Surviving Disney World While Pregnant: Real Insider Tips

disney world while pregnant cover

Finding out you’re pregnant before your Disney World trip doesn’t have to be disappointing β€” it just means adapting your mindset, your packing list, and your pace. You might even discover things around the parks you never knew were there before! Whether you just recently found out or you’re planning an intentional Disney babymoon, a magical vacation is just around the corner. We’re sharing everything you need to know about being pregnant at Disney World, from safety and comfort to snacks and memories.

Disney Park Bag Essentials

Is It Safe to Go to Disney World While Pregnant?

Though it’s important to always consult with your doctor first – in general, yes, Disney World is safe to visit while pregnant. Disney doesn’t have any entry restrictions regarding pregnancy, though ride restrictions may apply.Β 

I’ve been pregnant at Disney World during many of our visits, and while everyone is different, there were definitely better times than others. The first trimester is when the most symptoms hit. Constant nausea in the heat while walking 10 miles a day? Not super fun. However, if you’re one of the very lucky moms who don’t experience that, it’s a great time to go. At this point, it’s likely you haven’t gained much extra weight and may still feel as β€œnormal” as possible.

Overall, the second trimester is the sweet spot for travel, especially for a trip to Disney World. You have the peak amount of energy in the second trimester, and the nausea, aversions, and other not-so-fun symptoms usually have eased by now. Spending the third trimester at Disney? Well, that’s hit-or-miss. With a healthy pregnancy, your doctor would probably say it’s fine to travel; however, you don’t want to travel too late, and airlines usually restrict flying after the 36th week. 

Most importantly, you should seek medical guidance from your doctor before traveling.

Of note, each Disney park and Disney Springs has a First Aid Center that offers wonderful care should you experience unfamiliar symptoms during your visit.

Magic Kingdom must dos

Can You Still Ride Rides at Disney World While Pregnant?

Yes! This is a common misconception many guests have about being pregnant at Disney World. What’s the point of traveling here if you can’t ride any rides, right? Well, while you may not be riding high-speed, thrilling roller coasters like Tron: Lightcycle Run, there are plenty of rides still available to you.

Surprisingly, there are actually more rides you CAN ride than ones that you can’t! Rides without a height requirement are deemed safe for infants and expecting mothers. (With the exception of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom due to its bumpy, rough terrain). Though some rides throughout Disney World may not be recommended due to spinning, such as Mad Tea Party as it could make nausea worse.

Here’s a list of rides and attractions at Disney World without any pregnancy restrictions:Β 

Magic Kingdom:

  • Astro Orbitor
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Country Bear Musical Jamboree
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle
  • The Hall of Presidents
  • Haunted Mansion
  • β€œit’s a small world”
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Mad Tea Party
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Prince Charming Regal Carousel
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  • Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Walt Disney World Railroad

EPCOT:

  • Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
  • Journey Into Imagination with Figment
  • Living with the Land
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Turtle Talk with Crush

Animal Kingdom:

  • Discovery Island Trails
  • Conservation Station and Jumping Junction (Bluey’s Wild World)
  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek
  • Na’vi River Journey
  • Wildlife Express Train
  • Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond

Hollywood Studios:

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Toy Story Mania
  • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
  • Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
  • Voyage of the Little Mermaid
  • Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
wilderness lodge vs. animal kingdom lodge

How to Survive (and Enjoy) Disney World While Pregnant 

Disney World while pregnant is an entirely different ballgame than a Disney vacation you might be used to, but there is hope. It’s not impossible, and it shouldn’t be intimidating. I’ve had the best time at Disney when I was pregnant. Here are our top tips for surviving AND enjoying being pregnant at Disney World.

Stay on Disney World Property

We always recommend staying on Disney World property, but if you’re traveling while pregnant, it’s non-negotiable. During this trip, it’s likely you’ll spend more time at the resort than ever before. The ability to quickly take Disney’s complimentary transportation back to your resort is a game-changer. And, having access to resort guest perks like early entry for all guests or extended evening hours for deluxe resort guests gives you extra hours in the park to beat the heat and the crowds.

