Should I Visit Walt Disney World When I Am Pregnant? My friend Lynn did. Here’s her story:
We took our two-year-old to Walt Disney World when I was 7 and a half months pregnant. Our thought was this would be our last vacation as a family of 3, and we wanted to create special memories for our daughter with just mom and dad.
For the most part, what works for a tiny kid will work for an expectant mother in planning a great Disney vacation.
- You can’t ride the roller coasters or thrill rides. (That fact alone will eliminate a lot of line-standing.)
- Try to go in the least crowded time of year, or use mostly fastpasses. Standing in line will be one of the hardest things on your body, much harder than all the walking.
- Take a drink with you into the park and sip it constantly.
(We went in September after Labor Day. We didn’t wait in line hardly ever (even though it was during free dining), but it was miserably hot. Pregnant women are always hot. I walked and drank water constantly—never stood long. My ankles stayed skinny, but I sweated a lot.)
- Take a break after lunch for a nap and pool break. At least put your feet up if you can’t sleep or don’t want to get in the water. That Wilderness Lodge pool was my best friend, and I napped every time my two-year-old did.
- Before you make Advance Dining Reservations, check out the menus at AllEarsNet.com. You don’t want to discover at the last minute that most of what you have to choose from is sushi, fish you’re supposed to avoid, or cold cuts.
- Don’t forget to pack the most comfortable shoes you have and your pre-natal vitamins. Bring water for the plane. Put loads of bottled water in your vehicle if you’re driving. You’ll use it all.
- The cast members are incredibly considerate of pregnant women. Don’t hesitate to ask for a cup of water from a vendor if you sip all yours. They can’t give it to you fast enough.
- Remember there are a few rude people at Disney just like anywhere else—people who push you at rope drop, shove you with their fanny packs, etc. (I have one memory of my husband snarling at a guy who shoved me at park entry.) Make up your mind in advance you’re just going to go with the flow, and let the crowd go in. This is no time to make it to whatever ride first by running through the park with everyone else. Chill, and take attractions as you come to them, fast passes and all.
Note when you’re planning your trip that your doctor may not want you to fly in your last six weeks, so check before booking.
Most ofall, check out all the fun stuff you’re going to come back and enjoy with your family when your child is ready! You’ll be able to tell them then that their very first trip was in utero.
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.
Brittany says
In 2009 I went to Disney when I was 30 weeks pregnant..we went at the end of Sept..it was hot..but it really wasn’t that horrible. I’m not much into coasters do it really wasn’t an different of a trip for me..just had to take more breaks/stop than I usually did.
We went this pass May also..I was 10 weeks..but on our last day in DW I lost the baby in the ER in Celebration Hospital.. :(
Amanda says
I would also advise using the scooters if you are in your last trimester and you stay at the parks all day. Worked great and I kept swelling down in the hottest month of the year by using a scooter.
Ani G W says
I’ve been to Disney parks during two out of my three pregnancies. One of my favorite things was buying baby-to-be souveniers while we were at Disney! :) I made sure to buy a personalized Christmas ornament for them while we were there. It is hard, but you just have to pace yourself. Don’t try to do too much in too little time…
Gretchen says
I went during my first trimester on my last trip. My biggest struggle was not finding gingerale very many places and it was the only way I got through the morning sickness. However, the rocking chair in the gift shop by Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain was my lifesaver. When I was exhausted that was my place. I took up residence there!
Chantel says
Pregnancy is a great time to go. I had the opportunity last year wheni was six months pregnant. There was a lot I could not do. But, I found myself going on rides and doing other things that I would never have experienced because I normally go on thrill rides.
db says
went to Disney during both my first and second pregnancies. If I would offer any advice it would be go during the 2nd trimester. I went during the first trimester both times and was overwhelmingly exhausted. The trip was fun, but it took me a long time to recover.