Enjoying Disney World While Pregnant

By Angela Dahlgren

While five months pregnant with our baby girl, my husband and I decided to celebrate with a “baby moon” at Walt Disney World in July 2013. I was nervous at first, but quickly realized there are so many ways to enjoy Disney with a baby bump!

Note: Make sure you check with your doctor before embarking on your Disney vacation. Ask about any restrictions and advice they may have. Your health and safety comes first!

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

I can’t stress this one enough. Florida, especially in the Summer, is HOT (well, hot for this Minnesota native), so it is imperative to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Whenever you see a water fountain, take a drink! Carry a water bottle with you at all times. Ask your wonderful husband or partner to “spring” (pun intended) for a cold bottle of water available all around the parks. Getting enough H2O is crucial for you and your little one.

Take your time

Listen to your body. This is not a time to push hard all day as you normally would. If your feet or back ache, take a rest. Disney World is awesome for people watching, so take advantage of those benches, walls and quick service seating. If you’re sitting close to a food cart, grab a yummy snack, such as popcorn or a Mickey bar. You’re on vacation, after all! There is no rush to see and do everything. Think of it this way, missing out on a few experiences this trip will give you the excuse to come back again.

Enjoy a Siesta (Yes, here I go talking about siestas again)

Growing a human is hard work! I remember being completely exhausted after walking around for only a few hours in the hot sun. Michael (the husband) knew that if I wanted to be lucid for the fireworks (my favorite part!), I would have to leave the parks to rest. So every afternoon, we would retreat back to Port Orleans – French Quarter for a few hours. We would cool off, I would nap and we would head back to the parks that evening. Seriously, please take the time to nap. Your body will thank you!

Head over to Downtown Disney for some “retail therapy”

The Disney Springs renovation will be completed before you know it! Take advantage of the amazing shopping opportunities and purchase an adorable outfit for your future Mickey or Minnie. There are great places to eat too, particularly if you’re eating for two. After catching a flick at the AMC Movie Theatre (Big Hero 6 anyone?), you can satisfy the ice cream and pickle cravings by stopping at Ghiradelli or Haagen-Dazs – but BYOP (bring your own pickle).

Cool off on the attractions

There are so many baby bump-friendly attractions to cool down on. My favorite was the Carousel of Progress.  It was the perfect length of time to rest and bask in the heavenly air conditioning. (Insider’s Tip: Sit in the back so you have something to lean your head on!) Other honorable mentions include Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth and Mickey’s PhiharMagic. That was really Magic Kingdom heavy, wasn’t it? Comment on your favorite pregnancy-approved attractions from the other parks! Also, consider purchasing a cooling mist fan. It’s essentially a spray bottle with a fan at the spout. It will definitely come in handy while waiting in line outdoors!

Lounge by the pool

Make sure you pack that maternity swimsuit! We had only bought a three-day park hopper, so our last day was spent at the pool. We sat in the shade and read, enjoyed a swim, relaxed in the hot tub (feet ONLY all you mommies to be!) and listened to the relaxing sound of Jazz music playing through the overhead speakers. Oh, and if you stay at French Quarter like we did, don’t forget to grab a beignet or two.  The baby (and your stomach) will beg you for more!

Take a trip around the world!

We made good use of Epcot while we were there. Though limited on some attractions, such as Soarin’ and Test Track, there is much to see and do when you have 12 countries to explore. We ate pizza at Via Napoli and had a romantic dinner at Les Chefs de France. (I was obviously pregnant as all I focused on was the food!) Epcot was a life saver because I never once felt deprived of the thrill attractions. Each country had plenty to keep me busy.

Fireworks

IllumiNations, Wishes, Fantasmic. Nothing compares to a day ending in a show of fireworks, especially during this holiday season. I tear up every time I watch IllumiNations. Being with child during this trip, I was downright sobbing. Silly hormones. Get there early, find a seat and cozy up to your partner while enjoying the exciting and romantic thrills of the fireworks. Mom tested, belly approved.

Enjoy the atmosphere

The biggest reason I go to Disney World is the atmosphere. There was no better feeling than the moment I walked into Magic Kingdom. Those familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach (competing with the baby kicks of course) as I inhaled the scent of sweet delicacies featured along Main Street, U.S.A., and witnessed the true majesty that is Cinderella Castle. Appreciating my surroundings erased my pregnancy jitters and allowed me to live in the moment at the happiest place on earth.

Every woman is a Princess at Disney

Just because you’re a mommy/to-be doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be treated like royalty. Don’t hesitate to spoil yourself a little. Book a pedicure (let’s face it, we can’t exactly do it ourselves at 7-8 months along) or massage at one of the spas on Disney property. Buy yourself a special pair of Mickey earrings. Splurge on a fancy dinner with the love of your life. This is an incredibly special time in your life. Enjoy it at Walt Disney World.

Have you traveled to Disney while pregnant? What tips do you have for us? Share them in the comments!

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