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10 Tips for Making Pregnancy at Walt Disney World More Magical

Congratulations! You’re expecting a little bundle of joy, and you couldn’t be more excited. That is, until you realize that you have a trip to Walt Disney World scheduled mid-pregnancy and your plans of rope-drop to fireworks, riding every Mountain numerous times, and drinking around the World are going to be changing dramatically. I have now been to Walt Disney World three times during my two pregnancies, and while these trips were very different than my usual trips, they were no less fun or special.

First of all, I would highly recommend talking to your doctor prior to your trip. Especially if you are further along in your pregnancy or have any sort of complications, you’ll want to find out if your OB has any recommendations or restrictions. Next, make sure you pack lots of comfy clothes and your most comfortable shoes (I highly recommend Oofos sandals for walking around the parks!). You may also want to invest in a belly support band if you don’t already have one – this can be a lifesaver for your back! You want to be able to be as comfortable as possible, and there is lots of walking involved at Disney, even on the shortest of days. Understand that this trip will be different, and embrace this special time! Here are a few more tips that I have discovered that helped make my preggo trips to Walt Disney World extra magical.

10.Grab the opportunity for a fun photo shoot or magical announcement!

I had a trip to WDW planned just a couple of weeks after finding out I was pregnant with my now-5-year-old son. My husband and I hadn’t told anyone that we were expecting yet, so our trip was extra special because we had this big secret! We purchased a special set of ears and did our own photo shoot that would later become our announcement on social media.

I have also known people who have done a special gender reveal with pink or blue Mickey balloons, or even with a character. There are also endless opportunities to get special maternity photos using Photopass photographers. I have found that when they realize you’re excited or looking for a special photo, they are happy to oblige and get just as into it as you are!

9. Snack!

Okay, so I never need an excuse to eat all the snacks when I’m at Walt Disney World! But why not seek out some new treats while your significant other is busy riding Space Mountain? I recommend doing your research beforehand. Know what snacks are offered in each park (check out the Disney Food Blog for some great videos, or find menus on All Ears) – this can be especially helpful if you have any dietary restrictions. Make a list on your phone so you can have it with you, and…bon appetit!

I had always intended to try the Cheshire Cat Tail at the Cheshire Cafe, but had never gotten around to it, because I was always sticking with my go-to snacks. On my last trip, my friends dashed off for a Fastpass at park opening, and I decided to finally make it happen. Totally worth it!

A few other of my favorite snacks: the Nutella and fresh fruit waffle at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom (perfect for breakfast!) and the ice cream cookie sandwich at Trilo-Bites in Animal Kingdom. Looking for something savory? Try the egg rolls found at Lotus Blossom Cafe in Epcot’s World Showcase.

8. Enjoy taking it slow: photographing details, people watching, etc.

I admit, it’s hard for me to slow down. I’m a rope-drop-to-fireworks kind of girl, and I like to ride every ride (the bigger, the better!) in between. But once you change your mindset, it can be so much fun to just take it slow! Enjoy sitting in the hub grass, basking in the sun and watching people go by. Or wander around an area and take the time to really notice all the details. After all, details are what Disney does best! Walk down Main Street and notice the names on all the windows (they all have significance!), or sit in one of the pavilions in World Showcase and just enjoy the music and the beautiful surroundings. Photograph everything! Chances are, you’ll only have eyes for your baby on your next trip, so everything will be seen through a different lens!

The Japan pavilion has so many beautiful details!

7. Hydrate!

This one seems pretty obvious. But it can be easy to get caught up in your day and not drink enough water. It’s especially important when you’re pregnant to stay hydrated, and the Florida heat can be brutal. Luckily I had a friend who was a nurse with me on my last trip, who gave me reminders and even brought me bottles of water when I forgot. On family trips, we bring a CamelBak backpack that we fill with ice and water to sip on all day. Remember that you can also ask for a free cup of water at any place in WDW that has a soda fountain.

Tired of drinking water non-stop? This can also be a good time to try other refreshing (non-alcoholic) options around the parks that you would usually skip. And it can make passing on your favorite margarita a little easier!

The Night Blossom found at Pongu Pongu in Pandora!

6. Build in breaks – pool time or nap!

Growing a human is hard work! Don’t underestimate the need for some R&R during this time. You may need to take a mid-day break from the parks for a nap or a refreshing dip in the pool. If you have other children, you may already be building this into your day. I am not one of those people who loves to nap – I never want to miss a moment! But while pregnant, I have to embrace it and realize that afterward, I will feel much better and will be ready to head back out for more fun.

The Doubloon Lagoon pool at Port Orleans French Quarter!

