Hello Tina! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
There are so many Endlessly Magical elements in planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, that starting as early as possible is a definite must.
When my wife and I plan our
RunDisney Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend vacations that are held in January of the calendar year, we often initially contact a Cast Member at (407)939-1936 as Room-Only Resort Hotel Reservations may be booked up to 499 days in advance of your vacation.
The option to book
Magic Your Way Vacation Packages or to take advantage of
Special Offers online requires a little more patience. In my experience, Walt Disney World Resort opens up the next calendar year in mid-to-late summer of the current year.
When I find myself in this situation and want to take advantage of a Magic Your Way vacation package of Special Offer, I initially book my Room-Only Reservations and then
"Modify My Reservations" through My Disney Experience or by contacting a Cast Member at (407)939-1936 as soon as they become available. This way, I secure my room far in advance, but leave the possibility open to capitalize on vacation packages with my exact dates and room choice or if my vacation is eligible for a Special Offer.
~Happy Planning!
~Todd