I can answer the room part of your question. I have booked our first cruise for next April 11 months out. When I was about to book it, I came on the Dis and asked where a good location was. Comments came back to stay near the deck 7 aft verandah, as we were getting 2 inside rooms. Before calling DVC on the 11 month window day, I made a call to the cruise line to see what the availability was. This was easier for me, because I could then go to the deck map and pick my own rooms, I also didn't have to wait for DVC to call them and check availability. So when I called DVC to book, I pretty much knew what was available and asked for it. This worked out perfectly. They booked us in those rooms on the spot. I'm glad I did this so early, as all the inside rooms are now gone on deck 7, and I'm talking about a cruise for next April!