Being Pregnant at Disney World Is No Reason to Miss Out on Fun

When it comes to being pregnant at Disney World, there are a few extra things to consider, including monitoring rides for warnings and ensuring you’re properly prepared for a strenuous day. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions and share some tips for navigating Disney World while pregnant. 

Should you go to Disney World while pregnant?

Unless advised otherwise by a medical professional, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy a vacation to Disney World while pregnant. That said, you’ll want to take extra care before embarking on your trip, especially if you’re traveling from far away.

There are tons of rides you can go on while pregnant. You’ll want to do some research before arriving at the park to determine which attractions are suitable for those who are pregnant or have other health conditions. 

There’s much more to Disney World than roller coasters. From rides to shows to food, the activities are nearly limitless, no matter when you’re traveling. 

» Learn more: How to go to Disney World for cheap

Rides to avoid at Disney World while pregnant

Watch for posted advisories at the entrance to each ride or plan in advance by checking out Disney’s online listing of available attractions for expecting mothers.

Disney World operates four theme parks with rides and attractions. Here are the rides at each park that aren’t recommended for expecting mothers, along with ideas for what you can do instead. 

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is focused on animals of all kinds. This includes the extinct (in DinoLand U.S.A.), the fictional (in Pandora — the world of Avatar) and the real (on a Kilimanjaro safari).

There are a total of five attractions that those who are pregnant should avoid: 

• Avatar Flight of Passage.

• Dinosaur.

• Expedition Everest.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris.

• Kali River Rapids.

While these may constitute a large portion of the rides available at Animal Kingdom, you can still take advantage of the park's many shows, including "Festival of the Lion King," "It’s Tough to be a Bug" and "Feathered Friends in Flight." 

Epcot

Epcot is a great option for those who are pregnant at Disney World. Most of its rides are available to those who are expecting. Only these three rides have an advisory: 

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

• Mission: Space.

• Test Track. 

This means the rest of the park is available, including the recently-opened Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin' Around the World, Spaceship Earth and Frozen Ever After.

And don’t forget the food. Epcot is renowned for its wide variety of dining options, including various food festivals throughout the year. 

» Learn more: Epcot versus Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to the ever-popular Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as well as Toy Story Land and several other themed lands. 

Hollywood Studios has perhaps the most restrictions for those who are pregnant at Disney World, with a total of six rides featuring an advisory: 

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. 

• Slinky Dog Dash.

• Star Tours — The Adventure Continues.

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Guests can still enjoy many attractions such as Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, "Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage" and "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular."

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is probably the most well-known theme park in Disney World, featuring Cinderella's iconic castle as well as many themed lands with different attractions. 

There are five rides that Disney recommends pregnant people don't ride:

• The Barnstormer.

• Space Mountain.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

• Tomorrowland Speedway.

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Otherwise, popular rides you may want to check out include classics such as the PeopleMover, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and many more.

» Learn more: How to plan a trip to Walt Disney World

Tips for navigating Disney World while pregnant 

Being pregnant can be an exhausting experience all on its own, but throw in travel to Disney World and you may be feeling wiped out before you even get inside the park. 

Perhaps the most challenging obstacle you’ll face during your trip is the constant need to stand in lines. There are lines for boarding the monorail or ferry, entering the theme parks and getting on rides.

All this standing around may be too much for some people. In that case, there are a few different options.

The first is to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter. These are available at each theme park and can provide much-needed relief to your feet and back.

You can also plan your day to avoid as many lines as possible. The free Genie service offered on the Disney World app will predict wait times and suggest a plan of action for hitting all the attractions you’re interested in. 

Finally, Lightning Lane is a paid service — much like the old FastPass system — that will give you access to a separate queue with shorter wait times. You have the option to buy a Multi Pass or a Single Pass.

The cost for this will vary based on which parks you visit and when, but it may be worth it, especially on busier days. 

» Learn more: Lightning Lane Multi Pass versus Single Pass

How to save money on a Disney trip

Consider off-property hotels

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, you can stay at a hotel outside the park or at one of Disney’s many on-site resorts.

Off-site hotels are often cheaper, but Disney properties come with valuable perks like Extra Magic Hours and transportation to the parks.

» Learn more: The best Orlando-area hotels to book with points and miles

Take advantage of budget-friendly activities

There are plenty of cheap or free things to do at Disney World. You can hop the monorail and visit area resorts, wander Disney Springs or sail on the Friendship Launch boats. You can even score some of the best fireworks views outside a theme park.

Spend smartly with the right credit card

The best credit card for Disney World might surprise you, as the Disney® Premier Visa® Card actually isn't all it's cracked up to be. Paltry rewards and few opportunities to redeem mean you're better off using a more general travel credit card to get money back in your pocket when paying for a Disney World vacation.

Terms apply.

Being pregnant at Disney World, recapped

Disney World vacations are almost always a big deal, especially if you’re coming from out of town. Visiting while pregnant may make it feel like an even bigger deal, but the good news is that there’s no reason to cancel your trip if you’re expecting.

Although there are some things you’ll want to avoid when you visit, for the most part, Disney World is easy to navigate during pregnancy. 

(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)