Rides and attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort feature some of the most cutting-edge and advanced technology out there, and each one showcases Disney’s knack and affinity for storytelling, using one or more of Disney and PIXAR’s most beloved films as inspiration. And while Disney World literally offers something for everyone to enjoy, some Guests will do well to skip some of the Resort’s attractions, as enjoying them could prove unsafe.
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There’s no shortage of Disney-themed sites out there, proposing to have the best tips, the best tricks, and the best money-saving ideas for your next pilgrimage to Disney’s Central Florida parks. (Of course, Guests in the know always reference DisneyDining.com first, as our site offers copious amounts of tips, tricks, heartwarming stories, hacks, and news about Disney World so that our readers are fully prepared for the most magical trip they’ve taken to Disney World yet!)
Bloggers and writers both love to tout their favorite Disney World rides as the best, “not-to-be-missed” attractions, adding that the (Insert attraction name here) at (Insert Disney World theme park name here) is the single best example of Imagineering genius since Walt opened his first park in July 1955.
(P.S., if you want to learn the truth about that day, dubbed, “Black Sunday,” click here.)
But for some Guests, enjoying certain attractions can have some very negative effects, leading to hospitalization and even the potential for death. And as true as this is, not many sites want to talk about this. We get it; no one wants his or her name on a post titled, “Disney World Rides that Could Seriously Harm You.” But because the dangers are real for some Guests, this writer will make that sacrifice.
Disney welcomes expectant mothers (and those with cardiac conditions) to enjoy the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort throughout their pregnancies. However, if you are an expectant mother, you’ll want to be sure to take note of Disney World’s health and safety warnings in the queues for rides and attractions.
On the official Disney World website, Disney offers this guidance to expectant mothers with regard to rides and attractions at the Resort:
“Walt Disney World Resort offers many shows and attractions that expectant mothers may not be able to experience. Be sure to consult the signage posted at each attraction—which includes height requirements, health and safety advisories, and accessibility guidelines.”
But let’s talk about specific attractions.
Magic Kingdom attractions
If you or someone in your traveling party is expecting, the following attractions at Magic Kingdom might still be enjoyable. However, it’s important to check with your doctor about your individual scenario first.
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Walt Disney World Railroad (once it reopens to Guests)
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The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
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Enchanted Tiki room
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Jungle Cruise
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Pirates of the Caribbean
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Tom Sawyer’s Island
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Country Bear Jamboree
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Hall of Presidents
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Liberty Square Riverboat
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Haunted Mansion
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It’s a small world
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Peter Pan’s Flight
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Mickey’s Philharmagic
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Enchanted Tales with Belle
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Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
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Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
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The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
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Dumbo the Flying Elephant
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Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
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Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
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Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
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Parades
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Shows & Live entertainment
According to Build A Better Mousetrap, Disney warns against expectant mothers experiencing these attractions:
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Splash Mountain
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
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Space Mountain
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The Barnstormer
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Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
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Tomorrowland Speedway
EPCOT attractions
At EPCOT, expectant women could enjoy these attractions:
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Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
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The American Adventure presentation
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Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
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Frozen Ever After
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Gran Fiesta Tour
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Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular
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Impressions de France film presentation
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Journey into Imagination with Figment
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Living with the Land
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O Canada! (Circle-Vision movie – standing)
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Reflections of China (Circle-Vision movie – standing)
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Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (may require a virtual boarding group)
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Soarin’
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The Seas with Nemo & Friends
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Spaceship Earth
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Turtle Talk with Crush
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World Showcase galleries and exhibits
- Live entertainment and shows
Other EPCOT attractions not listed above are not suitable for expectant women. Best to skip Test Track and Mission: SPACE, don’t you think?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions:
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, pregnant Guests can enjoy:
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Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
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Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad
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Muppet Vision 3D
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Toy Story Midway Mania
- Walt Disney Presents – Gallery Exhibit
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Fantasmic! (if the darn thing will ever return!)
- Live entertainment and shows
Pregnant Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios should avoid these attractions:
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Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
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Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
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Slinky Dog Dash
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Star Tours
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Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Disney’s Animal Kingdom attractions
Pregnant women can often safely enjoy the following attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
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Animal viewing trails
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Festival of the Lion King
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The Big Blue . . . and Beyond! (Finding Nemo-themed live show)
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It’s Tough to be a Bug 3D
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Na’vi River Journey in Pandora – World of Avatar
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Live entertainment
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Rivers of Light Nighttime show
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Train ride to the Conservation Station
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Triceratop Spin
- Live entertainment and shows
Expectant mothers will surely want to avoid other attractions, such as Expedition Everest, DINOSAUR, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Avatar: Flight of Passage.
It’s important to note that the attractions that should be avoided by expectant Guests should also be skipped by Guests who have cardiac conditions. As with any medical condition, it’s important to check with your physician before visiting Walt Disney World. He or she will have specific guidance for you and your unique scenario.
And when in doubt, don’t take a chance.
Remember that standing on your feet in long lines is never a good idea if you are expecting or if you have a heart condition. Doing so can lead to water retention: swelling of your lower extremities, which makes your heart work harder. If you’re visiting the parks and you are expecting, or if you have a heart condition, making the most of Disney’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane services can be a good idea, as both will help to lessen the time you have to spend waiting in the queue.
