Even if you are staying offsite, you can make ADRs so it isn't necessary to know where you are staying in order to make your reservations. Now, if you are wanting to purchase the dining plan and make ADRs, that may be a different story.
The 2008 package prices should be coming out in mid-August. If you book a package, you will only be required to put a $200.00 deposit down within fourteen days from the time you book the package. You will not need to pay for your vacation in full at the time of booking.
The good thing about booking a package is you can put your $200.00 deposit down and then make payments all along. Disney doesn't care how often you pay or how much you pay other than the minimum payment is $20.00 and you must have the vacation paid for in full by 45 days prior to your arrival date. It's kinda like having your vacation on layaway.
I am a seller on e-bay and every time I got a $20.00 or more payment from a buyer, I immediately turned around and made a payment on my vacation. Our 2007 vacation cost a little over $3,100.00 (2 adults/1 child, 10 day stay at CBR, 7 day park hopper tickets (got water park and more option free) and the dining plan). I was able to pay nearly $1,900.00 on our vacation from my e-bay sales. I think I made 32 payments from August 15, 2007 to April 13, 2007.
Payments can be made online at
www.disneyworld.com. You will register on their website (if you're not already). From there, you just click on My Disney Vacation and follow the easy steps.
Hope this helps! Lisa