Tuesday

Disney for the Expectant Mama….


A little over a year ago, we decided to take one more trip as a family of 4 before our littlest guy joined us in April.  I am just now reporting on this trip because, well, the baby is now one and I finally have time.

We chose to visit Disney in December for several reasons:  1. It would not be too hot.  2. It was my son’s (and my) birthday.  3.  We would be able to see the parks decorated for the holidays.  4.  I was well into my 2nd trimester, but still far enough from my 3rd to not have to worry about giving birth at Magic Kingdom.  And 5.  The crowds were low.  We made a last minute decision to switch from Art of Animation to The Contemporary so it would be more convenient for me to come back and rest.  Best decision ever.  Listen here all you mamas-to-be…that was worth every extra penny.  If you’re going to splurge on something for your Disney vacation as a pregnant woman, a Deluxe resort convenient to Magic Kingdom (and maybe a prenatal massage at the Grand Floridian), is where it’s at.  We absolutely loved the Garden Wing rooms at Contemporary.  The first floor rooms have patios, and if you splurge for a Garden View room, you can sit out and watch the water parade go by at night!  If this is out of your budget, a trip to Disney while pregnant is not out of the question, you just may need to call it quits well before your tired feet/legs/back/butt/family gives out on you so you have the energy to board the bus and make it back to your resort before you crash and burn. 

One of my concerns when planning the trip was whether or not I could even enjoy Disney while pregnant.  I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of activities and rides I could experience!  There were very few rides in each park that I couldn’t do, and I didn’t mind resting when the other three rode something that I couldn’t.  Hubby’s splurge of choice was to do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks tour that leaves from the Contemporary.  This was an awesome way for us all to see the Christmas party fireworks at Magic Kingdom.  It was extremely entertaining for the kids, and I could sit in the boat comfortably and not have to risk getting bumped or jostled in a crowd.  On a side note, the beach at the Polynesian is another great spot for viewing the fireworks without too much of a crowd, or, if you are in Magic Kingdom, we sat in Town Square on the train station side so that we could jet out in front of the crowds when the fireworks were over.

I can’t go without stating the obvious…wear comfortable shoes, layer clothing so that you won’t get too hot/cold, take breaks throughout the day and for goodness sakes, stay hydrated and nourished!  Don’t overdo it and make sure to know when to say when.  Having a sweet and understanding hubby who will take the kids swimming while you nap helps too (thanks babe!).  Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy and enjoyable Disney can be to a mom-to-be.  The only thing I missed was the glass of wine to end the day as we watched the water parade float by!