PassPorter.com Feature Article Original article at: http://www.passporter.com/articles/pregnant-walt-disney-world-tips.html Pregnant at Walt Disney World: How to Travel With a Baby on Boardby Jennifer Marx, PassPorter Guidebooks AuthorLast modified 03-08-2011 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?" While neither of us have personal experience being in this condition, we did travel to Walt Disney World twice with Jennifer's sister while she was pregnant and we have some insights to offer. Jennifer also travelled to Walt Disney World three times, visited Disneyland (California) once, and sailed on the Disney Cruise Line once during her pregnancy. ![]() Kim at Disney while pregnant with her second child, Natalie 1. Talk to your doctor. If you have any special conditions that may make travel difficulty, your doctor can advise you. If your doctor gives you the green light, ask him/her for the names of good ob-gyns in the Orlando area, just in case. Also carry your own doctor's name and phone number with you at all times. 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 doctor, and as a general rule, you should not fly within 30 days of your due date without your doctor'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, "anti-nausea medication may also be very helpful during the flight." 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. Before your 24th week you'll still need to fax a doctor'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 doctor/midwife about 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 off shore adventures, don't worry. You will find staying on the ship has it's 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 women 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 with care. 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'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. Get your zzzzzzs. 6. Avoid attractions with health restrictions. 7. Do you know where your restrooms are? 8. Get plenty of rest. 10. Plan your trip well. 11. Will you need to cancel? 12. Shop for baby. Things To Do: More Tips for Expectant Moms-To-Be can be found at AllEars.net (http://www.allears.net/pl/pregnant.htm). And don't forget Jennifer Marx's own pregnancy journey with Alexander, during which she travelled to Walt Disney World three times and Disneyland once! And if you'd like to discuss this topic with other PassPorter readers, visit the PassPorter Message Boards. About the Author: Jennifer is the co-founder of PassPorter Travel Press, the author of more than 50 books, and mother to Alexander. This article originally appeared in the PassPorter newsletter -- subscribe to our popular newsletter today for free at http://www.passporter.com/news.htm Updated 03-08-2011 Check for a more updated version at http://www.passporter.com/articles/pregnant-walt-disney-world-tips.html |