Hi Kimberly, and welcome to planDisney! I am so excited that you want to begin planning a vacation to my happy place, Walt Disney World! 3 chEARS to you! I am happy to help you begin your planning journey! You've got a friend in me.
Kimberly, you are correct, all you need to make a reservation is a $200 deposit. After your booking date, you have up to 30 days before your scheduled arrival date to finish finalizing your balance. Once you make your reservation with a
Cast Member, I suggest linking your confirmation number to your Disney account on the My Disney Experience app. It is a one-stop-shop to access your trip information, make dining reservations, read about current events and activities happening at the theme parks, and even see wait times for rides. You will be able to finish making your payments there, or by phone. I have used Disney gift cards in the past to make payments, I recommend if you have more than one to consolidate them to one gift card, it makes it much easier to pay off the balance that way.
I hope my answers have helped today, Kimberly! If you have any other questions at any time feel free to ask me. Happy planning!
Frances