Tips for doing WDW while pregnant

[disneygirl76]

Hi everyone,

I announced a few weeks ago that my DH and I are expecting a baby! After almost 4 years of fertility treatments, our dream is coming to! We are over 12 weeks now, still praying for a healthy happy pregnancy and that everything goes well, but now that I am out of the first 12 weeks, its time to start planning!

My DH and I are still going to WDW in Feb but rather then running the Disney Princess Half Marathon, we are going to a gender reveal! To see the pre-trip report: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/...-im-going-to-be-a-mom-pre-trip-report.876170/

The planning this time around is going to be very different. I will be 25 weeks along when we arrive. I should be feeling good in my 2nd trimester but I know I have major limitations and this is going to change how we normally do Disney.

I am looking for some tips, things to know, must do's, must don'ts, etc for doing WDW while pregnant.

Specifically:

list of rides to avoid and what is safe (I have googled this and I am on the conservative side so I won't be pushing the limits)

shoes - my feet are a disaster after a normal trip! I don't want to wear sneakers every day so something cute but functional and comfortable.

how to stay hydrated? I currently have a 52 ounce cup I carry around with me but I can't carry that around Disney World.

some hidden gems to see and do since we won't be focusing on the rides as much.

Thank you all for your tips and suggestions!

 

[polynesiangirl]

I know I already crashed your other thread, but here are a few:

- make the most of dining as a couple while you can (at least, what you can still eat/stand to eat) -- try to eat at places you won't want to haul a baby along to
- I'd bring something like a travel Nalgene bottle if you want to carry a water bottle with you. I think I just bought a lot of bottled water, which is obviously not a super cheap method, hahaha
- I rode no coasters, no safari, nothing with a height restriction -- partly out of an abundance of caution and partly because I had my two year old with me and he couldn't go on any of that either (except the safari, which my husband went on alone with him)
- I dressed in layers, because my body temperature was weird my entire pregnancy
- don't stand in long lines when you can avoid it. I always overdo it when I'm pregnant and then my back is killing me later in the day. Get off your feet for a while each day (back at your hotel if you need to.)
- make sure your shoes still fit you well before you leave. My feet always expanded by the halfway point of pregnancy and I had a couple of "pregnancy" pairs of shoes, haha.

Have a great trip! Congrats again!

 

[Disneykidder]

First off CONGRATS!!!! Best wishes to you and your hubby!! I have been to WDW when I was about 14 weeks pregnant. when I was there it was also August so it was realllllly hot. However, all of the same things apply to you.

- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking water is really very important to do while pregnant, let alone at WDW. Maybe your hubby can carry a backpack and you can clip your large water bottle to it. Disney vendors and carts will gladly give you cups of ice that you can put right into your bottle. We had groceries delivered to our resort (from garden grocer) and in that order was two 48 bottle of water packs. It was Dasani, the same as in the parks. It was a huge savings and convenient to just grab when we needed a drink on the go. In that backpack, also carry snacks that can reenergize you like granola bars, pretzels and the sort. Even a little sugary snack is good for some energy. Sometimes when you're feeling sluggish, a small snack can really be a pick me up.
-shoes--I wore sneakers (I like Nike or Sketchers) and made sure I broke them in before hand. Cotton socks with them is a must. I also wore black MaryJane crocs. The are cute, comfy and allowed my feet the room to expand.
- No No rides---MK-- Splash, Space, Big Thunder
---AK-- Kali, Safari, Everest
---DHS--Terror, Rock
---Ep-- Maelstrom, Mission Space, Test Track
-go see very show and take advantage of comfy, air-conditioned seating
-peruse the shops
-take advantage of the resting stations, if you need to. I actually got too hot and dehydrated at AK and then spent 25 minutes resting and drinking cold water. They were great there and would not let me leave until I finished this huge cup of water.
-ride the monorail
-Have fun and know the next time you arrive back there, it will be with your little cutie in tow. (plus a stroller, diapers, extra clothes, bottles and the kitchen sink)

 

[thrupaytonseyes]

I actually did go on the safari when I went pregnant without issue. I sat up front behind the driver and it was no more bumpy than a regular car ride. Of course, you have to do what you are comfortable with. My OB/GYN had no issue with me going on it either. However, I would recommend steering clear of Winnie the Pooh ride. The bouncing Tigger part had me feeling like crap the rest of the day. UGH!

