Disney While Pregnant Tips!

[BippidiBoppidi]

Help please! I know that there are a BAZILLION posts about being pregnant at Disney, but it is taking forever for me to sort through them, and this pregnant girl is already exhausted as it is!

Hubby and I are planning to do Disney for just two days/two nights in October to celebrate our first anniversary. We just about had everything lined up, Fast Pass choices picked out and everything when we found out that we are expecting our first child! We are so excited, but it definitely changes our plans. My parents think we should just cancel the trip all together...mom thinks I will be too tired and won't want to spend time in the car (it would be a 6 hour drive there, 6 hour drive back), and walking all over the place. However...we got engaged at Disney, had a Cinderella-themed wedding, and are huge lovers of all things Disney...which my parents are not. And you all know if they don't get it, they don't get it.

Our plan was the first day at Magic Kingdom. Of course, we planned on hitting up all the mountains, but I won't be able to do that. I will be 22 weeks along on our trip. We have lunch planned at Tony's (I know, I've heard it's not the best food, but we have a soft spot for Lady & the Tramp and plan to get there early to request patio seating for the parade). We have a carriage ride around POR booked for 7:00pm (I assume that is okay while pregnant?) and dinner at Cali Grill, followed by watching the fireworks there.

The second day we were planning on visiting Animal Kingdom in the morning, possibly HS (though we may now skip, because we were heading there for SW stuff and I won't be able to do that I don't think), then spending the rest of the day/evening at Epcot for F&W Festival....we are both big foodies, I love to cook and he loves to eat, so I think we'll enjoy sampling and watching some demonstrations, which won't be too physically demanding.

I really want to try to make this trip work. I hate that I won't be able to do a lot of the thrill rides, but I'm hoping there's still plenty DH and I can experience together (maybe this will give us the encouragement we need to experience LESS thrilling things this trip). I'm going to try to convince him to do some of his favorites as a single rider while I rest with some water or something, but please help me out!

Here are the ones I'm most curious about:
Soarin'
Frozen Ever After (since it's new, I have no idea what it's like)
Dinosaur (I've never been on but we were wanting to try...I have no idea what it's like either)
Safari

I know there is a list of what I can and can't ride while pregnant, but like I said, it's hard to find when you just search "pregnant" or the like...you get over 900 results. If someone can easily find and link the list, I would be so appreciative! Also, any tips to still make the most of our trip or things that would be better experienced since we WILL be pregnant? We are looking at it as an unplanned blessing...being able to take a few baby bump pics in front of the castle where our love story began (we are sappy romantics), and taking our little one on his/her first trip to Disney! We want to enjoy it...we are calling it our anniversary trip/babymoon. But we also are keeping the safety of our little one as top priority. Thanks for any advice you mommas or husbands who have been through it can give us! Any tips, big or small are appreciated!

 

[BlueLion]

Do the trip! I went to Disneyland with my husband and 6yo whIle pregnant a few years back. Same as you, trip was already scheduled when we found out. I was sad to miss some of the rides, but still had a lot of fun! Individual ride pages should note whether pregnant women can ride. Soarin' was fine, I went on it at Disneyland. Would assume Dinosaur is a no and would think frozen and safari would be ok. It's mostly roller coasters and anything that jostles you aroundo a lot.

Have fun, and most importantly, congrats!

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Help please! I know that there are a BAZILLION posts about being pregnant at Disney, but it is taking forever for me to sort through them, and this pregnant girl is already exhausted as it is!

Hubby and I are planning to do Disney for just two days/two nights in October to celebrate our first anniversary. We just about had everything lined up, Fast Pass choices picked out and everything when we found out that we are expecting our first child! We are so excited, but it definitely changes our plans. My parents think we should just cancel the trip all together...mom thinks I will be too tired and won't want to spend time in the car (it would be a 6 hour drive there, 6 hour drive back), and walking all over the place. However...we got engaged at Disney, had a Cinderella-themed wedding, and are huge lovers of all things Disney...which my parents are not. And you all know if they don't get it, they don't get it.

