I think I can finally start a thread now. Even though I had already booked the cruise, I have taken the first real steps toward the trip now. Yesterday I bought our PAP for WDW in preparation. The reason I did it now is twofold. First, the dollar was above my target so I took advantage of that. Second, I am hearing that the annual price rise for the start of August will occur, so I weighed that up and thought I would purchase now and beat technically 2 price rises (assuming they rise each year). AP don't run out and start when you first use them, so hopefully this is a good decision.
I did have a funny experience though. I rang Disney Travel to buyt them, and got the usual helpful magical experience we all know and love. But at the end of the call, the guy who I spoke with, Ebenezer, wanted to ask me a question. He wanted to know what time it was, and I told him (it was just after 8 in the morning). He then replied and said that's tomorrow isn't it. I said it is, and he was so excited that he was talking to "the future". He asked what the future was like and we had a chuckle and a joke. I think I made his day as much as he made mine, so a good experience all round.
So that's it, we're up and running. I will have questions no doubt and news in coming months. It's just so long away still ..........