5. Enjoy indoor shows, rides, or character meets that you don’t usually get around to doing.

If you’re always on the go or looking for your next thrill ride, you may have missed some hidden gems around Walt Disney World! There are many indoor shows and rides that will give you a break from the heat and a chance to sit down. My personal favorite is Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom- a must-do for me on every trip! Living with the Land in Epcot is also a great way to relax on a boat while learning a bit. If you’re at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can sit down and enjoy Finding Nemo: the Musical or Festival of the Lion King. Both are amazing shows featuring great performers and music that you’ll want to download as soon as you get home!

This may also be a great time to do some character meet and greets! On my trip this past January, I was almost 18 weeks pregnant and was definitely showing. When I met Tiana (who is one of my favorite princesses!), I shared that we are planning to name our baby girl Evangeline. Without missing a beat, she exclaimed, “I’m sure she will shine as bright as the stars!” Talk about a magical moment! I was in tears afterward, especially when I saw the amazing photo my friend had captured of the interaction. You better believe this one will be framed in the nursery!

Thanks to Jacqueline for capturing this magical moment!

4. Explore resorts or try a new restaurant.

Resort hopping – or even just exploring your own resort – can be a really fun and low-key way to spend an afternoon. There’s lots of shopping, snacking, dining, and just enjoying the unique sights and smells of each resort. If you happen to visit during the holidays, many of the resorts have special displays (such as the giant gingerbread house at The Grand Floridian!) and beautiful Christmas trees. Hopping on and off the monorail is an easy way to explore The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Contemporary Resort. If a Boardwalk-style atmosphere is more your style, then consider exploring the Epcot resorts – Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Beach Club Resort and Villas, and The Yacht Club are all just a short walk or boat ride from Epcot’s International Gateway.

The Boardwalk is absolutely beautiful at night!

Remember, you are not able to use the pool at any resort except the one at which you are staying. But you are more than welcome to wander the grounds and enjoy the other things they have to offer.

The No Way, Jose at Beaches and Cream – every bit as delicious as it looks!

There are also many restaurants found at the resorts – why not try one that you’ve never been to? Reservations can be made 180 days in advance, and many of the in-demand restaurants fill up quickly. Enjoying a restaurant is also a great way to relax and get out of the heat.

3. Splurge on a tour or other special experience.

Did you know that there are at least 15 different tours currently available across the Walt Disney World property? Keep in mind that not all of these will be appropriate during pregnancy, but there are several that are. I enjoyed the Caring for Giants tour on my last trip (read all about that experience here!). At only an hour long, it was a perfect way to spend some time while my friends were off exploring Pandora and conquering Everest.

There are also special experiences that take place during the Food and Wine Festival, special Holiday events, and there are multiple Spas on property if that is more your style. Just remember that all of these special experiences come at an additional cost, and most need to be reserved in advance. For a full list of things that will be offered during your specific vacation time, you can visit the Disney World website here.

2. Shop for a special outfit or keepsake for your baby.

If you already know the gender of your little one, it can be fun to peruse the shops and maybe even buy something for your little prince or princess. Baby clothes, toys, blankets, a first set of ears – the options are endless! The Christmas shops also carry baby ornaments and can personalize them at your request. This is a great opportunity to get something unique that will remind you of this special trip.

My friends surprised me with this Haunted Mansion layette kit – how amazing is this?!

1. Listen to your body!

This one also may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get swept up in the magic and want to keep pushing on when your body is telling you something different. Don’t ignore the signs that your body is giving you – head back early, get the extra rest, even if it means missing something you’d been planning on.

Take that break – even if it’s mid-race!

My last trip was based around a runDisney weekend, and I had registered to run my third Dopey Challenge (4 races equaling 48.6 miles over 4 days) long before I had any idea that I’d be expecting. I had continued training and had done several races during my pregnancy. I was prepared and felt mentally and physically ready to undertake the challenge! I felt great for the first three days of racing. The afternoon after the half marathon, all of my plans changed when a heat advisory was issued for the following day. As much as I hated it, I knew that the right decision for me (and my baby!) was not to run the race. I allowed myself to have a little cry, and then decided to make the best of the situation. I ended up spectating with a friend who was injured, and you know what? We had the most epic day of snacking and cheering. I had zero regrets that my plans had to change, and I made some really great memories.

The first of many snacks as we lived our best spectator life!

Final Thoughts

While it can be disappointing to have to change your plans and expectations, going to Walt Disney World while pregnant can be a really special, fun, and unique time. Embrace the differences in your trip, knowing that the next time you come, you’ll have a new prince or princess to share it all with! Now, go start planning and make some magic, baby!

