Hi Wendy!
Welcome to planDisney.
It's always a pleasure to assist my fellow guests from the UK, and I'm happy to see that you are getting organised for your forthcoming trip with your timeframe of 60 days for making your dining reservations coming up very soon!
The good news is that you can start making your
dining reservations as soon as your 60 days window opens up before
your arrival date. You can begin making your selections at 11.00am (UK time), but start trying a few minutes before that in case they open up early. When making your reservations you do not have to give names of guests or their arrival date - you just state the number of guests. You will have to give your own name and the 'lead guest', and your credit card details, which is just to guarantee the reservation. You won't be charged anything in advance, this is just in case you don't show up for your table, and you'll then be charged for a no-show or a late cancellation within 2 hours of your reservation time (late cancellation charge is currently $10 per head, subject to change).
You should be able to reserve a table for 7 people, but if not, please keep trying! Guests do cancel and change their plans every day - even on the day of the reservation. On my last trip I managed to get a booking for a really popular restaurant on the same day, so I know it's possible. (That was for
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, which is always fully booked. In case that tempts you, I highly recommend that dining experience which is set in an enchanted forest at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, with visits from Snow White, Grumpy and Dopey at your table, and then the Evil Queen may offer you an invitation to meet for a photo after you have finished your meal. She pretends to be very scary and it's always a challenge to make her smile!!)
If you are using your My Disney Experience mobile app to check dining availability, certain restaurants will offer a walk-in option for the same day, so it's worth keeping an eye on that too.
I hope you have success with your bookings, and please come back and visit us again if you have any further questions.
You can also send me a direct question if you wish. We are always happy to help you plan your magical holiday at Walt Disney World!
Sue