Hi Lauren!
Welcome back and thanks for your question.
Glad to hEAR you are planning a Disney Vacation for your family. Planning in advance is a great way to make all arrangements for a perfect vacation.
You can make your room-only Disney Resort Hotel reservation up to 499 days in advance
by calling the Walt Disney World Resort. If you are considering adding theme park tickets and a Disney Dining Plan, you may do it once vacation packages and room rates are released for the period you desire. Usually updated prices are released in the summer for the upcoming year. Once new prices come out, you can easily convert your room-only reservation to a vacation package including all you desire by calling.
I usually recommend to make a Disney Resort Hotel reservation at least eight months in advance. Remember Advanced Dining Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance and FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to your visit. If your hotel is booked before this 180 days mark, it will be a lot easier to make dining reservations for the restaurants of your preference.
Let us know if you have further questions.
Have a wonderful day!
Gina V.