I would call CRO now and see if you can book for next July. Booking ahead in no way prevents you from receiving discounts when they become available...actually you will be ahead of the game. Once the discounts become available for your dates, just call back and have the discount applied to your existing reservation...very easy!!
You can also plan to purchase your passes now. They are good forever (with the exception of the Ultimate Park Hopper which is good for length of stay only). By ordering your tickets now...you will avoid any price increases in the passes.
If you plan to attend Hoop de Doo or the Polynesian Revue, you could also make reservations now...(they accept reservations 2 years in advance I believe).
Have fun!!!