Embarrassingly basic logistical questions.

[Rivka]

We are planning a trip for October 2013. I have been doing tons of reading and have a pretty clear idea of what we want to do, but I don't have a very good sense of when and how to book.

Here are my questions:

1. Is there any reason not to go ahead and book a room now?

2. If we think that at some point we may want to do a package (because if they offer Free Dining our week, we'll need one), does it matter if we book it all now or if we just make a room-only reservation for now and order tickets later?

3. If we book a room or package and they offer a discount later, can we still get the discount? Or should we wait to make reservations until/if they offer a discount?

4. Do you have to put down a deposit to book a room or a package?

5. Is there any reason why we can't make ADRs at the 180-day mark and then cancel them later if free dining isn't offered after all?

Thanks to anyone who can help me out with these!