We just got back from a 5 day trip to Disney World with our 5 month baby, Gracie. While on the trip, Gracie was exclusively breastfeeding (we started bananas the day we got back!). I quickly learned where the baby care centers in each park were. However, it’s not always easy to get to the baby care centers (especially if baby needs to eat ASAP)… so I found other great spots to nurse. Here’s what I learned about breastfeeding at Disney!
It’s allowed ANYWHERE. You can feed your baby anywhere in Disney. Actually, you’re legally allowed to nurse your baby in anywhere in the state of FL. I also asked a cast member and she said they aren’t allowed to ask a nursing mom to move somewhere else while feeding. That’s awesome!
BABY CARE CENTERS. I love the new movement of normalizing breastfeeding. I think it’s awesome that more and more women are choosing to nurse their babies in public. While I’ve fed Gracie in public multiple times, I prefer some place more private. Actually, Gracie does too. She gets easily distracted while feeding, so I like finding quiet spots to feed her. In Disney World, there is a baby care center in EVERY park. They are all centrally located and they are all pretty similar. We went to each park on our trip, and I nursed Gracie in every baby care center. Not only do the baby care centers have a designated nursing room, but they also have a changing room, feeding room, and play room. They also each have a little store in them to buy diapers, wipes, medicine, and baby food!
MAGIC KINGDOM// The baby care center in magic kingdom is located right next to the Crystal Palace restaurant. It’s also right by the first aid building. You can’t bring your stroller in this one, but there is stroller parking right outside the door. This baby care center has super comfy recliners! I could’ve sat in these for a whole hour. Seriously so comfy- they are like lazy boys. The changing room in this center has (I THINK) 5 changing tables. The feeding room has plenty of high chairs.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS// The baby care center in this park is located right after you enter. It is right next to guest relations. You actually can bring your stroller into this one, but I wouldn’t because this is the smallest baby center. There is one private nursing room with one recliner and a bench. There is a main room with a TV and a few high chairs and couches. And there is a changing room with two changing tables.
EPCOT// The baby care center in Epcot is located between Test Track and the World Showcase. It is right next to the first aid door. You have to park your stroller outside before going into this one! The nursing room has 4 rocking chairs, with side tables. There is a changing room with 3 changing tables. There is a feeding room with highchairs and there is a play room with a TV and even a coloring table.
ANIMAL KINGDOM// This baby care center is located to the left of the tree of life, right before you cross the bridge to Africa. I like this baby center because they have three private nursing rooms. The nursing rooms actually have a changing table in them! That was awesome. Additionally, they have a changing room with 6 changing tables. They also have additional rooms for feeding and hanging.
The baby care centers are so CLEAN. Every time I went into one of the baby care centers, I saw a staff member disinfecting the changing tables and counter tops! I think they have someone in there designated to that task! I loved seeing that. Also, there is clean paper to place on the changing tables prior to changing your baby. I thought that was awesome.
You can probably tell- I love the baby care centers! I love that Disney offers this to moms! They are not just for nursing moms, but for all moms- even with older kids. Take advantage of the peaceful, cold, and dimly lit rooms!
Nurse on rides and in shows. Even though the baby care centers are located in the center of each park, sometimes it’s not possible to get there in time. When Gracie was hungry that instant, I just nursed her on a ride or in a show. All of the parks have great rides and shows for nursing. Here are some of my favorites!
MAGIC KINGDOM// Hall of presidents, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh, PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, or the train!
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS// Frozen sing-a-long or the Great Movie Ride
EPCOT// Journey into Imagination with Figment, Living with the Land, or Finding Nemo
ANIMAL KINGDOM// It’s Tough to be a Bug or Finding Nemo the Musical
Nurse in other spots. If you look carefully, there are perfect areas in the park for nursing that are almost private. There are some great nooks that no one goes by! I fed Gracie in one of the dressing rooms because it had a nice bench in it. I also fed Gracie in the gift shop by Space Mountain.
Other tips. I personally hate nursing covers (and so does Gracie). And in Florida, they just get way too hot. So, to be discreet, I always wear a cami and a looser shirt. That way when I lift my top shirt up from the bottom, my cami underneath is covering my stomach. I can pretty much feed Gracie with no skin showing. Also, if you’re more coordinated than I am, you can always bring a wrap or baby carrier to feed your baby in! If you are pumping, you don’t have to carry your breast pump around with you! Drop it off in the first aid building and they will keep it for you!
Don’t worry! For the most part- no one will bother you in Disney World when you’re feeding your baby! In fact, when I was feeding Gracie- all I got were some sweet smiles and nods from fellow moms. Honestly, no one really knows or cares what you’re doing if you’re being discreet. And besides, you have the right to feed your baby ANYWHERE you want! So don’t worry!
* EXTRA TIP * A few times, we were late for our FastPass because I was feeding Gracie. If you tell the cast member why you were late, they will still let you go (even if you are a few minutes late!). So don’t worry about RUNNING to the next ride!
Kari, You’re tips here are wonderful and I’m sure they can help to reduce the stress levels of many breastfeeding Moms prior to going to the parks.
Thanks Karen! I hope these tips help some mommies!