Nursing Mom’s Survival Guide: Pumping & Breastfeeding at Disney World
Nursing Mom’s Survival Guide: Pumping & Breastfeeding at Disney World
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World with a young baby? (Here’s why you should bring a baby) Nursing at Disney World can be tricky but these tips will help you plan ahead for success when breastfeeding at Disney World.
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Use the Disney World Baby Care Center
Each of the Disney theme parks has a Baby Care Center sponsored by Huggies. Speaking from personal experiences, these facilities are a great place to help care for your little ones. These centers are such a great convenience if you’re visiting the park with a baby. While each Disney World Baby Care Center varies in space and amenities, each one has a changing area (with nice, clean changing tables), private nursing areas, microwave, bottle warmer, filtered water, an air conditioning seating area and baby care products (such as baby food) available for purchase. See what I pack in my Disney Diaper Bag.
While you may not need all of this if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, it is extremely nice to utilize the private nursing room if you are close in proximity. Most of the nursing areas are dimly lit and quiet with comfortable wooden rockers. I try to stop in at least once each day for a comfortable and prolonged nursing session. Since families are the primary demographic, they make it easy to bring babies, especially when nursing at Disney World.
Check out my Disney World Baby Care Center Reviews for: Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Nursing at Disney World on the Go
While the Disney World Baby Care Centers are great, it simply isn’t practical to stop there every time the baby needs to nurse. I always had a hard time trying to use a nursing cover in public. However, I love using my Ergo Baby Carrier because I am able to breastfeed my daughter as we walk around the Disney parks or while waiting in a line queue. This saves us time and allows us to accomplish more in the park without my older children getting bored.
If you aren’t able to nurse in your carrier, or while walking around, most stroller parking areas have nice seating nearby. It’s also easy to nurse if you plan to sit down for a meal while waiting for your food.
Best Shows & Attractions to Nurse During (by park)
There are several shows and attractions at Disney World that are also perfect for a quick nursing session. Here’s a breakdown by park of my favorite rides and attractions for a breastfeeding mom at Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress
- Tommorowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- It’s a Small World
- Country Bear Jamboree
- The Enchanted Tiki Room
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Epcot
- The American Adventure
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Spaceship Earth
- Living with the Land
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Animal Kingdom
- Wildlife Express Train
- Festival of the Lion King
- Finding Nemo – The Musical
- It’s Tough to Be A Bug
- Na’Vi River Journey
Hollywood Studios
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
- Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Pumping at Disney World
I’ve had several moms ask me, can I bring my breast pump to Disney? The answer is YES! You can certainly bring a breast pump with you. Something small like this is easy to store and carry with you. There are outlets in all of the Nursing Rooms inside of the Disney World Baby Care Centers. If you don’t wish to travel to the Baby Care Center for each pumping session, I highly recommend bringing a manual pump (like this) to pump on the go.
There are outlets throughout Disney World parks in most bathrooms and seating areas if you would rather find a place to plug in and pump each time. I heard a rumor that the First Aid center will store your pump for you, however, upon asking Cast Members, that is NOT TRUE. If you’re a pumping mom at Disney, you’ll definitely want to come prepared.
Tips for Storing Breast Milk at Disney World
The trickiest part of pumping is storing breastmilk at Disney World to ensure it stays cool. I recommend bringing an insulated soft bag (like this super cute Mickey one) to store in the bottom of your stroller. Fill the bag with reusable ice packs or ice from your resort. You can replenish the ice throughout the day as needed. Ask any quick service restaurant (or any stand that sells Fountain Drinks) for a cup of just ice.
I recommend storing the milk in these bags, and also filling Ziploc freezer bags with ice. This helps keep everything a little cleaner and easier to manage. Some people recommend renting a locker to store the cooler and pump in, however, I find that is a waste of time running back and forth to a locker when you could just keep everything with you in the stroller. Be sure to check that your resort has a fridge to store your milk in. Also double check the temperature upon check in.
Where are the Baby Care Centers Located at Walt Disney World?
