Not sure when they are posted on the Disney website, but you can book room only by calling them, or thru your travel agent, then change to a package later when they are posted (ie, add passes and dining plan if desired). I know our AAA travel agent told us we could book room only now for our planned trip in February 2009.
I booked in January of this year for December, wanted to make sure I got the hotel I wanted, and I was told that at any point if a better price became available they would honor that. I was worried about booking so far in advance, but we got trip insurance, so I feel secure. As the OP says, you can book your hotel and then your package later. The hotels are the hard part.
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