Five Quick Tips for Traveling to Walt Disney World With a Large Group

Have you raved about Walt Disney World so much that your entire extended family has decided to come on your next trip? Are you planning a girls’ weekend for a dozen of your best friends? Traveling to Disney with a large group is quite different than your typical trip. However, with some careful planning, it can be just as successful!

Know Your Audience and Their Priorities

Are you traveling with small children who may need a mid-day break? Or with grandparents who need to take it at a slower pace? Teens who want to park hop from rope drop to fireworks? Take all of these factors into consideration, and understand that splitting up at some point during the trip may be necessary to maximize everyone’s needs, wants, and fun!

If you’re traveling with a group of friends, you may assume that you’ll all want the same thing. But you’ll find that ideas of “doing Disney” can wildly vary! Some friends may want to relax with a cocktail by the pool, while others are itching to spend the entire day at the park. Remember that just because you’re on vacation together doesn’t mean that every moment has to be spent together!

Find out must-do’s for each member of the party. Whether it’s a restaurant, a ride, shopping, or a specific character that they want to meet, everyone usually has something that they absolutely can’t miss. Knowing what everyone hopes to get out of their vacation will help you be a more efficient planner. If you know that Aunt Sarah is dreaming of spending a child-free evening drinking around the world, you’ll be able to figure out logistics in advance!

It will also be helpful to know what people don’t want to do. For example, if Grandma wants nothing to do with rollercoasters and Uncle Bob refuses to go shopping, you can plan accordingly to keep everyone happy. You should also find out if there are any allergies in your group. You don’t want to plan a seafood dinner if someone has a serious shellfish allergy!

Lunch with a view is great, but not when you have allergies!

If this is your family’s first trip and you aren’t sure what there is to do or what activities might be enjoyed by the various age groups, proceed directly to Tip #2, and then return to this one after some research is done.

Do Your Research!

Even if you’re a seasoned Walt Disney World veteran, you will still want to do a little research. Check crowd levels for your visit (my favorite sites for this are Touring Plans and Character Locator, but note that getting the most out of these sites requires a paid subscription) to see which park is ideal for each day, what the park hours are, and which parks have Extra Magic Hours. Check to see if any rides are under refurbishment – there’s nothing quite as sad as showing up at Splash Mountain, only to find out it’s going to be closed for the next month.

If this is your first trip, then I suggest getting a book that will outline every attraction and give you lots of helpful hints for guests of every age to get the most enjoyment out of their trip. I started with The Unofficial Guide and found it immensely helpful for my first trip! I also delved into any podcast I could find about trip planning, attractions, and WDW in general. There are also tons of ride videos on YouTube – these are a lot of fun to watch (for both kids and adults!) when prepping for a trip.

Be Ready to Make ADRs and Fast Passes!

Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) can be made 180 days in advance. That may sound like a ridiculously early time, but believe me when I say that the most in-demand restaurants fill up FAST.

If you’re not sure where to begin with choosing restaurants, menus can be found online at both the Walt Disney World site and Allears. The aforementioned books also offer lots of info regarding dining. If your party is extremely large, you may consider breaking into two groups for an easier time getting reservations.

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, you may make FastPasses 60 days prior to check in. Those staying off property may make their selections at 30 days. Important reminder: in order to make a FastPass, each member of your party must have a valid park ticket! You may want to set reminders for anyone who is waiting until the last minute to purchase their ticket. With exceptionally long wait times for the new rides in Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and with the opening of the new Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the end of this month, FastPasses are more important than ever!

Set Expectations

Once you’ve done your research and your plans have been made, you will want to communicate those plans to the rest of the group. Some people make spreadsheets (see Jacqueline’s easy and helpful spreadsheet here!), and some people create itineraries complete with photos and helpful hints. Others prefer to be more laid back and just rely on the My Disney Experience app.

If you’re expecting everyone in your party to be up and ready to make it to rope drop, let them know in advance! The more prepared everyone is before arrival, the more smoothly the trip will run. If you have less experienced travelers, let them know that they can expect lots of walking and need to wear appropriate footwear. Help them create a packing list, discuss dining plans, crowds, and weather. If you aren’t using a Disney Dining Plan and will be paying out-of-pocket for dining, make sure all members of your party are aware of those costs.

It takes some stamina to make it from rope drop to fireworks!

Be Willing to Compromise

Things can change quickly – someone may decide they’re too tired to continue at your pace, or they want to go somewhere different than you’d planned, or maybe they just don’t want to pose for the 27th PhotoPass magic shot of the day! Just remember that it’s okay to alter your plans or even cancel a reservation if need be (but do note that it needs to be canceled by 11:59pm the day prior to the reservation to avoid a fee).

