What to Pack for Disney World??? 1St Timer:-)

2 pairs of comfortable shoes - you'll be doing lots and lots of walking
rain poncho - the ones in the park cost a small fortune, the chance of a rain shower this time of year is very likely
one light jacket or sweatshirt - it can get chilly at night
a stroller is questionable - if you're flying you may want one for the airport, I'd rent one at the park
bathingsuits - you'll want to cool off in the pool
suntan lotion
camera - don't forget batteries or charger

Have fun!

I for one LOVE Disney strollers! I took my own and ended up renting another when I got there and totally loved how the Disney stroller turned on a dime, was easy to push, had storage underneath for purchases that I chose to keep with me instead of sending back to my resort per their in-park shipping service. It's A LOT of walking so I would definitely get a stroller for a 3yo. If you are looking to save money, I agree with other people who have posted by bringing your own:

Sunblock (although, when I lost mine and HAD to buy more at the park, it wasn't too bad priced)
Extra camera battery
Bathing suit if you are doing water parks or pool
snacks for inside your room
Headache medicine
Hat
Sunglasses

I hope you have a FANTASTIC trip!!!

My brother, SIL, and niece just got back and my SIL said she wished she would've packed sundresses for herself. She said shorts were just too hot and that was in May! I can't imagine July!

Wow. We are leaving for Disney in 14 days and very excited. We have been there a bunch of times.
First I would either go to your local library or a bookstore and get a travel book on Disney. Get an idea of what you want to do.I plan on arriving at the park this time early. My youngest is just turned 5 yrs so I dont plan on bringing a stroller or renting a stroller. I would get a park hopper.
Make reservations for one charachter breakfast. My husband doesnt love it but the kids and I really enjoy it.

Ouch! It's going to be hot and crowded! So shorts and tank tops would be my clothing of choice. Pack at least two pairs of broken-in walking shoes and alternate them to prevent blisters. Take the stroller as there are some lines you can get through quicker if you have a stroller. Just put a ribbon or something on it to make it easily identifiable when you have to reclaim it from stroller parking. (They'll get moved around while you're away.) i also took an ergo baby for while we were in long lines.

Carry as much food and water as you feel comfortable with. You don't want to waste a lot of time waiting in line for expensive food. I plan character meals to meet the big characters rather than having to hunt them down and wait in yet another line. I really recommend Ohana's breakfast.

Not only will you need to bring sunblock, but if you have little ones you might consider a hat. My lil one had a sunburn on the top of his head the last time we went to Disney last June!

Going in July is going to be crazy because it will be packed! I suggest you and your husband bring patience! The lines will be long for the rides so consider getting the Fast Pass for the rides you really want to go on as soon as you enter the park! Otherwise you might have to wait a while.:)

After a few trips to Disneyland (not quite the same thing but still...) I learned to pack a couple less t-shirts than what my daughter would need becuase she would always get one or 2 that she couldn't wait to get home to wear! and instead of carrying around a heavy sweatshirt all day, the night we stayed for fireworks/parade was the night we bought a sweatshirt. I just worked it into our "souvenir budget" instead of wasting it on junk we didn't need or would be forgotten about. I always did tennis shoes for the support. We also learned to do a sit down meal mid afternoon - not that much more than the stands, but a welcome break, in air, and much better food. Then we just hit the fruit stands for our snacks or ate the crackers and water we brought. We also just used a cheap umbrella stroller. Easier for traveling and didn't matter if it got lost. And definitely take advantage of the fast pass!
Have fun!!!

You can bring in snacks and drinks. So pack whatever food items/snack items/drink items (no alcohol obviously) that you might want/need.
Also know that they will give you free ice water at any of the refreshment stands throughout the park. I saw somewhere recently where someone was complaining that they don't have many fountains, compared to Universal Studios-- but they give away ice-water (not bottled water) in cups, so who cares?

Mid July? It is going to be SCREAMING hot. And PILES upon PILES of people. And probably an afternoon thunderstorm. (That's what happens down here--- it heats up all morning and early afternoon, then combines with the moisture from the ocean on both sides (the Atlantic and the Gulf) and boom-- thunderstorms every afternoon practically. They are short lived usually. But just plan to have a couple of cheap rain ponchos and something to keep your purse/backpack or whatever dry... and you'll be fine.

Yes, bring the stroller!! You will be walking all day and your 3yr old will need the rest. Plus, it is great for carrying snacks and jackets. Just make sure you can collapse it easily if you are going to be using park transportation. We pack shorts and tank tops, but bring heavier clothes too for when it rains and it is cooler in the evening. Go for comfort in shoes, not style. You will be walking a a lot. We usually bring sandwiches and snacks for dinner and only eat lunch in the park. It is cheaper that way, but if convenience is more important you might look into the meal plan, but get the smaller one, what they consider a snack is plenty of food for a child.

The best thing that we ever took on a Disney trip was a CamelBack or some other type of back pack with a drink bladder in it. My kids drank more because it was fun and you could refill it for free at a fountain. If water is not your thing, just bring a powered flavoring to add to it. If the weather is looking rainy, bring your own ponchos. A $1 poncho at Walmart is $8 in the park. Do not forget your camera, sunblock, the usual touristy stuff.

You will need to make your restaurant reservations now if you plan to eat at a sit down place. Character meals are the best way for you to meet the characters because the lines get really long for these guys.

You might want to bring some small books and novelties to entertain your child while you are in line. Disney tries very hard to keep the lines down, but July is their busy season.

Have fun, Disney World is a family favorite of ours... I have been there 15 times and I live in Colorado = )

We go to Disney every year, so here is my advice for you!

Clothes:
-Anything lightweight and cool. Disney in July is going to be unbearably hot, and you want the stuff that isn't going to cling. Sundresses, tank tops, etc. As for shoes...sneakers are great, but they will make your feet hotter. If you have sandals with straps on them, they are best for all of you. Lands End has cute ones for kids that are around $20 and worth every penny. My son walks all over Disney in them and has never complained that his feet hurt.

A stroller is 100% necessary for a 3 year old. It will be hot, there will be lots of walking, and he will be exhausted. You do NOT want to have to carry him around as you will be just as hot and tired. I suggest taking a lightweight stroller with a good umbrella shade if you have one. A large stroller is a pain.

You can bring any/all food you want in to the park. If you are doing the meal plan, you probably won't need to bring much of anything in as you get plenty of food throughout the day. If you aren't, then I suggest things that don't melt easily. Sandwich crackers, granola, etc. are all good choices. Also, any place that has access to a faucet will give you free water. There really is no reason to ever have to buy it, so we always just take the free stuff! :)

If you have any other questions, please feel free to PM me! I have helped tons of moms on this site, and LOVE talking Disney! Have fun! :)

Here's my list that I've started for myself:

Ponchos-ALWAYS RAINS!
Glow Sticks--save $$ and not buy those super expensive spinny things at night
water bottles
little pillow
stroller clips
drink mix
flashlight
plastic bags
plastic containers for snacks
wipes
costume
hand sanitizer--also helps cool you off

My grandparents were HUGE Disney fans. They were at EVERY park opening on the opening days. I learned a lot of their tricks over the years. RIP Grandma and Grandpa. :)