Hi Rebecca!
Congratulations on your upcoming
MAGICAL family vacation! I have also vacationed at Walt Disney World with my extended family and it was an amazing adventure. My biggest tip is to relax, enjoy each other's company and take lots of photos. Also with your large family you might consider purchasing
Memory Maker so that everyone's photos are captured into one account.
You may make a room-only reservation (i.e. - no package) as far out as 499 days ahead of your vacation. One night's deposit of the current room rate will be put down to secure the reservation. If you wish to convert your room-only reservation to a package (add tickets and dining) then you may easily do so when the new room prices are rolled out. Historically the upcoming year's room rates are announced mid to late summer. To make a room-only reservation call the hotel reservations number listed in this
Disney Phone Directory link. Personally whenever I make a reservation that far in advance I like to use a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner (travel agent) who will monitor the special offers and then apply any if I qualify.
Rebecca, it looks like you probably have several questions for us, but your query space is limited. Even though you only have space for about one question at a time, there is no limit to the number of questions you can ask here. We are honored to help and would love to sprinkle a little Pixie Dust on your magical gathering!
Blessings,
Brenda ºOº