Disney World resorts offer some of the best amenities, activities, and ambiances across the property, and you’ll likely experience things you never would have if you were rope dropping and closing down the parks every day.Β 

Purchase Lightning Lane Passes

Disney’s Lightning Lane is a paid pass that allows guests to β€œskip the line”. Trust us, you want this. Using Lightning Lane will significantly reduce wait times, so you spend less time on your feet. The perception may be that you won’t get your money’s worth since you can’t ride the high-ticket, thrilling attractions anyway, but that couldn’t be more wrong.Β The value just comes in a different form.

Disney Disability Access Service

Plus, rides such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Toy Story Mania, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Navi River Journey frequently have wait times over 45 minutes. All of which are rides you can – and should – enjoy!

Know Where to Take Rest Breaks

Rest breaks are crucial to a successful trip while pregnant. Rest breaks can take place on a bench, in a lounge, at a show or theater, or even during a midday break back in your resort room or at the pool. Doing a bit of research beforehand to scope out where you can rest your feet if needed will make a huge impact on your vacation. While you’re at it, scoping out the closest restrooms throughout the park might not be a bad idea, either.

If walking becomes too much and rest isn’t helping, Disney offers wheelchairs and ECV rentals at all theme parks and Disney Springs. This may be worth it to give your body a break, especially if you are traveling in the third trimester.

Great resting spots throughout Disney World include: 

Magic Kingdom: 

  • Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Hall of Presidents
  • Picnic tables inside Storybook Circus
  • Upstairs at Columbia Harbor House
  • The Hub Grass
  • Carousel of Progress

EPCOT: 

  • The Seas Pavilion (Seabase)
  • The Land Pavilion
  • Japan Pavilion Gardens
  • United Kingdom Pavilion Gardens
  • GEO-82 (21+)
  • Spaceship Earth
  • America Gardens Theatre

Hollywood Studios: 

  • Tower of Terror Courtyard
  • Tune in Lounge
  • Animation Courtyard
  • Ronto Roasters
  • Mickey Shorts Theater
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Animal Kingdom:

  • Nomad Lounge
  • Discovery Island Trails
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond

Your Resort:

  • Lounges
  • Main atrium
  • Pools
  • Guest room
Disney World without kids

Prioritize Comfort when Packing

For this trip, plan to pack your most comfortable shoes and clothing. This isn’t the vacation to prioritize style over comfort.Β 

My top 3 must-haves while pregnant at Disney were: maternity biker shorts (to prevent chafing), supportive shoes, and a maternity belt to ease lower back pain. If you’re flying to Walt Disney World, wearing compression socks on the plane can help with swelling and discomfort.

Check out our full Disney World packing guide here. 

Snack and Hydrate Often

One of my favorite parts about Disney World while pregnant? Indulging in all the snacks – guilt-free! However, the most important part of your trip is staying hydrated. 

Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle, as Disney has water refill stations at multiple locations throughout the parks and resorts. Additionally, quick-service dining locations will provide free cups of water. No matter which season you’re traveling in, stay on top of your hydration to ensure a successful trip.Β 

disney while pregnant snacks

Now, onto the snacks. Have you ever had the famous Magic Kingdom Cheeseburger Spring Rolls? Snacks are essential for curbing nausea and a great way to pass the time while the rest of your party is on rides you can’t experience. One of my favorite EPCOT activities is β€œsnacking around the world” and trying new foods from different countries. Not only can you indulge in sweet and savory Disney snacks, but you can also bring your own snacks into the park.Β Having food with you to rely on if you’re feeling sick or a line is long is crucial.

Prepare for the Heat

Even if you live in a hot climate, Florida heat is just different. June through September will be the hottest times at Disney World, but April, May, and October can still feel like summer, depending on who you ask. Add being pregnant to what some already consider miserable weather, and you may be looking at a recipe for disaster.

Packing items like cooling towels, portable or neck fans, misters, and breathable clothing will help tremendously. Additionally, scope out rides with indoor queues and hit those during the hottest parts of the day, along with indoor theater shows.

