People thought I was crazy to go to Disney World while I was still breastfeeding my baby. Honestly, it sounded like a logistical nightmare, but I’m here to tell you that it is possible to still have a magical day in the parks with a bulky breast pump in tow! Below I will share my personal experience with pumping in the parks which will include essential items, discrete pumping locations, and breast milk storage options.
Essential Items for Pumping at Disney World
Recently Disney’s prices have taken flight like Epcot’s Soarin' Around the World. Therefore your time is more valuable than ever when visiting the parks. Here are some products that allowed me to best utilize my time and made my pumping sessions easier.
Manual Breast Pump
Although a pumping session can be longer with a manual pump, it can be used anywhere. I was able to pump in unconventional places like in Uber rides to and from the airport which saved me prized time by using this type of pump. I always kept my manual pump on me in case I needed to quickly and conveniently express milk. Make sure to bring the tops to the milk collection bottles for pumping on the go in case you are not able to dump the milk into a storage bag right away.
Product Suggestion: Lansinoh Manual Pump
Electric Breast Pump
Albeit cumbersome, I absolutely did not regret bringing my electric pump with me to Disney! I stored it in a locker as soon as I arrived at each park, saving me from toting it around all day. When it fit into my schedule I simply gathered my electric pump before heading to a Baby Care Center for a quick and sufficient pumping session.
I was also able to accomplish other tasks when doing this, which I will elaborate on in the hands-free pumping bra section. It’s worth noting that you will more than likely be stopped at the security checkpoint to have your bag searched when bringing an electric pump into Disney’s parks. I was stopped every time I had mine with me, but rest assured that the bag search only took a few minutes.
One security officer informed me that the glasses case in my bag could have actually been the culprit though. Also, if you fly to Orlando and have an electric breast pump with you it will need to be taken out of your luggage when going through security at the airport.
Product Suggestion: Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump
Nursing Cover
As I mentioned earlier, a manual pump is an opportune device for pumping. Since breastfeeding laws in Florida are unspecific about pumping and I consider myself pretty modest, a nursing cover was an essential item for me. Using my manual pump and nursing cover in combination, I was able to fit pumping sessions while on Uber rides and waiting to be seated at a Table Service Restaurant at Disney.
Product Suggestion: WeeSprout Nursing Cover for Breastfeeding
Hands-Free Pumping Bra
Looking for ways to make your pumping break less stressful? A hands-free pumping bra could be an exceptional solution for you! Not only does this bra design allow you to sit back and relax while pumping, you're also able to capitalize on what could be considered lost time. I was able to secure Lightning Lanes (which you can learn more about here) and submit mobile food orders all while pumping!
Product Suggestion: Kindred Bravely Sublime Hands Free Pumping Bra
Nursing Pads
Worried about unexpected leakage from stretching the window between pumping sessions? Then wearing nursing pads in your bra is key. I wore some while I was visiting the parks mainly for assurance but never seemed to actually need them.
Product Suggestion: Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding
Sling Bag and/or Backpack
