When I was 25 weeks pregnant, my husband and I were thinking about going to Disneyland because we had just moved an hour from the parks. Normally, I would be looking forward to the rides, attractions, decadent treats, and quality time with Mickey Mouse, but I was afraid that when I spent time in the Happiest Place on Earth, I would feel like the most pregnant person on Earth.

In the end, we decided to wait until our baby was born to go to Cinderella’s Castle, but knowing what I know now, I wish we had gone back then.

Yes, there are some precautions you’ll need to take if you’re pregnant at Disney, but you still get a lot I can do (more than you think, actually!). Professional Disney moms and experts share how to pack and prepare, stay comfortable, and most importantly safe, while traveling to Disney Parks. A comprehensive proposal? Stay hydrated and have fun!

Time your trip right

The best time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester, between the 14th and 27th week. You’ll probably want to avoid parks when you’re feeling particularly nauseous in your first trimester or ready to pop in your third. Be sure to talk to your doctor before booking, especially if you are nearing your due date.

Pro tip: Disney parks are located in warm climates, which could be even hotter when you’re pregnant. Take advantage of baby care centers to cool off. Disney’s website has an easy-to-follow guide for the grooming centers at Disneyland, California Adventure, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

Dress really comfortably

Your baby may not be making memories by your side yet, but she’s definitely still the main character on your journey. Before you hit the parks, follow BabyCenter moms’ advice on what to wear.

“I wore a belly band and was surprisingly fine with all the walking…” of Heidism

“It will be sticky, so even if you’re wearing shorts, you might want to wear riding pants so your thighs don’t rub against each other.” — ElizaDinh

“Wear a hat! I had to buy one at the Magic Kingdom and oh my lord. It made a huge difference!” — SamRdgzz

For advice: Even if you wear the most comfortable shoes, walking long distances during pregnancy can be difficult. Disney parks allow you to rent an electric transportation vehicle (ECV) such as a scooter or manual wheelchair. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive early. Visit Disney World and Disneyland guest services page on the Disney website to learn more about rentals.

Bring your own snacks and water

Did you know you can bring your own food into the Disney parks? Fill a backpack or even a cooler and you’ll save time and money throughout the day. Just be sure follow the rules of what you are allowed to have with you.

“I recommend that you take a watermelon with you as a snack. You can Uber eats or Instacart sliced ​​watermelon (and any other groceries) to your hotel and then bring it with you to the parks. Good for you for hydration, and (your child if you have one) too!” — ETJ813

“We did 4 days in the park with a 22-month-old child. I am currently 12 weeks. I also bought some Liquid IV powder to put in the water.” — Niš87

“I’m 17 weeks pregnant and just got back from Disney. We took a fabric cooler bag with Ziploc bags full of ice to keep our water cold all day. It fit in the bottom of the cart.” — quentinsmommy2008

For advice: Everyone knows how expensive a bottle of water is at Disney, but if you’re passing by a restaurant, go inside and ask for a free cup of water. If you’ve run out of snacks, you can too order in advance in several dining places, so the food will be waiting for you.

You’ll have to skip some rides, but here’s what you can do

“Always confirm with a cast member if the ride you’re going on is safe for pregnant women,” says Lauren Kerstner, MMSc, ​​PA-C, OB/GYN and Disneyland Magic Key holder (this is Disney lingo for their annual membership).

The My Disney Experience app can also provide you with readings on safe rides. When you download the app, apply the “physical considerations” filter to the attraction tab and select “advice for moms-to-be” to see which rides you can go on (and which ones you should avoid) while you’re pregnant, Kerstner says.

There are many rides that will be safe for pregnancy. Some favorites from the BabyCenter community include:

• It’s a Small World (Disney World and Disneyland)

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• Haunted Mansion (Disney World and Disneyland)

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover (Disney World)

Also watch shows that will allow you to relax and spend some time in an air-conditioned room, suggests Kerstner. Her favorites? Storytelling at the Theater Royal in Fantasyland (at Disneyland) and PhilharMagic Mickey the Musical (at Disney World and Disneyland). Other attractions such as parades, fireworks and character encounters are also popular with expectant mothers and families.

For advice: Planning your route through the parks is key. Pick up a ticket at the park entrance or use your app to plan the bathroom stops, respite baby care centers, and food options closest to you. Disney World resort guests can travel to all four parks by bus, boat or monorail. Meanwhile, Disneyland hotels and theme parks are within walking distance.