Hello Teresa!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thanks for this excellent question!
I'm happy to report that you do not need to pay your vacation package balance in full before you make your
Advance Dining Reservations! As a
Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guest, you can begin making your Advance Dining Reservations 180 days from your check-in date
plus up to 10 days of your on-property stay. Hooray!
Quick Tip: Note that under the current rules, vacation package balances must be paid in full at least 30 days before check-in.
I hope this helps with your planning, Teresa! Please stop back with any other questions about your upcoming trip.
Wishing you magical memories to last a lifetime!
Erin