Our plan was the first day at Magic Kingdom. Of course, we planned on hitting up all the mountains, but I won't be able to do that. I will be 22 weeks along on our trip. We have lunch planned at Tony's (I know, I've heard it's not the best food, but we have a soft spot for Lady & the Tramp and plan to get there early to request patio seating for the parade). We have a carriage ride around POR booked for 7:00pm (I assume that is okay while pregnant?) and dinner at Cali Grill, followed by watching the fireworks there.

The second day we were planning on visiting Animal Kingdom in the morning, possibly HS (though we may now skip, because we were heading there for SW stuff and I won't be able to do that I don't think), then spending the rest of the day/evening at Epcot for F&W Festival....we are both big foodies, I love to cook and he loves to eat, so I think we'll enjoy sampling and watching some demonstrations, which won't be too physically demanding.

I really want to try to make this trip work. I hate that I won't be able to do a lot of the thrill rides, but I'm hoping there's still plenty DH and I can experience together (maybe this will give us the encouragement we need to experience LESS thrilling things this trip). I'm going to try to convince him to do some of his favorites as a single rider while I rest with some water or something, but please help me out!

Here are the ones I'm most curious about:
Soarin'
Frozen Ever After (since it's new, I have no idea what it's like)
Dinosaur (I've never been on but we were wanting to try...I have no idea what it's like either)
Safari

I know there is a list of what I can and can't ride while pregnant, but like I said, it's hard to find when you just search "pregnant" or the like...you get over 900 results. If someone can easily find and link the list, I would be so appreciative! Also, any tips to still make the most of our trip or things that would be better experienced since we WILL be pregnant? We are looking at it as an unplanned blessing...being able to take a few baby bump pics in front of the castle where our love story began (we are sappy romantics), and taking our little one on his/her first trip to Disney! We want to enjoy it...we are calling it our anniversary trip/babymoon. But we also are keeping the safety of our little one as top priority. Thanks for any advice you mommas or husbands who have been through it can give us! Any tips, big or small are appreciated!

I was 27-29 weeks on my last trip to WDW. Didn't do any of the rides you mentioned: Dinosaur is a rough ride; Safari can be quite bumpy; FEA wasn't open but I didn't do anything with any drops at all (including POTC); we didn't get around to Soarin' (I wouldn't have done the full experience, but I thought I read there is an area to sit where the ride doesn't move?). I basically only rode the haunted mansion. (DH is a dr and didn't feel comfortable with me riding almost any of the rides, but he's also very cautious with me and our kids).

I did watch the nighttime shows (I've heard the Star Wars fireworks are awesome), and things like FOTLK. There are a lot of shows you can watch and non-moving attractions (Flights of wonder, Nemo, Bugs Life, hall of presidents, laugh floor,...). We also did a lot of character M&Gs. If your husband gets FP+ for the thrill rides, and/or does single rider where available, you shouldn't be alone for much time.

Obviously take lots of breaks, keep well hydrated (free water from CS locations). I was able to find out of the way spots to rest (benches along the Pangani forest trail at AK, the seating area for the CS location at the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT,...).

We usually eat mostly at CS since we're normally commando, but we changed things up this last time and ate at least one TS a day. The air-conditioned breaks were nice, and I got to experience restaurants and resorts we hadn't spent time at before.

 

[Amboo]

Congrats!!

I've been to Disney twice while pregnant (about 15/16 weeks both times). For me anytime in the second trimester would be fine since I felt pretty good, but obviously everyone is different. Main tips are just to not push yourself and stay hydrated! Plan for lots of breaks. But it's totally doable and still lots to enjoy! I avoided anything with a pregnancy warning. Other than the Safari which I still did. You can request a seat toward the front which will be less bumpy, but I personally wasn't worried. The baby is well protected! So yeah, definitely go and have a blast! Babies/kids are tons of fun, but also a lot of work, so enjoy this time while you can.

