Hi again Hilary,
You can absolutely eat at any of the restaurants found throughout the Disney Resort hotels - you do not need to be a guest of a Disney Resort hotel in order to do so.
My family LOVE to do this during our visits as it is a great way to check out the resorts and helps us to decide where we might like to stay during our next trip.
Here are my top five restaurants located at Disney Resorts:-
1/ Ohana's at Disney's Polynesian Resort
2/ Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
3/ California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
4/ Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort
5/ Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom
I would highly recommend that you visit a couple during your time at Walt Disney World. Advanced Dining Reservations can be made online
HERE up to 180 days prior to your visit.
Wishing you a magical holiday!