Tips for Breastfeeding at Disneyland
Breastfeeding Disneyland
Today we have Kim from Get Away Today sharing her personal experience with breastfeeding at Disneyland.
Before getting into my tips and experiences with nursing at Disneyland, I should preface that I am passionate about normalizing breastfeeding.
I don’t like missing out on anything and feel bad when moms feel pressured to leave a situation to go nurse in seclusion.
None of my babies ever nursed with a cover over their heads, but I always made sure that I wore clothing that allowed me to nurse in public completely discretely.
I also believe it’s important that moms make whatever nursing in public decisions they’re most comfortable with. I’m probably considered pretty conservative by some, and maybe a little crunchy by others.
If you’ve been trying to figure out how you’ll travel to Disneyland with a little one, I hope you’ll take these tips for nursing at Disneyland and adjust them to your comfort level and baby’s temperament.
There are a few things to know about taking a nursing baby to Disneyland.
First, don’t let the thought of taking a baby hold you back at all. Each time I go to Disneyland I see babies of all ages, including just a couple of weeks old!
While I may not feel comfortable taking a babe that young to Disneyland, I love seeing families that rock it! Make sure you read this post all about babies at Disneyland.
In my opinion, it is SO much easier to nurse a baby at Disneyland than worry about bottles, pumping or formula. The less you have to carry around at Disneyland, the better!
And because Disney caters to families in all stages, nursing at Disneyland is convenient and comfortable.
Where to Nurse at Disneyland
Disneyland Baby Centers
First of all, the most private and accommodating places to nurse at Disneyland, other than your hotel room, of course, are the Baby Centers.
There is one Baby Center in each park. The one in Disneyland is located around the corner next to the Plaza Inn on Main Street.
The Baby Care Center in Disney California Adventure Park is located right next to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop. Be sure to grab a free chocolate sample before and/or after stopping by the Baby Care Center.
Every mom deserves a little chocolate – especially a nursing mom!
The Baby Care Centers have everything you could want or need for taking care of your little ones – whether you’re nursing at Disneyland or not.
They have private nursing areas, changing tables, high chairs, microwaves and more. They also sell any baby items you may need like diapers, wipes, baby
They also sell any baby items you may need like diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, etc. Most of all, one of the things that stands out to me the very most each time I enter a Baby Care Center is that they are QUIET.
It’s one of the only areas in the Disneyland Resort, if not the only area, that doesn’t pipe in music. As much as I love the sounds of the parks, when you have a baby, it is a lovely respite from the commotion.
Quiet Areas in the Park
Second, there are secluded, but public places scattered throughout the parks where you can nurse. You may think Disneyland is always full of people, but truth be told, there are some quiet areas at both parks.
If you’re looking for a quiet table or park bench where you can sit and nurse a hungry babe for a few minutes, you have options. One of my favorite areas is a
One of my favorite areas is a little shaded spot in Cars Land located just a few steps back from Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. It’s almost always empty, even during busier times.
Some semi-private nursing areas that I love in Disneyland are the Fantasyland Theater between showings of Mickey and the Magical Map and the bottom level underneath The Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country.
That area can get a little noisier now that Star Wars Land construction is well underway, but there are plenty of corners that you can duck into.
On the Rides
Third, nurse on the rides. It might seem strange, but it is totally possible, and even a time saver, to nurse while on certain attractions.
In order to comfortably nurse on a ride, you’ll need to choose one that is a little bit longer, doesn’t have lap bars, and is a little dark for privacy. Plus, my babies sometimes just nursed better in the dark.
My two favorite attractions to nurse on are Pirates of the Caribbean and “it’s a small world.” I love being able to ride, feed my child and not miss out on any of the fun!
If you aren’t afraid of heights, Mickey’s Ferris Wheel (NOT the swinging carts) is another good option for nursing moms.
If you are traveling with other small children, you might find this post helpful – Disneyland with Young Tips: Tips You HAVE to Know
During the Shows
Fourth, nurse during the shows. There are so many shows at Disneyland that have comfy seats, and some even are in air-conditioned buildings. Frozen – Live at the Hyperion, Mickey and the Magical Map and Turtle Talk with Crush are all great shows for nursing.
Depending on what is currently playing in the Sunset Theater, the Tomorrowland Theater can also be a great place to nurse.
As far as general tips for nursing moms, here are some of my top tips for nursing at Disneyland:
- Stay in a hotel as close to Disneyland as possible just in case you need to run back for any reason. You know, because, babies. Here are some great family suites near Disneyland to consider.
- Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Set a timer on your phone if you’re prone to get distracted at Disneyland like I am.
- Keep snacks handy. You’re feeding another human. With your body. You need fuel too!
- Use the Rider Switch option so you can ride too. The rest of your group can ride an attraction while you stay back with the baby. (This is a great time to nurse, by the way.) Your group just needs to ask for the pass when they get in line. When they get done, they’ll give you your pass so you and up to two other riders can go to the front of the line while someone else stays with the baby.
- Enjoy and let your baby enjoy, too! People often say that it’s a waste to take babies to Disneyland because they won’t remember anything. I completely disagree. I was amazed at how much my baby took in and loved at Disneyland. Everything was so new and exciting. Also, it doesn’t really matter if he remembers it, because I do and they’re such special memories!
A note from Katie: I think one “secret” is to learn how to breastfeed in a baby carrier. I wish I had learned before I went to Disneyland, because it would have saved me a lot of time. Thank you to Kim for sharing this awesome post – I always love when I find others who are passionate about breastfeeding wherever you go!
Be sure to book your next Disneyland vacation with Get Away Today. We’ll help you find the best deal and take care of you every step of the way. As an added bonus, be sure to use promo code: ClarksCondensed to save an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer package. You can book at getawaytoday.com or 855-GET- AWAY.
Originally posted in 2016; updated in 2019.
