Hi Jennifer!
I know! Its so hard to wait to start planning your vacation once you have the dates picked out!!
Disney does often offer special rates in January, but, of course, these haven't been announced yet and its impossible to predict what 2012 will bring. To book now or to wait is totally a personal choice, but it is nice to start paying and planning for a vacation as soon as possible - it really helps with budgeting for me!
If you'd like you can book a room only reservation earlier than the
packages which are typically announced in summer for the following year
(ie summer 2011 for 2012). To book a room only
reservation, a deposit of one night's rate will be needed at reservation
time. This room rate will be calculated at the highest peak season rate
of 2011 and then adjusted to the correct rate once the 2012 rates are
announced.
Room only reservations can be booked by calling (407) 939-7429.
If a discount is later announced which would apply to your reservation,
Disney is very willing to apply it to current reservations as long as
there is a room in the category at the resort you've chosen. If not,
you'll often be given an option to change room types or resorts in order
to take advantage of the deal. Of course, this is subject to
availability, but I've always had good luck.
Hope this helps! Have a great trip!