This will be our third trip to WDW in July but only the first where I'm aware of the DIS! How will I know if there is a discount code? Our dates are 6/29 thru 7/7 at POP. I'm planning on doing the actual booking through the DisneyWorld website on Thursday the 18th. If a discount code comes out after booking, how can I apply it? Is it better to go through
AAA? Also, can I make ADRs if I haven't actually booked the trip?
Sorry for all the questions, I'm still learning how to make the most out of my trip!
I'll try and help you with some answers.
To track discount offers, keep your eyes on this thread, if and when a discount for our time period is released, someone will post it. Generally watch the Codes & Rates board, typically there is a bit of a heads up just prior to release of a discount code/offer/rate. The DIS also has a discount area in the wdw information area. Finally, check Mousesavers--Mary is quick about posting new offers as well.
If you have AAA, when you book on the 18th, see if there are any AAA rates available for your dates/hotel. You will receive a 20% discount on a room only and that is certainly better than nothing. You do not need to go through AAA to book a AAA rate--you simply apprise the reservation agent that you would like a AAA rate. Rather than booking online, I would advise calling Disney directly 800-828-0228 that way you are able to check the AAA discount rates.
If a discount becomes available after booking, just call Disney and ask if that discount code could be applied to your reservation. Sometimes the code will not apply to a res because there is no availability at a particular resort or for the time you are visiting, i.e., the resort was already fairly well sold out and no discount needed to be offered to fill it.
I personally prefer not to use AAA--I want to control my own res and if I use AAA I can't do that. It's a matter of preference for you.
ADRs w/o booking--I have to punt on that one--never tried it. I will say that since the booking window has opened for your dates, I don't know why you couldn't book them w/o a res--I have never done it, so I really am unsure of the answer. Call the # I gave above and give it a shot--it's toll free and you'll have your answer soon enough.
One last, unsolicited piece of advice, you did not indicate whether you were seeking a "package" or "room only" res. Just remember, if you book a package, you have a longer cancellation period than a room only and if a discount is offered, it may be offered close in time to the date of your res. This might preclude you from taking advantage of a non-package discount if offered. I prefer not to book packages because I was burned one year w/just that scenario. I could have saved much more w/a room only res and tickets purchased separately, but the offer came out inside my 45 day window and I was stuck with the package. The package too was a discounted package, but not as good a deal as the room only. Anyway, take that for what it's worth.
Have a great vacation & fun planning.
A brand new WDW virgin, but have just booked a land / sea package w/ Costco. That will put us there at the end of July and now trying to figure if we'll add days before the land/sea package begins or after the cruise. 
We did the opposite...canceled our Med cruise to go with friends to WDW...
" replies sent my way!
I'm bummed. We could change our reservation to two standard rooms, but then it'd be putting my mom in a room by herself and we just don't want to do that. Plus it would only be a savings of $160 for us (for a 7 night stay). Oh, well.
