Yes, you can totally do Disneyland while pregnant! Get my top tips and Disneyland pregnancy hacks to make the most of your vacation! Plus, find out where to do cute maternity photos, scroll down for all the info!
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There are a lot of things pregnant women just can’t do. Eating sushi, laying on your stomach to sleep, and enjoying your favorite cocktail is all out the window.
Luckily, Disneyland is not on that list!
I had such a hard time finding information about going to Disneyland when I was pregnant, I wanted to create a guide for other women; Disneyland while Pregnant!
Disneyland While Pregnant: Where to Stay?
Wherever we decide to stay, I make sure that we are close enough to the park that we can get back and forth easily.
There is no tired like “pregnant mom” tired, unless it’s “pregnant mom at Disneyland” tired.
Staying somewhere close means that I can come back and rest in the heat of the day without ruining the early evening for my boys!
Anaheim Fairfield Inn
Located across the street from the park entrance, Anaheim Fairfield Inn is what’s considered a “Disney Good Neighbor Hotel.”
The “Good Neighbor” label means that, while the hotel isn’t owned by Disney, it lives up to their (strict) standards of cleanliness and service.
This hotel features some rooms that face the park so you can catch the fireworks display from the comfort of your room.
Another perk is the Panera in the parking lot – the perfect yummy food for those pregnancy cravings!
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
This is THE hotel you want to book if you are staying at Disneyland pregnant.
The spa, pools, and food would be convincing enough for me, but the private entrance to Disney’s California Adventure Park seals the deal!
A huge bonus is how close the hotel is to the Downtown Disney District.
Anything and everything a mom going to Disneyland while pregnant might want can be purchased, then SENT to your room.
No more walking bags of stuff back to the room before going into the park!
Disneyland Hotel
This hotel is probably one of the closest hotels to the entrances for the parks.
Disneyland Hotel splits the difference between the parks and the Downtown Disney District, making it a wonderful location for either adventures or shopping.
The kids will also love Goofy’s Kitchen Character Dining – which is right on site.
The other dining option is a steak restaurant that would be perfect for a date night!
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
This is where yours truly stayed on when I was at Disneyland pregnant. The thing I loved was the customer service – WOW!
The thing my boys loved most was Donald’s Seaside Breakfast down in the lobby.
Beyond that, the rooftop pool and third-floor deck were amazing to lounge around, relax, and enjoy being mommy!
During the fireworks display, the third-floor deck becomes a viewing area, complete with a live synchronized broadcast so you don’t have to fight the crowds!
Disneyland While Pregnant: the Best Rides
One thing that is a big no-no while pregnant is anything that jerks you around or puts pressure on your tummy.
Luckily, you can still go to Disneyland while pregnant and enjoy yourself – you just have to choose wisely!
Photo credit: Adam & Claudia Photography
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo is one of the most iconic rides at Disneyland, and you can still ride it while pregnant!
Your best bet is to sit by yourself, and only go as high as you want to.
Since you have control over the height, it’s perfect for a mom who just wants to sit back, relax, and feel the wind in her face!
“It’s a Small World”
Air conditioning. Boat ride. Calm music. What more could a pregnant mom want?
I always cry at this ride, and being pregnant did not help with that. (Shocker!)
The hardest thing about this ride is trying to not fall asleep!
Jungle Cruise
The only thing better than dad jokes are dad jokes with Dole Whip.
Seriously, grab yourself some of that fruity, cold deliciousness, and sit down to some amazingly bad puns.
The Jungle Cruise is a chance to sit back, laugh, and enjoy some time letting someone else drive through an amazing wonderland of trees, water, and (mostly fake) animals.
Pirates of the Caribbean
If you are already prone to motion sickness, this may not be a “safe” ride for you, but everyone else should be fine.
There are a few drops in this ride, but nothing that will jostle you too much.
Just like “It’s a small world”, sit back and enjoy the air conditioning!