 

[Disneykidder]

I actually did go on the safari when I went pregnant without issue. I sat up front behind the driver and it was no more bumpy than a regular car ride. Of course, you have to do what you are comfortable with. My OB/GYN had no issue with me going on it either. However, I would recommend steering clear of Winnie the Pooh ride. The bouncing Tigger part had me feeling like crap the rest of the day. UGH!

I also went on the safari when I was prego but after it I felt very guilty and vowed not to do it again. It was quite bumpy. I have been on it where it has been tame but this time it was rocky. It is my favorite ride in AK but not worth it to feel nervous.

 

[disneygirl76]

I know I already crashed your other thread, but here are a few:

- make the most of dining as a couple while you can (at least, what you can still eat/stand to eat) -- try to eat at places you won't want to haul a baby along to
- I'd bring something like a travel Nalgene bottle if you want to carry a water bottle with you. I think I just bought a lot of bottled water, which is obviously not a super cheap method, hahaha
- I rode no coasters, no safari, nothing with a height restriction -- partly out of an abundance of caution and partly because I had my two year old with me and he couldn't go on any of that either (except the safari, which my husband went on alone with him)
- I dressed in layers, because my body temperature was weird my entire pregnancy
- don't stand in long lines when you can avoid it. I always overdo it when I'm pregnant and then my back is killing me later in the day. Get off your feet for a while each day (back at your hotel if you need to.)
- make sure your shoes still fit you well before you leave. My feet always expanded by the halfway point of pregnancy and I had a couple of "pregnancy" pairs of shoes, haha.

Have a great trip! Congrats again!

Thank you so much! A Nalgene bottle - I'm assuming that is like the filtered water bottles? I have those. But my issue with those is that they are not cold b/c you fill up from the water fountain and those are never super cold. I did read though that any counter service will fill up your water bottle with cold water. Do you know if that is true?

What shoes do you like? I had terrible issues when I went in September 2012 - destroyed my feet - and now i'm even more concerned being pregnant. I have my sneaks - by I will be in maxi dresses - and I just can't do sneaks and a dress!

 

[disneygirl76]

First off CONGRATS!!!! Best wishes to you and your hubby!! I have been to WDW when I was about 14 weeks pregnant. when I was there it was also August so it was realllllly hot. However, all of the same things apply to you.

- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking water is really very important to do while pregnant, let alone at WDW. Maybe your hubby can carry a backpack and you can clip your large water bottle to it. Disney vendors and carts will gladly give you cups of ice that you can put right into your bottle. We had groceries delivered to our resort (from garden grocer) and in that order was two 48 bottle of water packs. It was Dasani, the same as in the parks. It was a huge savings and convenient to just grab when we needed a drink on the go. In that backpack, also carry snacks that can reenergize you like granola bars, pretzels and the sort. Even a little sugary snack is good for some energy. Sometimes when you're feeling sluggish, a small snack can really be a pick me up.
-shoes--I wore sneakers (I like Nike or Sketchers) and made sure I broke them in before hand. Cotton socks with them is a must. I also wore black MaryJane crocs. The are cute, comfy and allowed my feet the room to expand.
- No No rides---MK-- Splash, Space, Big Thunder
---AK-- Kali, Safari, Everest
---DHS--Terror, Rock
---Ep-- Maelstrom, Mission Space, Test Track
-go see very show and take advantage of comfy, air-conditioned seating
-peruse the shops
-take advantage of the resting stations, if you need to. I actually got too hot and dehydrated at AK and then spent 25 minutes resting and drinking cold water. They were great there and would not let me leave until I finished this huge cup of water.
-ride the monorail
-Have fun and know the next time you arrive back there, it will be with your little cutie in tow. (plus a stroller, diapers, extra clothes, bottles and the kitchen sink)

Oh - the cup of ice idea is great! I am totally going to do that! And the grocer to order water! Brilliant!

Thank you for the shoe rec - I have never worn crocs before but many people have. I want to go to one of those specialty shoe stores - but those shoes are a small fortune! I have Nike sneaks which I will wear when wearing capris and shorts - but for my maxi dresses - I need something else.

I know - i can't believe that after Feb, the next time we go will be with our little one! Crazy! So excited!