 

[TellTheHubbyLater]

I would definitely go!! I was about 5 months pregnant last time. 3rd child. No health problems other than nausea. I did soaring and safari both without any issues. I would not to dinosaur pregnant.
I get car sick very easily and drive most everywhere. I drove 16 hours both ways. Lots of stops. Lots of water to keep the swelling down.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Are mosquitos still an issue in FL in October? (Note: Looks like mosquito season is year round in FL, according to an article I just read.) I've never noticed many around WDW, but I'd make sure to wear bug spray and reapply regularly.

 

[pd1138]

I went pregnant twice ( two different pregnancies) once at 20 weeks and once at about 23 weeks. I'm usually commando, but I needed that afternoon break on those two trips. We stayed at the Wilderness lodge both times so it was a quick ride back for a nap! I did not do the soarin ride or dinosaur, but I did do the safari ride. I rode in the seat right behind the driver and it wasn't bad. I also had normal pregnancies and had asked my dr before I went. I also did pooh ride, Peter Pan, haunted mansion, people mover, spaceship earth and toy story mania. Did not do any of the mountains at MK, or star tours, or any other thrill rides. We flew in a plane so I do not know about a long car ride.
There are some cute picture ideas holding up little onesies and things you can do.....not sure if you are going to find out what the gender will be , it's usually visible in an ultrasound around 18-20 weeks, but if you are that could be a cute reveal pic!!
Have fun and enjoy!! This may give you a trip to check out all the little stuff and shows people sometimes miss when they are rushing from one ride to the next!!

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I went at approximately 31 weeks with DD during a late November/early December time frae.

Soarin' should be fine. I rode KS, but technically it is not recommended for pregnant women. I just jammed my feet into the floorboard and lifted my bottom off the seat so I would be bumped around too much.

I would pass on Dinosaur, and I believe FEA is the same track as the previous Norway ride, which I don't remember being too rough, but I am not too sure.

Just take it slow and easy and have a great babymoon!

 

[glassslippergirl]

What does your doctor say? No offense, but he knows more about your pregnancy than your parents. My doctor approved three short trips throughout my pregnancy with the caveat each time that I avoid any rides with restrictions for pregnant women (Soarin has no restrictions, and I'm guessing FEA doesn't because it follows the same track as Maelstrom; I think Dinosaur and Safari will be a no-gos). I'd avoid the dashes from RD to FEA because, even though they are somewhat organized, you don't need to risk it. As for touring, follow your body's lead-- drink water often, and sit when you need to, go back to the hotel if you need to. I'd open a map for each park, and you'll see just how much you can do. If you are such WDW fans, I think you'll regret not taking a last couples trip. Enjoy.

 

[AFwifelife]

I've been to Disney during both of my pregnancies. Of the rides with expectant mother advisories, I only went on KS. No bumpier than the road I took to see my OB lol. I did take afternoon breaks with my second pregnancy because my 15 month old needed to nap but was fine when I went during his pregnancy. Just listen to your body and be well hydrated.

A carriage ride should be just fine too. For traveling in the car, be sure to take breaks to walk around and stretch. When you are sitting in the car, be sure to move your legs around and keep the blood flowing.

 

[TSR6]

Dinosaur? That one rattles my cage a bit, and I'm a dude. I'd skip that one...

 

[Shellyb84]

I went to Disney when I was about 5 months pregnant. I rode Soarin', and the easy boat rides like Small World, POTC, Jungle Cruise. I would definitely not do Dinosaur or the Safari. I can't speak to FEA yet as I haven't been able to ride that yet. There is still plenty of things to do at Disney without the thrill rides! I did tire easy, but we're not RD to close people anyway, we took long pool breaks in the afternoon. I would not go if I were 8+ months, that would've been miserable I think, plus I wouldn't want to be that far away from my doctors.

