Room Only reservations require a deposit of one night's lodging with the remainder due at check in (although you can make payments in advance). Room Only deposits are fully refundable up to 5 days before check in.
In comparison, packages have much stricter rules about refunds, and when and how much you must pay.
From MouseSavers:
"*You must pay a $200 deposit within 7 days of reserving your package. (Except when booking online at DisneyWorld.com, in which case the deposit is required at time of booking.)
* Final payment of the entire remainder is due 45 days prior to check-in. You have to pay in full right away if you are booking less than 45 days in advance."
* You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 45 days in advance. If you cancel 44 days or less in advance, there is a cancellation fee of
$200. You'll also lose any nonrefundable elements, such as
travel insurance and airfare -- see below. No refunds will be given to no-shows.
* Any changes that result in a lower rate, such as applying a discount code, reducing number of days and/or changing to a lower-priced resort, made 45 days or less prior to arrival, are subject to a
$50 fee.
* Beware -- WDTC usually adds nonrefundable travel insurance to your package by default. If you don't want it, tell them while you are making the reservation. Once you hang up, it's too late. You can add the insurance later if you wish, up until your final payment is due. You can also buy travel insurance directly and usually save some money that way.
* Airfare added to your reservation is also nonrefundable. It's hardly ever a good deal, either. I strongly advise booking airfare separately. Visit the (MouseSavers) Airfares page for hints on how to save on airfare!"