Pregnant at Disney
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Jennifer and Dave · 03-31-2004, 01:54 PM

News Flash: Jennifer and Dave are having a baby! Visit The Nursery Forum for the scoop!

Perhaps you've carefully planned your Walt Disney World trip months in advance, only to discover you're pregnant. Congratulations! Now you may ask yourself, "Should I still go to Walt Disney World, or cancel my plans now that I'm expecting? If I do go, what should I avoid?" We traveled to Walt Disney World at the end of January 2004 while Jennifer was three months pregnant (see http://www.passporter.com/babya for the baby scoop), and we have several insights to offer.

To read the article, continue on! If you want to add tips on vacationing while pregnant, please feel free to reply to this thread. If you want to ask questions or send congratulations to Jennifer and Dave on their own pregnancy, please post in The Nursery. Thanks!

Jennifer and Dave · 03-31-2004, 01:56 PM

1. Talk to your healthcare provider (midwife or doctor). If you have any special conditions that may make travel difficulty, your healthcare provider can advise you. Don’t assume that just because you found out you’re pregnant, it’s not necessary to bring it up. More miscarriages occur in the first trimester. If you get the green light, ask him/her for the names of good healthcare providers in the Orlando area, just in case. Also carry your own healthcare provider's name and phone number with you at all times. (Jennifer’s doctors gave her the green light, but gave her several reminders and precautions for the trip.)

2. What is your due date, and how close will you be to it when you plan to travel? Travel in your third trimester may not only be risky, but downright uncomfortable. Some airlines may require a note from your healthcare provider, and as a general rule, you should not fly within 30 days of your due date without your healthcare provider's permission. To make air travel more comfortable, request an aisle seat (for easy access to the facilities and better leg room), bring food and water for yourself, and stand up and stretch at least once an hour during the flight. You may also wish to dress in layers in the event it gets too hot. Jennifer's sister Kim adds, "pregnancy-approved anti-nausea medication may also be very helpful during the flight." Jennifer couldn’t take any anti-nausea medication, but found that sea-bands (acupressure wrist bands) were helpful. Jennifer also found that it was well worth it to upgrade to the better, larger seats in the front of the plane, which may be more affordable than you think. For example, on Spirit Airlines, you can upgrade for just $40 at check-in if there is still availability. If you drive rather than fly, just remember to pull off the road every 1-2 hours for a little walk.

3. Are you going on the Disney Cruise Line? Pregnant women past their 24th week are not allowed to sail (we had to cancel a great 7-night cruise scheduled for May because of this rule). Before your 24th week you'll still need to fax a healthcare provider's note to Disney and then complete a medical clearance form before you can sail. Call 800-511-9444 for more information. Also, if nausea is a problem during your pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about pregnancy-approved anti-nausea medication before you go. Jennifer's sister Kim adds this note: "If you can handle the motion of a cruise ship, it's a fantastic value for a pregnant woman as you can graze whenever on whatever and never have to pay a cent. If you are not feeling up to some of the on-shore adventures, don't worry. You will find staying on the ship has definite advantages as you really have it to yourself. You can go into a lounge and listen to your favorite Disney tunes with your feet propped up while watching jet skiers out the HUGE portholes. On special nights they may have Captain's parties where there are free drinks offered to all who attend. Not to worry, they always have several yummy nonalcoholic choices available." Kim adds this tip regarding eating onboard: "Many woman have an increased appetite (or need to eat small meals more often) during pregnancy. When you are on a cruise you are at the mercy of the ship to provide your meals. Although there are a wide variety of foods available, currently the Disney cruise ships do not have a 24 hour buffet available. What worked best for me was room service. It's great as you can return to your cabin several times throughout the day, kick off your shoes, sprawl out on the big bed, and order your favorite sandwich or fruit plate. You will refresh yourself and be able to participate in all the fun activities the cruise has to offer."

4. Pack plenty of comfortable clothes you can layer. Water bottles with filters (such as Brita) are also a good idea to bring along, as you should be drinking water frequently to avoid dehydration. Sure, you can buy bottled water at Disney, but it's very expensive! Be sure to also bring your prenatal vitamins and any special medications or food. If you've got morning sickness, pack those saltines! You may also want to bring a maternity support belt, particularly if you're not used to walking around much. Bring along your prenatal medical records as well, just in case. Jennifer reminds you to try on your vacation clothes just before you leave, too – pre-pregnancy clothing that is too tight is no good. Jennifer’s sister Kim adds this packing tip: "Bring a really good pair of walking shoes, possibly a 1/2 size larger (or the wide version of normal size) as the Florida heat mixed with the physical activity tends to puff your ankles a bit."

5. Moms-to-be usually need more sleep, but this can be hard when you're pregnant and even harder when you're away from home. If you have a favorite pillow or wedge, consider making room in your suitcase for it. A portable travel sound machine can block outside noise and lull you into sleep. And a nightlight for the bathroom will make those frequent trips easier to bear. Your resort choice can also make a difference. When we visited Walt Disney World in January, we chose a "preferred room" at Pop Century – sure, it costs $10 more per night, but it’s was well worth the convenience to the bus stop and the guest facilities in the main hall.

