Hi! We just booked our first trip to DL using our points...29pts. for a standard view at the Grand Californian...we're going June 3. It says in the vacation planner how far in advance, so you may want to check there to be sure, but if memory serves me...I think it's 11 months in advance for most. You can call MS and ask also, if you want...they could check the availability for you, too. I did that since we weren't sure which DL hotel we wanted or the exact dates. It was really easy to do...just remember that if you use one of the non DVC resorts (Disney collection) the points are converted to Reservation points from Vacation points and IF for some reason you have to cancel the trip they cannot be converted back to Vacation points. In other words, the points will have to be used at one of the non DVC Disney properties...IF you cancel 4 days before. It's explained in the Vacation Planner very nicely...being our first use year and the first non DVC trip, I double checked everything with MS just to be sure.