 

[disneygirl76]

I actually did go on the safari when I went pregnant without issue. I sat up front behind the driver and it was no more bumpy than a regular car ride. Of course, you have to do what you are comfortable with. My OB/GYN had no issue with me going on it either. However, I would recommend steering clear of Winnie the Pooh ride. The bouncing Tigger part had me feeling like crap the rest of the day. UGH!

Good tip about Winnie - totally forgot about that part of the ride. I think I'm going to stay on the conservative side and avoid the safari. As much as I love it, I have spent 4 years of fertility treatments to get this little one - I don't want to take any risks.

 

[disneygirl76]

I also went on the safari when I was prego but after it I felt very guilty and vowed not to do it again. It was quite bumpy. I have been on it where it has been tame but this time it was rocky. It is my favorite ride in AK but not worth it to feel nervous.

Yeah - I love it too. But i'm going to pass on it. Its a fave though! We are going to be strolling and looking at the other things - going to find D'Vine if it kills me!

 

[Disneydreamer23]

Here's a list I didn't ride while there last feb 26 weeks preg. Mk- Winnie the Pooh splash space mountain big thunder. Ep- mission space test track ( my his did single rider at all epocts and I was able to walk right through so ur not waiting alone. Ak-Everest dinasour Hester jester spin thing I did do safari I sat in the front and it was ok I asked my obgyn that was a disney fanatic and she oked it. Hs- toy story spin r and roller coaster t of terror Star Wars take advantage of shows and don't hesitate to ask for a wheel chair I didn't have to use one but every ones pregnancy is different we got the delux dining to eat 3/sit downs a day so we did breakfast and. A 2 credit dinner it was nice to get off my feet and wear ur pins they do a lot of expectant parents! Congrats

 

[disneygirl76]

Here's a list I didn't ride while there last feb 26 weeks preg. Mk- Winnie the Pooh splash space mountain big thunder. Ep- mission space test track ( my his did single rider at all epocts and I was able to walk right through so ur not waiting alone. Ak-Everest dinasour Hester jester spin thing I did do safari I sat in the front and it was ok I asked my obgyn that was a disney fanatic and she oked it. Hs- toy story spin r and roller coaster t of terror Star Wars take advantage of shows and don't hesitate to ask for a wheel chair I didn't have to use one but every ones pregnancy is different we got the delux dining to eat 3/sit downs a day so we did breakfast and. A 2 credit dinner it was nice to get off my feet and wear ur pins they do a lot of expectant parents! Congrats

Thank you so much! You didn't do toy story? I thought that one was okay? I was tempted to do Deluxe Dining but I think we are going to stick to the regular dining plan.

 

[minniemickeyfan]

First of all, congrats! Somehow I went to Disney when I was 12 weeks, 22 weeks(moms surprise spring break trip before my sister and I had our babies 2 weeks apart) and when I was 32-34 weeks in June. The best trip for feeling well was 22 weeks. No more morning sickness and not too uncomfortable yet so I think you've picked a great time to go.
Others mentioned pretty well what rides to stay clear of but I think you'll find you can do so much that you won't feel like your missing anything. I would not do Safaris.
Also I don't know if you will be riding busses or not, but I would wait to get a seat or if I couldn't I would stand up front against something. I'm saying this because even when I went at 32 weeks, not once did someone give up their seat for me. I think if I were to do that trip again I'd go with a Monorail or Epcot resort.
Not sure I'm much help with shoes as I wore a pair of nikes.
Most of all,listen to yourself and stop and rest when you need too. Do some extra shopping. They have some pretty cute things for baby!
For your hotel, if you have a fav pillow or something-bring it! You will want to sleep well.
Hope everything goes well for you and Congrats!!
Edit: I did toy story and thought it was okay, but if was a little bumpy around those corners.

 

[Mukta]

I have no tips for you, but I wanted to say congratulations! I know that you two have wanted to be parents for a very long time and I am very happy for you.

 

[disneygirl76]

I have no tips for you, but I wanted to say congratulations! I know that you two have wanted to be parents for a very long time and I am very happy for you.

Ahhh, thanks so much!

