Planning a trip to Disney while also planning the arrival of a new family member? So exciting!
Going to a theme park while pregnant may seem like it would be disappointing, but that is certainly not the case at Disney World. I have visited during my last two pregnancies, one trip at 17 weeks and the other at 30 weeks, and I did not feel like my experience was diminished at all.
Here are my tips for enjoying Disney World while expecting!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. You should consult your doctor on how to safely enjoy Disney and other theme parks while pregnant. This is only based on personal experience.
What can I ride at Disney World while pregnant?
The common rule of thumb is anything without a height requirement. This includes rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Living with the Land, and Toy Story Mania. The great thing about Disney World is that there is no shortage of rides that do not require a certain height, so you will have plenty of options.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. These come from Disney themselves, as well as my own personal experience.
If you go into your My Disney Experience app, select the location icon at the bottom of the screen, then click the attractions icon (star) at the top of the page, and select “filter.” Once the filter options open, you can choose a specific park or view all attractions across the property. Scroll down to “Physical Considerations,” where you will find the “Expectant Mothers Advisory.” Apply that filter, and you will see a list of attractions Disney does not recommend for expectant mothers.
If you review this list, you may be surprised to see Kilimanjaro Safaris. The attraction at Animal Kingdom does not have a height requirement, but Disney advises against pregnant women riding it. I believe this has to do with how jerky and bumpy the safari truck ride can be, though I am sure Disney has multiple reasons.
Truth be told, I have read reports of pregnant women riding the safari. Could you safely participate? Maybe. I personally did not want to take the risk. Instead, I enjoyed some nice downtime resting my feet, having a Mickey ice cream sandwich, and watching squirrels steal snacks from strollers while my husband took our toddler. I would have gone to the Festival of the Lion King show, but it was too early and hadn’t started yet (don’t judge that it was this early and I was eating ice cream). If you are on the fence, please consult your doctor.
The advisory list is missing one ride that does have a height requirement: Soarin’. This popular EPCOT attraction is generally considered safe for pregnant guests despite the 40-inch minimum height requirement. I rode it during both of my pregnancies, and it felt even gentler than some rides without height restrictions.
There are also two rides without height restrictions that some people recommend avoiding: Pirates of the Caribbean and Frozen Ever After. Both have small drops that can jostle you if you are not prepared. Based on my experience, I was ready for the drop on Frozen Ever After and positioned myself accordingly. However, on Pirates of the Caribbean, I was caught off guard the first time, even though I had ridden it countless times. I hit the side of the boat pretty hard. My baby and I were completely fine, but I understand why some choose to skip it. On my second trip while pregnant, I made sure I was prepared for the drop.
Note: These drops are not comparable to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney advises against expectant mothers riding that attraction.
Watch as many shows and parades as possible
On a typical Disney World trip, you may try to experience as many rides as possible. You wait in line, ride, and immediately move on to the next attraction. The same can happen during a pregnancy-friendly trip, given the number of rides still available to you. However, since you are skipping many high-wait attractions, you don’t have to feel as rushed. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down.
Disney World offers so many great shows to choose from. These experiences often get you out of the elements and off your feet, and most are nothing short of Disney magic.
Parades are also wonderful. There’s nothing quite like seeing your favorite characters float down Main Street, U.S.A., with the castle in the background. That said, parades require a bit more planning. Good viewing spots fill up well before showtime, so you’ll need to arrive early to claim your space. This may mean standing for a while, possibly in the sun, but I think it’s worth it!
Eat all the snacks
Disney World has no shortage of snacks, and what better time to indulge than while pregnant? That is, of course, if you are past the first-trimester slump and no longer repulsed by normal foods.
My favorite time to treat myself is when everyone else is on a ride I can’t participate in. I take that opportunity to relax and snack. EPCOT is my favorite park for trying new foods, especially during a festival, but every park offers fun treats.
On my most recent trip, I had my heart set on a BBQ brisket melt with a side of tomato soup from Woody’s Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios. It’s definitely more of a meal than a snack, but you need something hearty to stay energized for a full park day, and it was worth it.
Woody’s Lunch Box gets very busy at lunchtime. The last thing I want to do is stand in a long line for food when I can order ahead. Fortunately, you can use the My Disney Experience app to mobile order from most quick-service restaurants. The app gives you a return time to pick up your food, which is incredibly convenient.
Though you may not experience everything you typically would during a Disney World trip while pregnant, you can still get your money’s worth. It also gives you a great excuse to try things you might normally skip, like shows and slower-paced experiences.
