Hello, Ritchie and from all of us hEAR at planDisney, welcome! I'm delighted to help as you're planning a Magical vacation.
Ritchie, as a guest who typically plans our visits to the Walt Disney World Resort over a year in advance, I appreciate this question. I'll first direct you to take a close look at the current vacation package policies
HERE. If you book a
vacation package (which includes your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel and
theme park tickets) you are able to secure your booking with a $200 deposit and then pay the balance over time (with the final payment due 30 days prior to check-in). Booking a vacation package also offers the security of a refund if you cancel your package far enough in advance.
Once you have booked a vacation package, make sure to
link your reservation to your My Disney Experience account. From that account you'll be able to make (complimentary) theme park reservations through the
Disney Park Pass system and then closer to your trip,
book advanced dining reservations.
As you're deciding what to book and when, please come on back with additional questions. We are always happy to make recommendations.
Wishing you the best of luck in your planning journey.
Lauren