Slow Down and Experience New Offerings

If you’ve visited Walt Disney World before, the plan was probably to get as much in as possible, right? You want to make it worth your time and money. However, this trip schedule will look much different. Keeping a loose schedule is the best way to make sure you don’t overdo it.Β 

Plan one or two things you’d like to do, and let the rest of the day fall into place. Now is the time to see shows you haven’t seen in a while, take in the parades, and plan no-park days to experience everything Disney has to offer outside of the parks, like Disney Springs, resort activities, and more.Β 

While walking around the parks at a slower pace, explore the creativity of Disney imagineers by looking for hidden details and extra storytelling you’d otherwise walk right past.

Lastly, enjoy the table service restaurants. Not only will dining at these locations give you at least an hour off your feet in the air conditioning, but some of Disney’s table-service restaurants are the best dining in Orlando.

Consider the Water Parks

When I was pregnant at Disney, there was nothing I enjoyed more than floating in a tube around the lazy rivers of Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Feeling weightless while also keeping cool is a perfect way to beat the heat and relax your body! 

If you’re traveling with small children, both water parks’ kids’ areas offer ample seating for adults and are great spots to let them burn off energy while you relax. 

Book a Spa Day at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Did you know that you can enjoy a spa day at Walt Disney World? Whether you want to relax solo or are planning a couples’ day during your Disney babymoon, the spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the way to go! This tip may fall in line with β€œslow down and experience new offerings”, but it deserves to stand on its own. Book the spa day towards the end of your vacation; this gives your body a break after all the walking and exercise.Β 

Disney's Grand Floridian

Guests can book reservations online through the Walt Disney World website. And no, you don’t have to be staying at the Grand Floridian to book the spa! 

Don’t Panic

The thought of heading to Disney World while pregnant can be intimidating, but there’s no need to panic. Of course, the internet is full of all sorts of opinions, and you’ll likely run into advice saying don’t do it, but I very much disagree. Choosing the right time to go, having the right mindset, and adjusting your schedule can easily make this trip the best one ever! 

Plus, if you’re traveling with other kids, their smiles and excitement will make it all worth it – trust me!Β 

Is a Disney Babymoon a Good Idea?

If you’re considering a Disney babymoon, you’ve got my vote for YES! Aside from attractions and theme parks, Disney World is one of the most convenient places to visit. Not only do you have loads of entertainment, but you also have access to complimentary transportation and hundreds of dining options right at your fingertips. 

July in Disney World

The ability to be at a waterpark in the morning, back to your room for a nap, maybe have dinner at a Michelin-rated restaurant, and then head to Magic Kingdom to watch the fireworks all without having to leave the property and drive anywhere is more valuable than you think, especially while pregnant.

To get the most out of your day, head to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT during your babymoon. These parks offer the most pregnancy-friendly options, including rides, entertainment, and snacks. Hollywood Studios is the most thrill-centric park, so unless you plan to focus on shows, skip it on this trip.

Plus, shopping at Disney World for your new baby might just be the highlight of your trip. Watch out for World of Disney – new parents might go overboard here!Β 

FAQs About Visiting Disney World While Pregnant

Is it safe to go to Disney World pregnant?

Yes, it is generally safe to visit Disney World while pregnant, though it’s important to consult your doctor for official medical advice, as every pregnancy is different.

Can you ride roller coasters while pregnant?

Unfortunately, any rides with height requirements come with an expectant mother advisory, meaning you should not ride. However, all rides with no restrictions are allowed and encouraged.

What week is too late to go to Disney while pregnant?

Disney World doesn’t have any official pregnancy restrictions for visitation, although airlines typically restrict flying after 36 weeks. 

Does Disney require a doctor’s note?

Disney World doesn’t require a doctor’s note for entry; however, cast members may turn pregnant guests away from rides with expectant-mother advisories.

Is EPCOT or Magic Kingdom better for a babymoon?

Head to Magic Kingdom if you’re looking to ride the most pregnancy-friendly attractions. Head to EPCOT if you’re looking for snacks and entertainment.

What’s the best trimester to visit Disney World?

The best trimester to visit Disney is the second trimester, as first-trimester symptoms are at their peak and the third trimester can be uncomfortable. 

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