Dear Ashley,
Thank you so much for stopping by to say "Hiya Pal!" to us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, with your great question!
I am also the type of person who likes to plan my
Walt Disney World Resort vacations way ahead of time, so I understand you! The great news is that you can begin to make room only Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations up to 499 days before your desired dates! You can make those by phone, giving a call to a friendly Cast member at 1(407)939-5277.
As for
vacation packages, the packages for the following year are usually released mid-year in the summertime. You can absolutely book a room only reservation now and then change your reservation to a vacation package when you get closer, that's totally fine (pending availability, of course).
Hope that helps with your magical planning!
- Jan K.