For the past two or three years, the 2009 rates were published on or about August 15th.
Some people who have their hearts set on a specific resort go ahead and book a room only reservation so that they are guaranteed a stay at that resort. These reservations can be made WWWAAAYYY in advance. Disney Travel will make the reservation using the 2008 rates. You will be required to pay a deposit equal to your first night's stay. (at the 2008 rates).
When the 2009 rates are published, you have two choices:
1) Keep your room only reservation and let Disney adjust the total price; or
2) Call Disney Travel as soon as the 2009 rates are published and book a package. When you call, make sure that you know what type of package you want so that it won't take the castmember long to book your package for you.
Tell the castmember that you have an existing room only reservation. They will then cancel the room only reservation and request that your deposit be refunded. They can not transfer your room only deposit to your package. Depending on how you made payment of your room only deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as 5 or so days or as long as 30 days or so. (I received mine in just 5 days as I paid with a debit card)
The castmember will then book your package. It is highly unlikely that your canceled room only room will be taken by the time they book the package. But, that's the reason you should have your research done on what package you want to book prior to calling Disney Travel.
When you book a package, you are required to pay a $200.00 deposit within fourteen days from the date you book. After the initial deposit is made, you can begin making payments on your package. The only requirements are that the payments be at least $20.00 and you have the package paid for 45 days prior to arrival.
I am a seller on e-bay and every time I get a $20.00 or more payment, I pay on my Disney vacation. Last year, I made over 50 payments! It's like having a Disney vacation on layaway!!!