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World are conveniently located in each of the four theme parks. They are frequently found near the First Aid Station and can be easily found if you ask a Cast Member for assistance. Here are the specific locations for each park:
Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center
The Baby Care Center in Magic Kingdom is located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., near the Crystal Palace restaurant. You can find it on the left side as you face Cinderella Castle.
Epcot Baby Care Center
In Epcot, the Baby Care Center is situated in the Future World section of the park. To find it, head to the Odyssey Center, which is located between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Baby Care Center
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find the Baby Care Center near the main entrance of the park. It’s to the left after you pass through the turnstiles.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Baby Care Center
In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Baby Care Center is located on Discovery Island, not far from the entrance to Pandora – The World of Avatar. As you walk toward Pandora, you’ll find it on the left side.
These Baby Care Centers offer a range of amenities for parents and caregivers, including private nursing rooms, changing tables, feeding areas, and baby supplies available for purchase. They are designed to make your visit to the park more comfortable when caring for your little one.
Are there Baby Care Centers at Disney World water parks?
As of my last trip, there are no Baby Care Centers specifically located within Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, the two water parks at Walt Disney World. However, you can find changing tables and nursing areas in the restrooms at these water parks.
Please note that Disney World’s policies and amenities can change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the most recent information on the official Walt Disney World website or contact Disney World directly for any updates regarding services and facilities in the water parks.
Planning a trip to Disney water parks? See my review of Blizzard Beach here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumping and Breastfeeding at Disney World
Is there a designated place for breastfeeding at Disney World?
Yes, Disney World provides Baby Care Centers in each of its parks. These centers offer comfortable and private spaces for nursing or pumping, equipped with changing tables and feeding essentials.
Can I breastfeed anywhere in the park?
While you have the legal right to breastfeed in public in most states, including Florida, Disney World provides Baby Care Centers and other quieter areas for added comfort and privacy if you prefer.
Are there restrictions on bringing breast pumps into Disney World?
Disney World allows guests to bring breast pumps into the park. Security may inspect the pump at the park entrance, so it’s a good idea to inform them if you have one.
Can I bring breast milk or formula into the park?
Yes, you can bring breast milk or formula into Disney World. Security may inspect it, but it’s generally allowed. You can also request a complimentary cup of hot water at quick-service restaurants to warm bottles, or visit the Baby Care Centers for access to a microwave and hot water.
Are there any height restrictions for breastfeeding infants on rides?
Most Disney World attractions don’t have height restrictions for infants. You can carry your baby while riding attractions that permit it. Any ride that does NOT have a height restriction means an infant can ride. There are no rules preventing mothers from breastfeeding on a ride or attraction.
Can I bring a stroller into the Baby Care Centers?
Sometimes. On busy days, Cast Members will ask you to park your stroller outside. If the baby is sleeping in the stroller they will sometimes make an exception. On not so busy days, strollers may be easily allowed.
What are the opening hours of the Baby Care Centers at Disney World?
Baby Care Centers generally open during park hours. However, it’s a good idea to check the specific park’s schedule for exact hours during your visit.
Are there private nursing rooms within the Baby Care Centers?
Yes, each Baby Care Center at Disney World has private nursing rooms where you can comfortably breastfeed or pump.
Can I buy baby supplies and breastfeeding essentials at Disney World?
Yes, most Disney World gift shops offer a range of baby supplies, including diapers, wipes, and other essentials. However, it’s a good idea to bring your preferred breastfeeding accessories.
Is there a place to store expressed breast milk at Disney World?
The Baby Care Centers offer a small kitchen area with microwaves and bottle warmers. You can store expressed milk in coolers or ask the Baby Care Center staff for assistance.
Do I need to bring a nursing cover to Disney World?
You don’t need to bring a nursing cover, as you can breastfeed openly if you’re comfortable doing so. However, some moms prefer using a nursing cover for added privacy.
Can I use an electric breast pump at Disney World?
Yes, you can use an electric breast pump at Disney World. The Baby Care Centers provide electrical outlets for your convenience. I love using my Motif Aura hands free breast pump when I need to pump discreetly while on-the-go.
Remember that the policies and amenities at Disney World can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website or contact Disney World directly for the most up-to-date information on breastfeeding and baby care services during your visit.