There are plenty of other rides you can jump on while doing Disneyland pregnant:
- Alice in Wonderland
- Astro Orbitor
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Casey Jr. Circus Train
- Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
- Disneyland Railroad
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (although it may be difficult to get in/out)
- Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition
- Golden Zephyr
- Haunted Mansion
- Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- King Arthur Carrousel
- The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
- Mad Tea Party
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
- Monsters Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue
- Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pinocchio’s Daring Adventure
- Pixar Pal-A-Round
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Sailing Ship Columbus
- Silly Symphony Swings
- Snow White’s Scary Adventures
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Storybook Land Canal Boats
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Turtle Talk with Crush
Disneyland While Pregnant: What NOT to Ride?
There are more exciting rides that move you around a lot more than others.
Here are the rides I would stay away from as I consider visiting Disneyland while pregnant:
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Gadget’s Go Coaster
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly Run River
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
- Incredicoaster
- Indiana Jones™ Adventure
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
Disneyland While Pregnant: Disability Access Pass
While the myth of the Disneyland Pregnancy Pass has long been dispelled, pregnant women MAY be able to make use of a “Disability Access Pass.”
It won’t let you cut in line, but it will let you avoid standing in line that entire time.
You can find out if you qualify by visiting the Guest Relations Main Entrance in either Disneyland or the California Adventure Park.
If they allow you to, the cast member you speak with will help you register for the pass.
Disneyland While Pregnant: 6 Essential Tips
Don’t Try to Be a Supermom/Superwoman
Your body will feel and react differently. Take breaks, rest, and don’t push yourself too hard.
Drink a Lot of Water
Get a refillable water bottle and keep it filled.
I usually make my boys the “Water Keepers” and it is their job to remind me to drink water.
They LOVE their job (a little too much sometimes) and it helps keep me accountable.
Bring your Own Snacks
Don’t rely on park food to fill your tummy. Bring snacks you know you can tolerate, and make sure you eat them.
Nothing is worse than a hangry, tired pregnant mama.
Enjoy Treats!
If your tummy can handle it, go crazy!
My personal choice is always Dole Whip, Mickey Ear ice cream bars, and churros. It’s for the baby, so it’s all good!
Take a Break
Please plan a break into your day. The last thing you want to do is over-do Disneyland pregnant, and have to miss the entire next day.
Plan to enjoy the early evening (cooler) hours when the lines are shorter and your feet are happy again.
While you are in the park, look for sit-down restaurants or shows to give yourself a break throughout the day as well.
Baby Care Center
This is the best place to sit, relax, and chat with other Disneyland moms. This is air-conditioned heaven for moms doing Disneyland while pregnant!
Disneyland While Pregnant: Stages of Pregnancy
First Trimester:
If your pregnancies are anything like mine, this may not be the ideal time to visit Disneyland.
I was exhausted just by waking up in the morning, I can’t imagine what I would have looked like after walking around outside all day!
If you don’t have a choice, just plan to take things slow. Focus on one area of the park instead of the whole thing, and know that you don’t have to do everything.
I would try to avoid spinning rides like the Mad Hatters Tea Party (spinning teacups) or Dumbo the Flying Elephant if you are prone to feeling sick.
Peppermints and Ginger chews can help calm an upset stomach, so it might be a good idea to have some of them on hand.
Second Trimester:
This is the best time to go!
If I’m going to go to Disneyland pregnant, I want to be in the second trimester.
The second trimester might be when your energy comes back, and you can actually think about eating normal food again.
Plus, think of all the fun Disneyland maternity clothes you might find, or even better – plan for a Disneyland Baby Announcement!
Third Trimester:
Depending on how far along you are and how your body carries baby, this may not be the most comfortable time for you.
Plan to take things slow, and don’t be afraid to ask to get off of a ride if you aren’t comfortable.
The best thing about third trimester at Disneyland is all the options for a Disneyland Maternity Photoshoot!
We did one for our little boy, and it was SO MUCH FUN!
I highly suggest finding someone to snap some pictures of your baby bump while at Disneyland – you will cherish those pictures forever!
Disneyland While Pregnant: the Best Disney Maternity Clothes
The most important thing to think about when considering maternity wear is your shoes.