There will always be things you cannot control, such as crowds, weather, and long lines. If your family is hot and tired and would rather go back to the resort to relax and recharge at the pool, be willing to divert from your schedule for a break. A little R&R might be just what they need to go full speed the next day! FastPasses can be modified in the app (if a later time is available), and standing in lines will be a lot more fun if everyone is happy!

Sometimes a mid-day pool break is in order!

Planning a trip for a crowd can be intimidating, especially if you’re the one in charge of all the details! But with proper planning and the right attitude, it can be an unforgettable trip! Pack your patience, and remember that if all else fails, you can head to Epcot and drown your Disney sorrows in delicious margaritas!

Five Reasons to Hit Your runDisney Corral Early!

You registered for your runDisney race! Your proof of time is submitted! You secured your travel plans, grabbed your bib at the Expo, even laid out your clothes the night before! Now the only thing you have to do is show up in your corral right before your race starts, right? Right?? Well…not so fast!

“Flat Jacqueline” ready for the Frozen 5K!

It’s almost comical watching the dawning realization cross a new runDisney runner’s face when they start doing the backwards math…okay, race starts at 5:30 a.m. Buses run from 3:00 to 4:30, but they recommend getting on the bus no later than 4:00 to guarantee getting to your corral on time. I need an hour to shower, dress, tape up, fuel and hydrate. (More if your routine includes some specialized costuming like incorporating props or facepaint, adding a “tattoo” or donning a wig. Yes-those are real things!!) Don’t forget quality bathroom time, too! 😉

Before…my daughter realizing she had to wake up in the middle of the night.

So, do you really need to get to your corral THAT early? The answer is a resounding yes! Here are the Top Five Reasons you want to be in your corral hours before the sun rises…remember-the early Donald gets the worm!

Characters also stick around after the race for those coveted medal shots!

5. Travel Time and Last Minute Emergencies

You’ve heard the mantra-Hope for the best, prepare for the worst! It applies to runDisney, too! We have been extremely lucky with bus service from Pop Century, never waiting more than a few minutes for a bus. With its single stop, it’s not uncommon to fill the bus quickly or even have a second bus already waiting! We had to wait a bit longer the one time we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside with its multiple bus stops, but got there with time to spare, too. Others, however, report that bus service can be hit or miss, so shoot for an earlier bus!

Pop Century’s bus transportation is great!

Once you get off your bus, you start logging your miles…but not your race miles! LOL! You have to walk through the parking lot with hundreds of people, have your bag inspected, go through gear check and locate your corral. It all takes time, and it’s not uncommon to log your first mile this way!

Sometimes you have a last minute situation that needs to be addressed. Say your flight was delayed, causing you to miss the Expo the day before. You need to leave time to go to Runner Relations to pick up your bib the morning of the race. This service is not advertised, but is a courtesy currently offered to runners in the event of an emergency. Make sure you have your license and signed waiver-though they can help you out with this as well!

Masses of people…don’t leave anything to chance!

At Wine & Dine, if you were running the challenge, they gave you your bib, but also a bracelet to indicate you’re participating in the Two Course Challenge since you weren’t able to get your picture taken at the Expo. Same with t-shirts…you have to go to the Expo to pick them up afterward! And you can always grab some safety pins here if you need them, too! (Remember-no guarantees…this service could be discontinued at any time, so only take advantage of this if you really need it!)

Delayed flight means early morning bib pick up!

It’s also a good idea to keep a little bit of cash on you just in case! Most runDisney races have a table where you can buy a cup of coffee pre-race. I’m not brave enough to do this, but many do! They also have a large water station, typically set up by the corrals. This is complimentary and a great way to ensure you are properly hydrated. Since I usually travel late and have all my liquids confiscated, I often feel under hydrated and am very grateful for this service! (Though both of these could lead to needing #3…again!)

4. On-Site Entertainment

I remember showing up for our very first runDisney event-the Frozen 5K back in February 2015 for Princess Weekend. (The theming wasn’t just Frozen…it was an unseasonably cold 37 degrees! Brrrr!) We were bright-eyed and bushy tailed…and took advantage of our early arrival to do it all! There were all kinds of photo ops (more on that later!) and a DJ leading a dance party! We answered trivia questions, did popular group dances, sang along, took selfies…anything to stay warm! It was tons of fun!

Announcer Rudy Novotny chats up Elsa and Crew!

Though we have not been as ambitious since (I think we were on that very first bus!) we always try to leave enough time to take it all in!

DJs spinning music and revving up the crowd!

