Disney World prides itself on being very welcoming to everyone wanting to visit the parks. Every single person faces different challenges when trying to get around a rather large park, but it does not make things impossible.
Moving around and doing strenuous activities while pregnant is not always recommended. For a lot of women, does that mean Disney World is a no-go?
Is it safe to go to Disney World while pregnant?
While there will be some restrictions and additional reasons to be cautious, there is no issue going to Disney World while pregnant. They have plenty of activities that are low stress and shaded, so expecting parents do not have to worry too much about still having fun.
Ride restrictions
All of the Disney parks have plenty of rides that are friendly for expecting moms. The general rule is that if the ride is safe for a preschooler or toddler, it is safe for an expecting mom as well. Most of these rides have no height restrictions, and they are generally pretty easy to get on. Do understand that some of those rides that are not particularly comfortable for adults, and everything should be fine.
Here is a list of rides to AVOID when pregnant at the different parks:
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- The Barnstormer
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Epcot
- Mission Space
- Test Track
Hollywood Studios
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Dinosaur
- Expedition Everest
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safari
- Primeval Whirl
Other tips to keep in mind to enjoy Disney World while pregnant
To get the most out of a trip to Disney World while pregnant, consider these tips. It is going to save a lot of time and stress, and they can also be used as general tips down the road.
Have a general check-up with doctors
Most people already have general check-ups on a fairly consistent basis during pregnancy, but it is essential to talk to a doctor right before leaving. They will be able to do the necessary checks to give people peace of mind before taking off. This way, people do not have to worry about possibly having any complications while they are on vacation.
Since the majority of people are coming from pretty far distances to visit Disney, have all the contact info easy to access. It also makes sense to store some local contacts that might be able to assist if needed.
Visit at the right time
Disney World has no problem catering to pregnant women, but they can’t control the heat during the summer. That is why it is strongly recommended to skip Disney World during the summer months if going through a pregnancy. It just makes things a lot easier to move around, and there are fewer reasons to break.
Despite the months being very hot, it is also very busy during that time as well. It just makes more sense to go during the non-peak seasons where the weather is a little more favorable. When it gets packed to a certain level, pregnant women find it difficult to navigate through crowds of people.
So, when are the best times for pregnant women to visit? Right after the new year, all the way to the beginning of March, is usually cool while the attendance is down. The months of October and November in the fall are great as well, and the Christmas crowds have not built up just yet.
Spend extra time planning out clothing
Everyone going to Disney needs to dress comfortably, but it is even more important while pregnant. Have comfortable clothes on, and most importantly, wearing shoes that have plenty of cushioning and can accommodate any ankle swelling is crucial.
The more months an expecting mom is into a pregnancy, the more likely they are to suffer from pretty significant ankle swelling during the day. It might not be the best for the tan lines, but putting on socks will help keep things comfortable.
Stay on schedule and travel efficiently
Going into any Disney World theme park without a plan is asking for more trouble moving around. Try to be as efficient as possible when checking out all the different attractions at a park, and that will prevent any unnecessary steps.
There are certain parts to the park that only have rides that might not be suitable for pregnant women. If that is the case, there is no reason even to go that way, as it is easier to just skip right by it.
Accommodations matter
Traveling to Disney opens up a lot of different opportunities for accommodations. Some people will try to travel as cheaply as possible, while others want to have a luxurious experience when they are visiting Central Florida.
If there is ever a time to spend a little bit more on deluxe accommodations, doing it while pregnant is the way to go. It just offers a little bit more relaxation during downtimes, and larger rooms to not feel so closed in.
With young kid(s) after birth, there will be added expenses that might make it impossible to stay deluxe at that time. Enjoy not having to feed that mouth currently when booking a new stay.
Splurge on pampering options
Expecting mothers should have no qualms about splurging on a few luxury experiences as well. A massage or spa day can keep a future mother relaxed and ready to go before or after a trip to the parks.
There are plenty of different spots at all the major resorts, and even some smaller spots available as well. It is very easy to book a massage, and a person can be in and out in just a little bit of time.
Some people will even go as far as getting a massage while the rest of the party goes on a ride that might not be suitable for a pregnant woman. It is a way for everyone to have a little bit of enjoyment without holding anybody else up.
Water, snacks, and food
Staying hydrated and full at Disney is something that takes a little bit of extra planning if going while pregnant. Not only is it more important, but it can be very stressful if things are not planned a little bit.
Staying hydrated
It is very much encouraged to bring some type of water container to Disney World to start the day. The parks encourage this, and there are a lot of places to refill without having to spend extra money. The water at Disney is pretty solid for the most part, although some people will not like the taste. If it is a major problem, look for a bottle that has a built-in filter, and that will help things a bit.
Another way to get around any weird taste is to use some type of mix to add flavor to the water. This will mask the general flavor, and make things a bit more enjoyable.
Snacks
People can bring a certain amount of snacks into the park as well, but this might be something that a person wants to splurge on at least once or twice during the day. Many different stations have snacks available, and they are relatively affordable compared to eating for meals.
Getting by on water alone is not a recipe for success as anyone walks through the parks. It makes a lot of sense to snack throughout the day and maybe plan one or two meals total.
Meals
There are a few options available for visitors when it comes to for meals. Some will opt for a dining plan, which gives people food credits they can use for snacks and meals. It helps in keeping people on a budget, and they have to be used during the trip anyway.
Eating at a restaurant at Disney is not only refreshing and good for keeping the body nourished, but it is a way to get out of the heat and sun for a bit as well. Opt for an inside spot if it is particularly hot, as they usually have the air conditioning running full blast.
Document the adventure
The child might not technically be experiencing Disney World, but that does not mean the entire experience should not be documented. Have some fun with it and see if it is a nice keepsake down the road. It is great to take a look back another time when the child is born, and they are preparing for a trip to Disney World.
Should expecting mothers ultimately go to Disney World, or stay home?
There is really no right or wrong answer at the end of the day. Many expecting mothers want to stay active during the pregnancy, and this is a way to get some nice exercise without it being too strenuous. Some might be a bit embarrassed to walk around pregnant, or they feel like they will not get enough out of it to justify the price. Just know that Disney will be more than accommodating for anyone out there.