It was my families first trip last Jan. That was supposed to be a "once in a lifetime" trip!!!! Ha! We're going back this Jan. and probably every year or two after that!
I didn't know about codes, just went through AAA. But keep looking on here to keep informed... there were ticket upgrades last Jan. We are hoping for at least the same if not a nice 40% off room rate or something like that!!!!
As for my tip... I HIGHLY reccomend Tour Guide Mike! We felt like Disney pros on our very first trip! We never waited in a line! My kids teased me about it (even whined a couple of times), UNTIL.... we were riding Big Thunder Mountain for the 3rd time that day... in the Fast Pass Line... while everyone else was sweating it out in a 60 minute line!!!! Then... the lightbulb went off in my dear family's heads and I was a hero! So that is my two cents or a tip....
Have fun!!! Planning is half the fun!