3. Porta-Potty Row

The bane of runners everywhere…the dreaded porta-potties! No one likes having their routine disrupted, and runners are no exception! Whether your body clock is off, you’re experiencing nerves or are just over-hydrated, the porta-potties are in high demand! Even though runDisney does a great job of supplying hundreds of units, thousands of runners are vying for them! Lines can get loooong, so you don’t want to wait too long! They do move relatively quickly, and there are more porta-potties closer to the corrals, so it’s always a good idea to keep moving towards the farthest ones for the shortest waits!

2. Fun Photo-Ops

This is the best reason to get to your corral early! There are so many great opportunities for fun photo ops! First, themed race characters are available with Photopass photographers before every race! Lumiere was on hand last November for his Two Course Challenge during Wine & Dine Weekend, and this year Mickey and Minnie were the stars of the show in their chef gear! Since the lines get very long, and they’re strict about ending the character meets in time for runners to make their corrals, I chose to wait in a shorter line to see Chip and Dale, who were adorable in their aprons. I was one of the last runners to meet them-but don’t worry-they’re also available for pictures after the race as well!

In addition, Photopass photographers are roving around, and will happily snap pictures of you and your friends before, you know, you get all sweaty! You don’t need a magic band or card of any kind…as long as your bib number is visible you can link your photos to your account on the My Disney Experience app. (Directions how to do this are clearly stated on the back of your bib!!)

Finally, pre-corral is a great time to take your own photos and selfies! It’s crazy…you wouldn’t believe how often, despite the literally thousands of people, you run into people you know-often from all around the country! Running Club members, runDisney peeps, Facebook friends, Instagram followers…it’s unbelievable! It’s also fun to take pics with other runners dressed in similar themes, or just totally fan-girl over some of the more epic costumes people create!

Some Princesses from our Fabulous and Fantastic Corral F Facebook running page!

Epic-the first year of the “Princess Men”!

1. Corral Placement

First, you have to get to your corral. During Wine & Dine Weekend, the corrals are relatively close together, so you can accomplish this easily. For larger races like Princess and Marathon Weekend, there are more corrals and more people in each corral. That means you sometimes have quite a long trek to find your corral. (And if you closed down Hollywood Studios after partying at Club Villain the night before your Half Marathon, the walk seems endless…!)

My first ever-Fabulous and Fantastic Corral F!

They will also check your bib to see if you’re in the right corral, so leave time for that, too. Remember, you can always go back to join a friend in a later corral, but you can’t move forward! And if you’re not in your proper corral before they start the transition walk to the starting line, you’ll have to fall back to a later corral. All that work for your proof of time-don’t chance it!!

Corral D selfie before the Wine & Dine Half!

Regardless of your corral, there are advantages to being as close as possible to the front of it! As each corral takes off, those in front have the best view of the starting line, the announcers and the fireworks! Now that they release each corral in mini-waves, more people get to experience this!

Mini-waves are runDisney’s attempt to consolidate the corrals. For example, the Princess Half Marathon used to have corrals that stretched from letters A-P…that’s sixteen corrals! This year they only have eight, corrals A-H. Less corrals equals more people in each corral. Instead of everyone starting at once from any given corral, two volunteers will divide the crowd with a rope, and walk that group right up to the starting line.

It’s so fun to see your friends up on the big screen!

Doesn’t seem like a big deal until you do the math. This year for Princess, Corrals C, D and E have about 2,000 people each. It is speculated that each of those corrals will include two mini-waves. But what if you’re in Corral F? There are almost 10,000 Princesses there!! It is speculated that they’ll be released in six mini-waves. This is huge!! With possibly eight waves spaced out between Corrals A-E, your position in Corral F could place you in the ninth mini-wave if you’re right in front, or as far back as the 14th mini-wave if you’re all the way in the back! The final two Corrals will have less people and less mini-waves, but this logic applies to every corral-so stake your spot out early!

Also, starting in front of your corral means that you have open road in front of you, at least for a little while! No crowds, no bottlenecks! Establishing your pace, finding your groove and stopping for characters is a little bit easier!

Still dark, and no bottlenecks through Animal Kingdom!

Getting to your corral earlier also allows you to position yourself strategically. When I run intervals, I like to place myself at the right side. This allows me to easily transition from running to walking just by raising my arm and moving a few steps to the right. If I am running straight through (and by “straight through” I mean only stopping for characters!) I like to be front and center!

Front of your corral can mean shorter character lines!

If you are in a farther corral or concerned about the 16 minute mile requirement, being at the front of your corral gives you an additional buffer between yourself and the Balloon Ladies, too. These ladies (which can actually be women and men!) are the last people to cross the start line and walk the course maintaining a consistent 16 minute mile…you just have to stay in front of them and you’ll have your Finishers Medal in no time!

