We always book our dates as soon as we know what they are, it only costs a one day refundable fee to hold it, then we keep looking here and elsewhere for codes and various discounts (AAA, AP, Starwood). I don't think I've ever ended up using the first resort/rate I booked, I always find something better, usually multiple times, before we go. We don't book online, the rules for cancellation, down payment and other things used to be much more restrictive than reserving via CRO over the phone and I think they still are. We've got 8 days at BoardWalk for March 2008 by renting points from a DVC member and 6 days at Swan this Oct. for $169 on the Teacher's Rate. I expect that figure to get better before our trip.