Luigi's girl-
Yes, try to order it as close as possible. They are good from the first month your order it I think. I ordered mine at the end of April but my card is good until end of May the next year. But that's because they were having huge backup with printing the actual cards. Even if you don't have a card by the time you get to WDW they will send or print you a letter which you can use during your trip.
Donna-
At this moment only FL resident and AP holder could purchase the card.