Hey, Rachel!
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I love your plan and it is exactly what I would do: book now and then hope for a special promotion when they are released in 2017. Disney promotions come out seasonally to help make traveling to the "Most Magical Place on Earth" easier on the bank.
The Walt Disney Travel Company will be glad to apply a promotion to your existing reservation provided that the dates, Resort hotel level (Value, Moderate, Deluxe) and room type are available and in the terms of the promotion. You may need to change the room type or Resort hotel to fit the promotion. Many times I have found I get a better room for the same price or just a little more than my current reservation.
If you use a third party Disney Travel Specialist or a travel agent, they will need to make the changes on your behalf.
Special promotions are a big deal so please follow the
Disney Parks Blog and the
Special Offers web page to view the latest information.
Disney Dad Tip: We always look for the Resort hotel that will be best for our purpose. If we are only going to the theme parks then we choose a more affordable hotel but when we go for luxury we tend to splurge.
I hope this information helps you plan a wonderful Disney vacation.
Rachel, enjoy making many Magical Memories!
~Jason ºOº