It doesn't have to be confusing. Sit down with your wife and the calendar, pick a date, and make a reservation.
To ensure the best OF view possible - make that Resv. at 12 mos. out at 8:59 a.m. ET. To make sure you are entitled to your OF view, make it no later than 8 mos. out.
[You have] missed the reservation date [to guarantee Ocean Front] for 2010, but you can still make a Resv. for some time before Jan. 1, the view just isn't guaranteed.
[Deleted 2011 suggestions - just noticed he owns an EOY.]
If you can't go to Hawaii this year, make a Staroption exchange for a resort closer to home.
Even if you have to change it later, it is far better to have a Resv. that you can start planning for, than no Resv. at all.
You just need to do it!