Sorry Donna, I don't recall having seen this thread before otherwise I would have replied. I'm not sure I can answer all of your questions but I'll have a go at those I know the answer to:
You can book with disney.co.uk now for 2013, however if you want flight-inclusive, you won't be able to book until 11 months before.
I'm not sure what deals were offered last year for this October - I presume free dining, the same as being offered for next year. However, the free dining offer has to be booked by July 15th (I believe - no doubt someone else will correct me if this date is wrong) so you wouldn't be able to include flights at this stage.
As far as free upgrades, do you mean an upgrade in hotel room? Upgrades of this kind can and do happen. It is usually at check-in (i.e. you might get a better view than the one you paid for or, in the case of a value resort, you may get upgraded to a preferred location). It is very rare for somebody to be upgraded at one of the DVC resorts. As DVC members, we don't book accommodation through Disney, though, so I don't know how regular an occurrence this is at the other resorts.
