Hi Michelle!
Congratulations on making the decision to visit the Walt Disney World Resort!
I have been to the Walt Disney Resort more times that I can count and everytime I book, I get so excited! As if it were the first visit! As of today, you can book through January 31, 2014. In other words, they allow reservations up to one (1) year in advance. I would check back in October to make the reservation, here is the
link. At that time, you can definitely give your deposit and even pay the total before your visit.
If I can help you with any other planning question (i.e. dining, park tickets, resort suggestions), please feel free to ask me!
Thank you for submitting your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Yael