6. Avoid attractions with health restrictions. These restrictions are always posted at the attraction itself, or you can check the PassPorter Walt Disney World guidebook to find out before you go. In general, you want to avoid rides that are bumpy, cause dizziness, or accelerate too quickly. Epcot is the most pregnant-friendly park -- only three attractions, Mission:SPACE, Test Track, and Body Wars, are off-limits. At Magic Kingdom, just say no to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Dumbo (if you get nauseous easily), Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Mad Tea Party, The Barnstormer, Astro Orbiter, Space Mountain, and the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. At Disney-MGM Studios, stay off Star Tours, Rock n' Roller Coaster, and the Tower of Terror. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, avoid Kali River Rapids, Primeval Whirl and Dinosaur. Kilimanjaro Safaris carries a health restriction, but many pregnant women (including Jennifer's sister) feel okay about it. If you decide to go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, ask the cast member if you can ride in the wheelchair-accessible vehicle -- it isn't as bumpy as the others. If you're not certain if a particular ride is for you, have your significant other try it out first and then report back. If you opt out of a ride, you can either shop in a nearby gift shop (there's always one around) or stay in the queue with your party until boarding and then ask for the "chicken exit."

7. Do you know where your restrooms are? You'll be a happier mommy-to-be if you always know where the nearest restroom is located. Be sure to grab a park map (or two) on your way into the park and keep it handy. Or just keep your PassPorter handy -- all the restrooms are marked on the PassPorter maps. Each park also has a First Aid and Baby Center. It doesn't hurt to note its position on the map when you enter the park, and to keep your eyes open for it during the course of your day's tour. If you need a cool place to lie down (not to mention a helping hand from a knowledgeable professional), you'll be glad to know how to find it.
8. Get plenty of rest. Take advantage of park benches and sit-down shows and rides while you're touring. The Baby Centers are also cool havens to take a break -- every park has one. How about a midday swim back at your resort? Get yourself a maternity swimsuit you're comfortable in and take a swim -- swimming while pregnant can be very liberating! Avoid the waterslides, though. Another way to relax is to book the Mother-To-Be Massage at the Grand Floridian Spa -- it's a 50-minute treatment that includes a head massage, foot compress, body brushing, and a soothing massage with lavender oil. It's a bit pricey at $120, but we hear it's VERY relaxing. (Jennifer will be trying this in May and will report back on it.)

9. If you have food aversions, which are common during pregnancy, consider your restaurant choices carefully. You can use the descriptions in PassPorter or the menus on Deb Wills' site ( http://www.allearsnet.com ). For food cravings, keep your favorite snacks handy in a backpack. And don't forget to drink that water!

10. Plan your trip well. This does not mean going "commando," but this isn't the time to "wing it" either. Your trip will be more comfortable and enjoyable if you have a good idea of what you plan to do and when. This is especially important for first-time visitors to the World. When you have a plan, you'll find it is much easier to change it on the spur of the moment, which is exactly what you may need to do.

11. Consider the possibility that you may need to cancel your trip at the last minute. We'd suggest you take advantage of travel insurance in this instance. And if you get a note from your healthcare provider, you should be able to get a refund even on those non-refundable flights.

12. Oh, and while you're at Walt Disney World, you may want to pick up some baby clothes. In our experience, you'll find the best selection at Downtown Disney (World of Disney and Pooh Corner). We also found some infant outfits at MouseGear at Epcot and L.A. Cinema Storage at Disney-MGM Studios. Don't forget to pick up some embroidered Mickey Ears for your little one -- you can get them in smaller sizes at The Chapeau on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

Things To Do: More Tips for Expectant Moms-To-Be can be found at All Ears Net (http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/pregnant.htm ). For a more humorous look at being pregnant at Disney, visit http://raven763.tripod.com/roseandthorn7/Hum7a.html . And if you'd like to discuss this topic with other PassPorter readers, visit http://www.passporterboards.com .

Notes: We're not midwifes or doctors, and we cannot offer medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before traveling and follow his/her advice.

Sunrayherosgirl · 03-31-2004, 02:25 PM

Do you want to hear something hilarious??? I didn't even know you guys were together!!! I thought you guys were just co-authors and friends!!! Well Congrats anyway

Good luck with your pregnancy and I hope you have a beautiful healthy baby. Melissa

**Colexis Mom** · 03-31-2004, 02:26 PM

Congratulations Jennnifer and Dave

How wonderful

Teddysmom · 03-31-2004, 03:24 PM

Awwww!!!

That is so awesome. Best wishes to you, Dave and Allie. Here's to your pregnancy

disneylandfan28 · 04-04-2004, 12:13 AM

Aloha Jennifer and Dave!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

&

!!!!!!! Hope you have an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby!!!!!!!!!

wdwlovers · 04-07-2004, 09:24 PM

These are great tips Jennifer!

Maybe in the future I'll be able to make use of them....won't be for another year or two yet.

ripkensnana · 04-07-2004, 11:11 PM

to Alexander! DH & I look forward to meeting him at MouseFest!
Congratulations & best wishes to your whole family.

SarahJ · 03-31-2004, 02:49 PM

Congratulations Jennifer and Dave! How exciting and what a blessing. Best wishes for an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy baby!

Valerie · 03-31-2004, 03:20 PM

Congratulations!

sandar · 03-31-2004, 03:26 PM

hi Jennifer,

First and most importantly, congratulations to you and Dave!

When I was 5 1/2 months pregnant with our daughter, I got the chance to tag along to Disney World 'cause my dh was headed there for a techie conference. While he attended classes during the day, I was on my own. I have never been so relaxed in my whole life! During the mornings, I'd spend long, lazy hours blobbing around Stormalong Bay in my wild lime green and magenta floral swimsuit. For lunch, a Caesar's salad with grilled chicken at the YC Galley and maybe a dish of fruit. Jan, one of the waitresses there, made me feel so pampered there each time I came in. After lunch, time to read and take a nap. When dh got back from class, we'd either head over to World Showcase for the evening or go out to dinner. Even though I spent little time in the parks, that trip holds very special memories for me.

Best wishes to you, Dave, and your baby!

Sandi