 

[disneygirl76]

First of all, congrats! Somehow I went to Disney when I was 12 weeks, 22 weeks(moms surprise spring break trip before my sister and I had our babies 2 weeks apart) and when I was 32-34 weeks in June. The best trip for feeling well was 22 weeks. No more morning sickness and not too uncomfortable yet so I think you've picked a great time to go.
Others mentioned pretty well what rides to stay clear of but I think you'll find you can do so much that you won't feel like your missing anything. I would not do Safaris.
Also I don't know if you will be riding busses or not, but I would wait to get a seat or if I couldn't I would stand up front against something. I'm saying this because even when I went at 32 weeks, not once did someone give up their seat for me. I think if I were to do that trip again I'd go with a Monorail or Epcot resort.
Not sure I'm much help with shoes as I wore a pair of nikes.
Most of all,listen to yourself and stop and rest when you need too. Do some extra shopping. They have some pretty cute things for baby!
For your hotel, if you have a fav pillow or something-bring it! You will want to sleep well.
Hope everything goes well for you and Congrats!!
Edit: I did toy story and thought it was okay, but if was a little bumpy around those corners.

We are staying at the Beach Club so hoping to limit buses as much as possible. We planned that all along and didn't connect that it would be helpful when pregnant. Makes total sense. AND I can't believe NO ONE gave you a seat! WHAT???

I'm driving so yes - I can bring my own pillow and anything else I need which again - didn't even think about so thank you for suggesting that!

Good to know about Toy Story - I thought it was okay. I will brace myself around the corners - thanks for that tip too!

By the way - how did you end up going to Disney so much pregnant!!!

 

[minniemickeyfan]

We are staying at the Beach Club so hoping to limit buses as much as possible. We planned that all along and didn't connect that it would be helpful when pregnant. Makes total sense. AND I can't believe NO ONE gave you a seat! WHAT???

I'm driving so yes - I can bring my own pillow and anything else I need which again - didn't even think about so thank you for suggesting that!

Good to know about Toy Story - I thought it was okay. I will brace myself around the corners - thanks for that tip too!

By the way - how did you end up going to Disney so much pregnant!!!

It was unbelievable that no one would give me a seat. I never expected that.

We already had our Dec trip planned and bought AP's before I knew. We have a 17 year old so a new baby was a long time in the works. For March, my mom decided with having 2 of us daughters with each a girl already and a baby on the way both due in July that she took us all down (and paid-so nice of her!!) for an all girls trip. I didn't think I'd even go in June but somehow we did. It was a crazy year. By the way, Feb should be great for you-no summer heat to deal with.

 

[Tinkerbell397]

Hey @disneygirl76..... Congratulations!!!!!! There is nothing like being a mom. I recently became a "grammie" and I am just tickled....anxious to bring my little granddaughter to Disney for the 1st time.
No real advise for you since it seems that you are a "Disney Professional". Just remember to take lots of pictures of ""The Baby-Bump" and relax with your feet up whenever you can. Have a Magical Trip!

 

[Gabe1]

Most has been covered pretty well but I will poke you a little bit about gym shoes. I understand the dress and gym shoes but I give up the dress over the gym shoes while prego especially since you know you have had issues before. I never ever have issues with my feet and we mostly had done two week trips but prego feet are so much different, they are already supporting additional weight the arches are not use to. The only other shoes that I could wear for several hours were croc's, they have some with good arch support. During my first pregnancy my feet ultimately grew a full size and never returned. This happens to some and not others. Pay attention before you leave and make sure all the shoes you are taking with you still fit properly. One week they feet/shoes can be fine, next week they go into the never again while I am prego pile.

Still so happy and excited for you!

 

[disneygirl76]

It was unbelievable that no one would give me a seat. I never expected that.

We already had our Dec trip planned and bought AP's before I knew. We have a 17 year old so a new baby was a long time in the works. For March, my mom decided with having 2 of us daughters with each a girl already and a baby on the way both due in July that she took us all down (and paid-so nice of her!!) for an all girls trip. I didn't think I'd even go in June but somehow we did. It was a crazy year. By the way, Feb should be great for you-no summer heat to deal with.

Oh my goodness! You know how to disney preggo! yes, I think I lucked out with the no summer thing!

 

[disneygirl76]

Hey @disneygirl76..... Congratulations!!!!!! There is nothing like being a mom. I recently became a "grammie" and I am just tickled....anxious to bring my little granddaughter to Disney for the 1st time.
No real advise for you since it seems that you are a "Disney Professional". Just remember to take lots of pictures of ""The Baby-Bump" and relax with your feet up whenever you can. Have a Magical Trip!

Thank you so much! Oh yes, lots of pics of the bump!