tours
Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur, and Primeval Whirl.
When also discussing limitations, please also discuss with your doctor attractions at the Water Parks.
But your Disney trip isn't just a whole bunch of restrictions. In fact, the list of rides you CAN go on is much longer!
I would definitely not miss your favorite Fantasyland attractions like Winnie the Pooh, It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, Mickey's Philharmagic, Dumbo etc. I would also not miss the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (also ask your doctor about spinning rides), and so much more found in the Magic Kingdom.
In EPCOT, don't miss out on Soarin', The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Living with the Land, The American Adventure, the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros, and of course the various movies around World Showcase like Oh Canada and Impressions de France.
In Disney's Hollywood Studios don't miss out on Muppet Vision 3D (show), One Man's Dream, Toy Story Midway Mania (ask your doctor about spinning rides), Beauty and the Beast (show), Voyage of the Little Mermaid (show), The Great Movie Ride, and Lights, Motors, Action.
Animal Kingdom is a bit tricky though. In my opinion, it is not the most pregnant friendly theme park due to the nature of the rides, the terrain, and overall layout of the park. You can however enjoy Festival of the Lion King (show), Finding Nemo the Musical (show), Flights of Wonder (show), or Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Now that we got the main concern out of the way, since everyone wants to go on rides, I have some other tips to make this trip fun for you as well as catering to your needs.
Firstly, take it easy. If you are like me and my family, we move at ridiculous speeds around the parks hopping from attraction to attraction. But this should not be the case when you are carrying a little one. Slow your pace and take breaks. Taking breaks in the middle of the day is recommended, but I would suggest that even if there wasn't a baby involved. Schedule time for naps, showering, putting those feet up, swimming, and just relaxing before you return for more fun in the parks.
On the topic of taking breaks, this is a great time to walk around shops and look at cute baby clothes and accessories. This may be a great time to purchase those special Disney items to make your baby extra Disneytastic! It might be the right time to pick out those baby mickey ears and personalize it then if you know the name/sex of your future child. Here are also some great break spots since we are talking about taking breaks:
Magic Kingdom: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, grabbing a bench on Main Street USA, Tom Sawyer Island, Tomorrowland, or even by the Castle.
EPCOT: There are many great places to grab a seat and cool off in EPCOT. Definitely find a great space in World Showcase where you can cool your jets and recharge.
Disney Hollywood Studios: Muppet Vision 3D is air conditioned, dark, entertaining, and a great place to chill out and put those feet up. Also Starring Rolls has some great snacks and drinks with seating. Also one of my favorite places is the bar area by Disney's Primetime Cafe. There are seats, snacks, and killer milkshakes. Oh and did I mention air conditioned?
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| Prime Time Cafe Lounge |
Animal Kingdom: Rafiki's Planet watch is away from the crowd and a fun train ride.
Secondly, stay hydrated. Bring refillable water bottles to the theme parks to keep hydrated or simply ask for a cup of ice water at any quick service restaurant. And with this advice, I have to mention the restrooms. Remember when I said that Animal Kingdom was not too pregnancy friendly? There are not an overwhelmingly amount of restrooms at the Animal Kingdom but EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom have a restroom around almost every corner.
Thirdly, many women have reported wishing they brought more stuff from home such as a wedge pillow or maternity support belt. But surprisingly enough, the most ingenious piece of advice was bubble bath solution. It's your vacation, be pampered. Make room in that suitcase for anything that will make you more comfortable.
Lastly, brings snacks and be prepared to change dining plans. If you make dining reservations don't worry about spoiling your meal if you get hungry walking around the parks. Also remember about cravings and queasy triggers. The key is to be flexible and comfortable.
Of course take a lot of pictures because your little one will love to see his or her first trip. Remember just to enjoy yourself and have fun.
