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Can you, or rather should you, go Walt Disney World when you’re pregnant?  Of course, as long as your doctor agrees!  Each pregnancy is different and the first thing you should do is discuss this with your obstetrician.  Your doctor will have any special advice that pertains to you. Once you have your doctor’s OK to travel, there are a few pieces of advice since a Disney vacation is like no other.

Walt Disney World requires a lot of walking.  Even when not walking, much of the time you are still on your feet.  Prepare for your trip by walking every day.  Start slow and gradually add a little more distance every couple of days.  Ideally, you’ll prepare two to three months in advance and will end up walking three to five miles each day.  Be sure to walk in the shoes you’ll be wearing in the parks.

If ever there was a reason to stay onsite, this is it.  In fact, this is a fantastic time to stay at a deluxe resort—preferably The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary, or The Polynesian.  All of these resorts are on the monorail.  Other good resort choices include Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, The Beach Club, or The Yacht Club.  These resorts all allow for easy access to and from the parks.  They all also have room service and a variety of restaurants in case you don’t feel like making it out to the parks on any given day.

Make sure to continue to eat a well-balanced diet.  With the energy you expend on a Walt Disney World vacation it is more important than ever.  Be willing to be flexible with your dining plans.  Keep in mind any cravings you may have and any food aversions.  Allears.net offers menus online to help you plan a tentative schedule in advance.  If you are going during a busy time, you may want to skip the dining plans that you may purchase.  To make the money spent on the plans worth it you have to plan diligently and may not be able to deviate. 

Likewise, Snack often.  Do not be shy to bring snacks into the parks with you, especially if you are still suffering from morning sickness.  Stay hydrated.  An easy way to do this is to bring water in an insulated, reusable water bottle every day.  If you come armed with your bottle of water, you are more likely to remember to keep drinking, and save lots of money in the parks.  All restaurants will give you free ice and water.

Be sure to have the proper attire.  Make sure your clothing, especially your shoes, are comfortable.  Since pregnant women can have their bellies grow overnight, bring a few things a bit larger if necessary.  Also, many pregnant women have reported that wearing a maternity belt during the day helps.  At the same time, a good pair of support hose can be extremely helpful.

As you tour Walt Disney World, be sure to take it easy.  Do not feel as though you must see everything in one day.  Take lots of breaks.  Optimally, see visit a park in the morning, go back to your resort mid-day for a nap or to lounge around the pool, and go back to a park in the evening.  This is a perfect time to splurge on the park hopper option.  If you do find yourself tired, do not be afraid to rent a wheelchair or EVC.  Some women bring canes that have seats on them for an easy seat wherever they are; however, benches are in abundance.

There are an amazingly large number of attractions you can participate in.  As a matter of fact, there are relatively few attractions that that you can’t participate in.  All restricted attractions are clearly posted at the rides and on the guide map.  This includes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Goofy’s Barnstormer and Tomorrowland Indy Speedway at Magic Kingdom.  At Epcot you are restricted from Body Wars, Test Track, and Mission Space.  Only three rides have pregnancy restrictions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Rock’N’Rollercoaster, Star Tours, and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.  Animal Kingdom restricts Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, Primeval Whirl, Kali River Rapids, and Kilimanjaro Safari.  Although, a lot of women report getting their Doctor’s OK to ride Kilimanjaro Safari; that ride is only bumpy, and depending on the driver, not even that much.  Just be sure to ask to sit in the front row.  Avoid all water slides in the park.

While the rest of your party rides the restricted rides, it’s a great time to sneak in some extra rest.  Or go shopping for the baby, or grab fast passes.  Alternatively, you may stand in line with the rest of your party and exit (there’s always a chicken exit) just before entering the ride.

Luckily, bathrooms are plentiful throughout Walt Disney World.  Animal Kingdom has the fewest restrooms, but each restroom is quite large.  On the other hand, Epcot has many small restrooms.  No matter which park you are in, you are not likely to have to wait long.

End your day right.  To help avoid muscle aches, consider a warm shower, or better yet, bath each evening.  At the very least, consider buying a foot soak before you leave home.  Soaking your feet every night will help keep you fresh for the next day.  Additionally, make sure you have plenty of support while you sleep.  You can bring a body pillow or wedge pillow from home.  You can also call housekeeping upon your arrival and have them send as many pillows as you need to your room.

Being pregnant doesn’t suddenly render you incapable.  With a little careful planning, you can enjoy a trip to Walt Disney World as much, if not more than, a beach or spa vacation.