By: Ashley Packwood
September 26, 2024

The magic of Disneyland Resort is a timeless experience, one that sparks joy and wonder in people of all ages. But what about when you're expecting a little one of your own? Can the Happiest Place on Earth remain happy through swollen ankles and baby bumps? Oh, it absolutely does! I recently visited the Happiest Place on Earth, where I embraced the magic with my own little Mouseketeer on board.

Preparation

I was beyond excited when I received the opportunity to visit Disneyland for what would be my very first visit. One of my concerns was flying across the country by myself. But my main thoughts went to the fact that I would be 32 weeks pregnant while there. Luckily, the dates were weekdays during the school year, and just before a major Disney festival was to begin. This gave me comfort knowing that the parks shouldn’t be too busy, and crowds would likely be lower.

When packing I had to aim for more comfort than cute on this trip. I packed a suitcase with comfortable clothes, supportive shoes, and snacks that could tame my sickness and quench my pregnancy cravings. And, of course, no Disney trip is complete without my Minnie Mouse ears that have seen many magical days.

Accommodations

During this stay we hotel hopped and found three places to call home during our 5 days/4 nights. This included Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disneyland Hotel, as well as Castle Inn & Suites, a Disney “good neighbor” hotel.

Disney’s Grand California Hotel was definitely the best location; with its own private entrance into Disney’s California Adventure and being located in the middle of Downtown Disney, it cut down on some of the walking, which was nice. Disneyland Hotel is located on the opposite end of Downtown Disney than the parks, but not too bad of a walk.

When we moved to Castle Inn & Suites, the morning walk to the Disneyland entrance wasn’t bad, we just needed to leave extra time knowing that it would take us a little longer than usual. However, at the end of the day when I was in full waddle, it was a little much for me. If you use a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, depending on which hotel you are at, you may want to consider a ride service to bring you closer to the entrance.

Rides & Entertainment

While I was bummed to not be able to try some of the iconic roller coasters, I love that Disneyland has a treasure trove of rides that are perfect for expectant mothers. From classic "it's a small world," and the scenic Disneyland Railroad, to Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. At Disney’s California Adventure, Webslingers was a must-do; and we did it a total of 5 times during our 3 days.

We all get excited for parades and nighttime shows, some may even get you more emotional than usual. Make sure to plan ahead if you will be enjoying one of these entertainment options because being able to sit down is huge. World of Color at Disney’s California Adventure is an amazing light and water show, but I began to get distracted while standing the whole time because my feet were not pleased.

The options are endless, and you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the magic without sacrificing your comfort or putting you or baby at risk. Between rides, shows and eating, you will never feel like you are missing out.

(Check out a pregnancy approved list of rides at the end.)

Pregnant Foodie

The culinary options at Disneyland are fabulous, and I was not about to miss out. From the iconic Dole Whip to the heavenly churros, I indulged in all the treats my pregnant heart desired. Plus, the park has a surprising array of healthy options to keep both mom and baby happy.

I’m a breakfast person so I was thrilled to enjoy a Classic Breakfast Burrito at Smokejumpers Grill with a Raspberry Cheesecake Shake (yes, when you’re pregnant you can have a shake for breakfast!). Getting a good breakfast and making sure to eat throughout the day was important. You don’t want to make yourself feel sick just because you chose to wait too long to eat.

Between table service meals, quick-service restaurants, snack kiosks and treats from a shop, there is always an option close by that can fill you up or just settle your latest craving.

Rest and Relaxation

While I'm usually the first to hop on every ride and dance in every parade, my pregnant body had other plans. We took it slow, enjoying the plentiful benches scattered throughout the park for regular breaks. The Baby Care Centers are also a lifesaver, offering a quiet, air-conditioned space to rest and recharge, with changing tables, nursing areas, and even complimentary water.

It was nice to sit for meals or a snack and put my feet up. One night we sat on a park bench near Main Street so that I could rest my feet. We ended up people watching for a while and then had an amazing view of the nighttime show, Mickey’s Mix Magic with Projections. We loved the show, and our viewing spot was perfect.

We also made sure to include some downtime at the hotel. Make sure to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Take some time at the pool or even just settle down for a nap in the middle of the day. It’s important not to push yourself too much and then not be able to enjoy the best parts of your time there. After all, you're on vacation!

Photo Ops

Pregnant or not, capturing memories at Disneyland is a must. PhotoPass photographers are incredibly skilled at capturing the perfect shot, even if you are not feeling your most photogenic. They offer endless locations to get great pictures and being pregnant is the perfect time to document every moment.

So, You’re Expecting…

Going to Disneyland while pregnant was a truly magical experience. It's a chance to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and let the wonder of Disney sweep you away. The park is incredibly accommodating for expectant mothers, ensuring that even with a baby bump, you can still experience the enchantment. So, if you're expecting and have the chance to visit, I say, "Welcome to the most magical vacation of your life!" Just remember to pack those comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and embrace the joy that comes from creating lifelong memories.

Thank you to Disney for hosting part of my very first trip to Disneyland, it was truly magical! Accommodations at Grand Californian and Castle Inn & Suites were paid for using rates available to the general public. Although Disney hosted me for a portion of my stay, it has in no way impacted the feedback included in this blog post.

Below is a list of rides that are approved for expecting mothers at Disneyland Park:

Adventureland Treehouse
Alice in Wonderland
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes
Disneyland Railroad
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Haunted Mansion
“it's a small world”
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Main Street Vehicles
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mark Twain Riverboat
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Sailing Ship Columbia
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

Below is a list of rides that are approved for expecting mothers at Disney’s California Adventure:

Animation Building (Turtle Talk with Crush, Animation Academy)
Golden Zephyr
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Jessie's Critter Carousel
Jumpin' Jellyfish
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure
Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue!
Pixar Pal-a-Round
Red Trolley
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
Silly Symphony Swings
Soarin' Around the World
Toy Story Midway Mania
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure

Navigating Disneyland with a Little Mouseketeer on Board