Are mosquitos still an issue in FL in October? (Note: Looks like mosquito season is year round in FL, according to an article I just read.) I've never noticed many around WDW, but I'd make sure to wear bug spray and reapply regularly.

I've never seen a mosquito at Disney actually, and me, DD and DH are mosquito magnets.

 

[skylizard]

I did Disney last year while 8 months pregnant. My advice is pretty much the same as what's already been said. Stay hydrated and try to take more frequent breaks to sit down and get off your feet. As for rides, don't fret too much. I was still able to do the safari but opted to skip a lot of the other bumpier rides. We still had a great time with just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.

 

[skylizard]

As for the mosquitoes, I would bring along some all natural bug repellent just to be on the safe side. There's a brand called California Baby which makes an all natural (deet free) bug spray for babies that you'd be safe using.

 

[biondagirl]

I went to Disney when I was 5 months pregnant with my daughter in 2006. It was awesome. We went in March so it wasn't too hot. I remember not riding some rides, but we had been there before so I didn't mind.

It's been 10 years, so I cannot remember if I went on the safari or Soarin. I think I went on Soarin? Hmmm. . . I definitely wouldn't go on Dinosaur. In fact I just rode that for the first time last summer! I can't speak for Frozen Ever After.

You'll have a great time!

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

I recently went at 28 weeks pregnant. I rode everything but the mountains and EE & TT. I did the Safari and was seated in the last row. I have no issues riding the rides and my dr was fine with it. 7DMT was the only ride that I was a bit squished on. I have done Disney 3 times while pregnant. People may flame me but I honestly don/t know what the big deal is with pregnant women and rides. I am healthy, my baby is fine. Just stay hydrated.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I recently went at 28 weeks pregnant. I rode everything but the mountains and EE & TT. I did the Safari and was seated in the last row. I have no issues riding the rides and my dr was fine with it. 7DMT was the only ride that I was a bit squished on. I have done Disney 3 times while pregnant. People may flame me but I honestly don/t know what the big deal is with pregnant women and rides. I am healthy, my baby is fine. Just stay hydrated.

It's sudden stops that are the problem with rides, and the risk they pose of abruption. Chances are you'll be fine, but I personally would never take the chance. (I know someone who abrupted, but luckily she was over 30 weeks; DH has seen many, many cases in otherwise "healthy" pregnancies.)

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/amusement-parks/

 

[WayTooExcited]

I don't think you'll have a problem on Frozen Ever After. We did Pirates when I was pregnant and the drop is way more "intense" than the drops on FEA.

 

[Accident]

Are mosquitos still an issue in FL in October? (Note: Looks like mosquito season is year round in FL, according to an article I just read.) I've never noticed many around WDW, but I'd make sure to wear bug spray and reapply regularly.

I notice them mostly around the resorts but there is some sunscreens that is like candy to them. I look for a sunscreen with aloe in it and that seems to keep the bugs away. No clue if it's the aloe but my daughter who knows everything (according to her) seems to think that is the reason.

If you walk out of the resort room and seconds later have bugs around.. go wash it off and buy something else at the gift shop.

 

[Bellestreak]

I recently went at 28 weeks pregnant. I rode everything but the mountains and EE & TT. I did the Safari and was seated in the last row. I have no issues riding the rides and my dr was fine with it. 7DMT was the only ride that I was a bit squished on. I have done Disney 3 times while pregnant. People may flame me but I honestly don/t know what the big deal is with pregnant women and rides. I am healthy, my baby is fine. Just stay hydrated.

I agree with this. I actually spoke to my doctor before going at 5 months pregnant and she was not at all concerned. My rule of thumb was to stay off the really shakey stuff. No Dinosaur. I actually did do EE, once. The week and a half we were there, were the most comfortable of my pregnancy actually.
Congratulations on your Little!