Hi here Wendy and thanks for the question! Dining reservations can be scarce during Free Dining Promotions so it's a great idea to plan ahead in anticipation of your vacation.
Without a Disney World Resort vacation confirmation number you will still be able to book your dining reservations 180 days prior to the preferred date you wish to reserve. The downfall to booking without a resort confirmation is that you'll have to reserve dining for each day of your vacation, one day at a time, as the preferred date hits the 180-day mark... unlike those with Disney Resort confirmation numbers who will be able to book reservations for their entire stay at the 180-day mark, all in one shot!
Advanced dining reservations can be made
ONLINE or by calling in to Disney Dining at (407)WDW-DINE.
**Please note, Disney is enforcing a new
Dining Cancellation policy, so if you make reservations and don't end up booking your vacation, please remember to cancel your dining reservations to avoid being charged the "no-show" fees.
Best Wishes,
Amanda F.