Booking a room 499 days out when the next year's packages aren't ready - questions.

[Farro]

So we plan to book our May 2020 trip before the packages for 2020 will be released (for a number of reasons, but one being Star Wars will be open so we want to make sure we get the room category/hotel we want). So that means room only over the phone.

For anyone that has done this:

I understand we will pay a deposit of rack-rate for the room category we choose at the 2019 prices for our selected date and then the price goes up when 2020 rates come out.
When I call, will the cast member know what the heck I'm talking about when I try to book?
Do you still get a reservation number you can put in My Disney Experience at that time?
When the new prices come out, I don't have to re-book, correct? Should update automatically?

Do you just buy park tickets separately at a later date?

Anything else I should know/understand?

Thanks!

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

I have in the past booked a room only reservation before packages were available online. When I called to make my reservation the CM was very helpful and definitely knew what I was talking about. I received an email with a reservation number on the same day I booked the room. I was able to put it in MDE right away. When the room rates became available for my dates, it was automatically adjusted and I received an email for the adjusted amount. I did not have to re-book. The reservation number stayed the same. I bought my park tickets later and kept my reservation as a room only reservation. I could have changed it to a package if I wanted to. If you want a dining plan you would need to do that.

 

[Farro]

I have in the past booked a room only reservation before packages were available online. When I called to make my reservation the CM was very helpful and definitely knew what I was talking about. I received an email with a reservation number on the same day I booked the room. I was able to put it in MDE right away. When the room rates became available for my dates, it was automatically adjusted and I received an email for the adjusted amount. I did not have to re-book. The reservation number stayed the same. I bought my park tickets later and kept my reservation as a room only reservation. I could have changed it to a package if I wanted to. If you want a dining plan you would need to do that.

Oh my god this was so helpful, thank you!!!