Most resorts, you can book up to a year in advance, and you can start paying at that time. It is not uncommon for people to make their reservations, and then pay them off over a year.
Is the Disney card better than an annual pass? What is the Disney Card? If your talking about Disney Club Card, then yes and no. It does not get you into parks at all, but gets you ticket discounts, and resort discounts, half price hotels, and restaurant discounts. If used right, it can save you enough money to pay for you tickets.