Going to Disneyland pregnant means you need to find comfortable shoes that fit you now. Don’t try to squeeze your feet into those pre-pregnancy sneakers.
I personally loved these FitFlops when I went last, they kept my feet cool, and gave me the support I needed.
I also love these custom sandals made by Wiivv – they are custom fit to you and would be comfortable, supportive shoes to wear around the park!
As far as clothes, I usually stick with a tank top and a graphic tee. Whatever you feel comfortable in, make sure you size up to give your bump room.
Amazon and Kohls both have some adorable Disney Maternity shirts like this one and this one. You can also find a ton of cute shorts on Etsy.
Of course – don’t forget your Minnie Mouse ears to complete any look!
Disneyland While Pregnant: How to Make a Disney Pregnancy Announcement
What better way to tell family and friends that you are expecting than announcing it at the happiest place on earth?
Where else can you have Mickey Mouse help you with your announcement?
The only thing to know about having one of the Disney Characters help you is that there are some pretty clear guidelines about characters holding signs for a picture.
Here are some things to think about while waiting in line to see the Mouse himself:
- Air conditioning. Yes, the line is air-conditioned. Enjoy it while you can!
- Let everyone else in your group go ahead of you.
- Tell the cast member assisting Mickey Mouse that you are pregnant and would love Mickey Mouse to help announce it to your friends and family.
- Bring a prop you think would work best for you – ultrasound photo, baby shoes, a little Mickey Mouse, or baby Mickey ears are all personal favorites!
- Ask the cast member to record the moment on your phone. Mickey Mouse gets so excited when you tell him you’re pregnant – and you will want to relive that moment!
- Smile for the photographer as Mickey Mouse holds the prop you brought to share your good news with the world!
Minnie Mouse would also be another wonderful character to help you make the announcement.
She is often outside, which would be better natural light, and might be a perfect fit for announcing the upcoming arrival of a little girl.
How cute would a picture be with Minnie Mouse holding a pair of baby Minnie Mouse shoes? Or a Disney baby onesie? ADORABLE!
Disneyland While Pregnant: Disneyland Maternity Photo Shoot
The amazing thing about Disneyland is the built-in photographer!
The Disneyland PhotoPass is such a great way of getting photos of you and your family (and growing bump!) in all sorts of gorgeous, iconic areas of the park.
The photographers can use their camera or your phone, and it saves you from having to lug a professional-grade camera around the park!
If you want the best possible pictures, you should think about hiring a professional photographer.
We worked with A&C Photography on a recent trip, and they were just as wonderful to work with as they were knowledgeable.
Photo credit: Adam & Claudia Photography
They gave us some new ideas about places to take pictures, and gave YOU a code to SAVE $25!
Best Disneyland Photography Locations:
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle – this is everyone’s favorite picture spot, so try to do it super early or super late.
If you get there any time in the middle, you won’t be guaranteed a people-free background.
For the best chance of it being just you in the picture, show up before rope drop!
Snow White’s Grotto + Wishing Well – a lesser-known spot, the grotto is a favorite spot for engagements.
The background is wonderful, and the wishing well gives you a chance to talk about your hopes and dreams for this newest little one!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – there is a designated “Photo Opp” area on this ride – which is pretty rare anymore.
Use the ride as part of a gender reveal by hopping in either a blue or pink elephant – and keep your elephant fairly low for the best chance at wonderful pictures!
Mickey Snacks – ok, it’s not truly a location, but how much fun could you have with a snack-based Disney maternity photoshoot?
Just grab a few of your favorite snacks and go to town! That would be such a fun memory to look back on and laugh at!
Going to Disneyland while pregnant is not something that should be avoided, and can be just as fun as going when you’re NOT pregnant!
Was there something holding you back before? What did you see on this list that convinced you to visit Disneyland while pregnant?
Whenever you go, make sure to take LOTS of pictures of you and your family in Disneyland. You will want to remember the fun, thrilling and amazing times you had together at the happiest place on earth!