Okay, your teeth are brushed and your “Flat” is laid out-time to set the alarm and go to sleep! Have Siri wake you at 3:00 and set a back-up for 3:15…maybe even ask the Front Desk to call if you’re worried about oversleeping! (And good luck if you’re doing this two, three, even four days in a row!!) Keep the Visine handy and fuel up-you’re going to need it to rock your runDisney race! Just remember to get to your corral on time!

Finisher! You did it! Now go take your nap…!

Jacqueline lives in Southbury, CT with her husband, two children and cat, Rocky Road. She is a runDisney enthusiast, new AP holder and autism mama. You can follow Jacqueline on Instagram at @neverlandpress and @morphingintominnie.

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Five Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World!

Thousands of people plan to hit Disney World every summer and always want to know-just how hot will it be in Florida in the summer? Hot. Very hot. Relentlessly hot. And humid. Very humid. The kind of humidity that brings the rain but doesn’t cool everything off!

Does that mean you should never plan a June, July or August visit? Of course not! With some simple planning and preparation you can enjoy Disney any time of year-just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Here are five ways you can beat the heat at Disney Parks this summer!

1. Strategize the Day

Do your homework and go in informed! Park hours are published well in advance, and most days one of the parks has Extra Magic Hours, or EMH. If you are staying onsite, this means you can enter a park an hour early, or stay later, depending on the day! Not only will showing up for park opening (“rope drop”) keep you away from the worst of the mid-day heat, but the lines are shorter, so you can do more in a shorter period of time!

Ready for the Magic Kingdom before the sun even rises!

Night owls can also use this to their advantage! Hit the parks once the sun goes down and stay through the later hours. If you’re willing to miss the evening parades and fireworks, you can also ride the most popular rides with minimal waits! Less park time means less potential for overheating, too!

2. All the Right Gear

Amazon Prime and other local delivery stores like Garden Grocer can deliver a variety of hydration options right to your hotel room! So much easier than shlepping your own! Hydrate early and often-water, Gatorade, coconut water…whatever floats your boat! If you’re able to freeze your water bottles prior to the park, they will stay cold for hours, too! CamelBak backpacks are also a great hands-free option for holding beverages of your choice! Forgot your water? No worries-any Quick Service restaurant or cart is required to provide you a complimentary cup of ice water at no charge-just ask! (Hint: Dole Whips, Mickey Bars, and LeFou’s Brews count, too!)

LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland!

Cooling gadgets are also very popular in the Parks. There are misting fans, portable hand-held fans and even fans that clip on to strollers! One year I even found a fan that you could wear as a necklace for my son! Of course, the Parks would be happy to sell you these at a premium, but these are easily found at Targets, Walmarts and pharmacies back home for a fraction of the price! Frogg Toggs are also big sellers…reusable cloths that you activate by getting wet. These “cooling cloths” can be draped around your neck and even worn around your wrist to keep you cool.

Misting fans, portable fan and cooling wrist strap!

Heat can also bring out the worst in us, and make our youngest (and not so young!) travelers extremely irritable and cranky. Moisture wicking clothes, comfortable shoes and sunscreen that won’t melt into your eyes are also musts when you’re battling high temps and humidity. (Can you say “meltdown”??)

Cool comfortable clothes with plenty of sunscreen! (Bonus points if you’re coordinated, as well!)

3. Take a Mid-Day Break

A favorite way to beat the heat is to head back to your resort during the hottest part of the day! Whether you are recharging, refueling or just plain relaxing, this is the way to go! Little ones can take their naps, older kids can get some pool time, and grown-ups can enjoy some adult beverages!

Waterslide at the Wilderness Lodge pool!

Cocktails at the Trout Pass pool bar…ahhh….!

Transportation can make or break this option, so choose wisely! If you will be spending the bulk of your time at Magic Kingdom, resorts on the monorail loop (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary) can get you there and back the quickest! Resorts with a single bus stop like Pop Century and Wilderness Lodge are convenient, too. Remember, whether you’re taking a bus or driving your own car, just give yourself enough travel time in either direction. You don’t want to have to worry about making that dining reservation when you should be catching some zzz’s poolside…!

Late night on the bus home from Magic Kingdom…

4. Air Conditioned Attractions

If you’re a die-hard Disney fan who rocks the Parks from dawn ’til dusk, then what? Head to one of the many air-conditioned attractions in each Park! Magic Kingdom boasts quite a few…from Mickey’s Philharmonic to the iconic Carousel of Progress! You can ride the newly redesigned Soarin’ and watch Pixar Short Films in Epcot, and see amazing shows like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo-the Musical in Animal Kingdom. At Hollywood Studios you can enjoy the Frozen Sing-Along and Voyage of the Little Mermaid from the comfort of your air conditioned theater seat!

Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom

The key is finding attractions that can hold a lot of people and traditionally have minimal to no wait time! So whether you’re riding the People Mover in Magic Kingdom or Living with the Land in Epcot, take a deep breath, take a swig from your water bottle and give the kids some Goldfish! Chill, baby, chill!

5. In Park Restaurants

Are you a Park Warrior who prides herself on multi-tasking? The final way to stay cool (and keep your cool!) is booking in-park meals! Bonus points if you score a character meal! You can kill three birds with one stone-food, air conditioning, characters! First, food is the cure-all for most things! You haven’t left the Park and you get a full belly, and as many refillable drinks as you want! (Ice, Ice, Baby!!) Second, you’re in blissful AC. You’re off your feet, charging your phone…life is good! Third, character meals mean that the kids are happy and occupied, and these meals tend to take longer as you wait for the characters to fully make their rounds! (You also won’t have to wait in a long, hot line to meet these same characters around the Park!)

Eeyore at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom!

Every park has sit-down character meals, some more than one! Our faves include Crystal Palace and Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom (Be Our Guest is awesome, too, but Beast only meets for dinner, and doesn’t come to you!) and Tusker House in Animal Kingdom. Epcot boasts two-Akershus and Garden Grill. Hollywood and Vine is the place for Disney Jr. fans to eat in Hollywood Studios. You’ll get out of the heat for an hour or two, and hit the parks refreshed and well hydrated!

A visit from Daisy at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom!

Bonus Tip…

So, you came, you saw (and sweated), you conquered Disney World! In spite of the heat, you had an amazing trip. If you find yourself wishing you could come back…maybe when it wasn’t quite so hot…I have a final tip for you! Book a Bounceback Offer! What’s that? you ask. A “bounce back” is a future Disney trip that you book while you are still currently a guest. It typically offers a discounted room or free dining for pre-selected dates within the next year. Check all that paperwork in your room…it’s usually hiding on a flyer in there! You can also call x8844 from your room phone to ask about current offers! But don’t wait to book until after you leave…bounce backs are only valid while you’re still checked in to Disney property!

Look at those little faces…don’t you want to go back??

Got it? Sunscreen, water bottles, fans and Frogg Toggs-you’re ready! You can beat the heat-Disney style! See ya real soon!

Jacqueline McMahon lives in Southbury, CT with her husband, two children and cat, Rocky Road. She is a runDisney enthusiast and autism mama. You can follow her on Instagram at @morphingintominnie.

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Pirates League-Mermaids, Makeovers and More!

Ahoy there, Mateys! Is your child obsessed with all things pirate? Are you? Are you jealous you missed Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disneyland recently? Me, too! Pirates League is a fun-for-all-ages experience found in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom…and will turn any landlubber into a fearsome pirate or mesmerizing mermaid!

Mermaid makeover photo op at the castle!

My daughter loves Princesses and everything sparkly, but after two makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Cinderella Castle, she was ready for something new! Pirates League offered all kinds of makeovers, for both boys and girls, kids and adults! This was perfect, as we also have a son with autism, and wanted to find an experience that he could participate in, too!

Planning and Preparation

Like many of Disney’s experiences, Pirates League makeovers can be booked 180 days in advance. Since they are only open 9:00-4:00, there is no opportunity to book a pre-park opening appointment, so think about how it will fit into your day. (Right before your Splash Mountain Fastpass may not be ideal! LOL!) At 180 days out, they had no problem accommodating both children at our preferred time, so book early if you want first dibs!

Next, we had to choose a package. For girls, you can choose a Mermaid or Empress (female pirate) package. Boys can choose between First Mate Pirate packages or Captain Hook himself! Younger boys (ages 3 and up) also have the option to be made up as Jake from the popular Neverland Pirates Disney Junior show! Most packages also had a “deluxe” option, where for $15-$55 more you could add a themed costume or costume T-shirt! (Clothes were only provided in “youth” sizes…adults are out of luck!)

For our daughter, Lola, we chose the basic Mermaid package for $39.95. (The packages range from $39.95-$99.95!) It included hair, nails and make-up, and we already had scored an adorable mermaid dress off of zulily, so we didn’t feel we needed to upgrade to the Deluxe Package. (And I think we got off pretty easy…The Captain Hook Deluxe Package will run you just about $100!)

For my son, Luke, we had some different criteria. Being on the spectrum, he had some sensory issues, so we brought a familiar pirate T-shirt from home. Though he agreed to and was excited about the makeover, we also weren’t sure just how long he’d be willing to sit, so we wanted to keep his simple. We ultimately booked the First Mate package. That meant we still had to choose between a Ghosted Pirate, Zombie Pirate, Captain Hook, Blackbeard and Black Eyed Jack! We chose Blackbeard because it had minimal make-up, and we still wanted him to look handsome! (Okay-that’s just me! I wasn’t ready to see my baby looking like a ghostly skull or zombie pirate yet!)

