I'm kinda a newbie but what I've been doing is reading up on WDW (books from the library and websites) and will subscribe to TourGuideMike.com for more up to date assistance.
I'm checking on which days of the week during the time we will be in WDW is best to visit each park (example: If MK is least busy on say Tuesday that's when I plan to visit at least one day and maybe to to EPCOT in the afternoon and have dinner there.) I'll be making ressie's for most of my TS meals so I'm not left with not being able to dine where I really want to at the time I want to. Keep in mind that you might want to be a bit more flexible.
I don't have a set date yet only because my DH just started a new job a couple of months ago and will not be able to request vacation till his 90 days is passed. But when I do get a firm date I'll definitely subscribe to TGM and maybe even buy the Passporter.