Hi there, Sue!
It's true that most table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World do need to be booked in advance. While this does somewhat keep your travel party locked into a schedule, it also helps you plan your days in order to maximize your time for your must-dos.
Consider choosing one table-service restaurant per day, either for lunch or for dinner (note that, for example, while Be Our Guest in New Fantasyland is table-service at dinner, it is considered quick service at lunch, and reservations are not required). This way, you will have the chance to try your absolute
musts, but will not feel bound to any more of a schedule than that.
Another approach to many restaurants - particularly the character buffets - is to dine there for breakfast. Then your bookings are complete for the day, and you can have that unscheduled time.
Quick-service restaurants do not require reservations, and you have loads of choice and variety in this category. Epcot is a great example of a Park wherein so many quick-service restaurants are available, tat you might not even feel compelled to try more than one table-service.
Remember to make your dining reservations 180 days out by calling (407) WDW-DINE, or by using the
convenient online ordering system.
Have a wonderful trip!
See you later, celebrator,
-Deborah B.