I would wait to book your trip since that is the time of year they tend to offer free dining, or if you do want to book it now, I would book it through Kingdom Konsultants because if the Free Dining offer does come out for the dates you are planning to go, they will rebook you automatically.
If you go the AP route, you have to book a package and with the package at least buy a one day base ticket for everyone in the room, since they must have the same tickets. What I have done in the past even though I have an AP, is get the base ticket and when I get there after checking in, go over to the conciege desk with the other tickets and up them to the 7 day pass or whatever number of days I need. I will save my one day base ticket and use it as a credit for when I renew my AP. However, when renewing the AP this way you must do it in person. You can also save the ticket and use it any other time you go down to Disney, just bring it to the concierge in the hotel or guest services in the park and you can upgrade it.