Swearing In Ceremony

As requested, we showed up 15 minutes prior to our appointment time to check in. The location was easy to find…right between Pirates of the Caribbean and the Plaza del Sol Bazaar in Adventureland. The check-in area had awesome theming…ships’ wheels, leather trunks, all kinds of loot and pirate flags flying!

Both kids were checked in, and then my pirate-to-be was asked to spin the ship’s wheel to find out his pirate name.

He spun it twice, once for the first name and once for the last.

Ship’s wheel to determine his pirate name!

It turns out his pirate name was Jamie Barrelwalker! The oath (signed by Captain Jack Sparrow himself!) was read, and Luke…I mean Jamie…was sworn into the Pirate’s League! Within just a few minutes both kids were invited in to start their makeovers!

We got to take this home as an awesome souvenir!

Mermaid Makeover

Lola’s Mermaid Master was very engaging-telling pirate jokes and stories and keeping her at ease! She got right to work painting Lola’s nails after covering her mermaid dress with a cape to stay clean. Just like at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the unused makeup goes home with you in a little bag!

Next she started right in on her hair. The hairstyle is simple, but very pretty! The hair is twisted around her face and secured with a flower clip that responds to temperature, with a dusting of glitter. (Of course!) In the air-conditioned space, it was white. Once out in the hot Florida sun, you will see it turn purple!

(Much better behaved than when I try to do her hair!)

Now the fun part-makeup! I loved the palette of colors they use, and it matches the nail polish perfectly! (I’m a sucker for matchy-matchy!) I could not wait to see how they added the special “scales” effect for the mermaids-but my timing was off! I looked away for a second to check on my son, and as soon as I turned back her scales had been added…so the mystery remains unsolved!

Once complete, they removed the cape for the big reveal! Lola was so excited to see her reflection! She was also given a Pirate’s League sash and a shell necklace, which I held onto because she was already wearing one from home.

Finally, Lola posed with her awesome Cast Member before she was allowed to enter the hidden chamber…shhhhhh!

First Mate/Blackbeard Makeover

Luke lucked out with the perfect Pirate Master! Knowing Luke had autism, he spent the first few minutes just developing a rapport with him and making sure he felt comfortable. Lots of smiles all around!

The Blackbeard package, like many of the other pirate makeovers, called for eyeliner. Our sensory-sensitive son was a trooper, and allowed it. We were happily surprised!

There was also no fussing when his bandanna was affixed, his eyepatch added and even when a clip-on earring was attached to his ear! He was also given a Pirates League sash and a plastic sword. I don’t know what kind of Disney magic they were dealing in, but it was working!

The only snafu was the facial fair. Blackbeard called for both a beard and a mustache to be added to the face. Luke was going through a phase where no one or nothing was allowed to touch his nose or his upper lip after a nose bleed over the winter. When it was clear this wasn’t an option, I asked about the possibility of just adding the beard. This part turned out to be pretty interesting…since it was a trademarked look, based on Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow, they were not at liberty to modify it! Who knew?? Even so, Luke was pretty taken with his new pirate look!

Secret Chamber

After their makeovers were complete, both kids were invited (separately!) into a hidden chamber they referred to as the Treasure Room! A Photopass photographer was there to capture the moment as they spun the over-sized globe and chose a treasure from the chest!

Though it is confirmed that there is no longer a Photopass photographer available inside Pirates League, there is frequently one stationed just outside by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. More interestingly, recent guests report some varying experiences inside the Treasure Room. Some have been invited by Cast Members to take pictures and video, while others have been told it is forbidden. I would suggest bringing your own camera and asking very nicely! 🙂

Park Photo Ops

At the time, Pirates League invited all their guests to return each afternoon at 4:00 for a “Pirate Parade”. They would march through Adventureland with a Cast Member holding a pirate flag, showing off their new looks. We declined, as parades aren’t my son’s thing, but we understand they are no longer doing this.

However, we did have a lunch reservation at Be Our Guest, so after we rode Pirates of the Caribbean, we took our time traveling from Adventureland to Fantasyland! Between our camera and Photopass we got some great shots of the kids dressed up by Cinderella Castle and the fountain, as well as Main Street, USA!

The hair clip changed from white to purple in the Florida heat!

Though the Pirates League makeover didn’t last three days like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique version, it provided a full day of fun for both my little mermaid and pirate! I would even consider joining her myself next time! Yo-ho! Yo-ho! A pirate’s life for me!