Tips for Planning a Summer WDW Babymoon
After years of embracing Disney Adult/childfree life, my husband and I are expecting our first little one this fall. This means one thing. We’re taking a Disney Babymoon!
Not only is this our Disney first trip where I’m pregnant, but it’s our first trip in the middle of summer. (Some say that’s crazy, but you can’t plan that second-trimester window folks.)
As a result, we’ve been doing extra prep work. We’re scouring the internet, watching videos, reading blogs, and have been asking our Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for extra guidance.
Our trip is months away, but I’ve compiled a list of favorite tips and tricks. From hotel recommendations to must-pack items, I’m hopeful my Babymoon will be extra magical.
Hotel Transportation Options
All Disney World on-site hotels offer complimentary transportation to the parks. Keeping that in mind, I knew I had to pick a resort with a non-bus transportation option.
Whether that option was a boat, the Skyliner, the Monorail, or a brief walk, no hotel could entice me with bus-only park transportation. Here’s the truth folks, Disney buses are fine, but not flawless.
Wait times can be long and often, you end up standing once all the scooters and strollers are loaded first. (And don’t get me started on the insanely long lines for Magic Kingdom routes.) As a future very pregnant lady, I had concerns.
Whatever we booked, whether it was a Value room or a Deluxe villa, we knew several hotels wouldn’t meet our needs. In the end, we picked a higher-tier resort that wouldn’t have us relying solely on buses.
The Value of Splurging
I have always been a huge fan of Value Resorts. As someone who rarely left the parks, I could never justify even a slightly higher hotel price.
My first Moderate stay at Port Orleans – Riverside only happened because the Skyliner was scheduled for maintenance during my trip. My home resort for years has fluctuated between Pop Century and the Little Mermaid standard rooms at the Art of Animation resorts.
I still strongly considered them for this trip. But I also saw this as an opportunity to explore.
For the first time ever, we booked Deluxe. We selected the very popular Beach Club Resort.
Larger rooms, walking distance to certain parks, non-bus transportation, an impressive pool area, and several onsite restaurants won us over. For the first time, we’re planning multiple resort days.
Will we be Deluxe guests moving forward? Honestly, I hope not. The trip costs will always be double.
But I’m looking forward to a true splurge during a period of self-care. I don’t think I’ll have regrets.
Prioritize Sit Down Meals
I never go to Disney without ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations). In my opinion, the extra cost of sit-down meals is worth it for the air conditioning alone.
This is even more important for ladies who are expecting! I say, spend a little more and book at least one sit-down meal per day. I know my feet will need it.
For summer travelers, consider midday meals when parks are at their hottest. Also, consider eating at one of the many Deluxe resort eateries.
Also, if you’re a fan of characters but not a fan of character lines, book some character meals. Friendly Disney faces will stop by your table, no queuing required.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get adorable ‘bump’ photos with Mickey.
Get Professional Maternity Photos
Speaking of cute bump photos, what better place to get them than Disney World? If you don’t usually splurge on Memory Maker, consider it a worthwhile pre-baby souvenir.
You can buy the Memory Maker package per day or for the duration of your trip. This gives you access to unlimited PhotoPass photos in the parks and on rides.
Just let your PhotoPass photographer know you’re expecting, and I’m sure they’ll pose you and your partner in lots of adorable ways. Characters also like to get in on the fun of posing with mamas-to-be!
Another (cheaper) option is to book a one-time Capture Your Moment photo package. This package entitles you to a 20-minute one-on-one session with a Disney Photographer in the Disney locale of your choosing.
I’ve yet to try this out, but I hear over 60+ photos can be taken during this window.
As someone eager to hold a onesie in front of Cinderella Castle, this is at the top of my list! For a summer session though, I’ll be booking the earliest morning slot possible.
Dress for Comfort, Not Fashion
No one loves a stylish Disney ensemble more than me. Coordinated Minnie Ears, dresses, and walking flip-flops have been my go-to ensemble.
I’ll need to make some adjustments.
I’ll still coordinate outfits, but as a summertime mother-to-be, the outfits will have a practical focus. Stretchy pants, lightweight and roomy dresses, compression socks, and comfortable shoes will dominate my wardrobe.
Disney maternity fashion can still be cute, even downright adorable. But the adorable part is secondary. When traveling as a pregnant lady, weather and comfortable conditions take precedence.
I’ll bring my favorite ears, but they must match outfits I can survive in. No picture is worth swollen feet.
Pack the Right Gear
In addition to appropriate clothing/footwear, extra gear is needed for summertime survival.
As a pregnant lady traveling in July, I have the following things set aside:
- Cooling Towels
- Hand and Neck Fans
- Camelbak Water Bladder backpack
- Refillable water bottels
- Compression Socks
- Travel Pregnancy Pillow
- Prescription Nausea Meds
- Nausea Wrist Bands
- Belly Band
- Ponchos
- Body Glide Stick
- Sunhats
Will all these items eliminate heat and weather conditions? Absolutely not. But will these items increase my level of comfort? Definitely.
Make Time for a Leisurely Pace
My husband and I have always been intense WDW visitors. We pounded the park pavement, except for occasional meals at hotels. Rest days weren’t often in our itinerary.
Things are different now.
In order to survive and enjoy this trip, I know I need a slower pace. As I mentioned earlier, we have many poolside resort days planned.
On ‘regular’ park days, I’m still planning time to go back for midday resort breaks. And it’ll be easier to justify this with my Deluxe Resort access to Extended Evening Hours. (My trip will fall over extended hours for both the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.)
Either way, I have been advised by many to take this trip at a slower rate – for both my sanity and happiness. (Plus, I can drink more mocktails by the pool!)
In so many ways, this trip will be different. Certain things will be more difficult and more exciting. With a little preparation, I’m confident this vacation will still be magical.
Stay tuned for my official trip review!
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