Hi Lauren,
Thanks for your question! Regardless of whether you have an annual pass or no tickets at all, whether you are staying on property or not, you can make
advanced dining reservations 180 days in advance. As I write this on November 7, 2016, dining reservations are open through May 6, 2017.
So if you plan to arrive during the first week of May, you can begin to make those dining reservations now, even before you firm up your tickets. You'll be asked to guarantee your dining reservations with a credit card, but you won't be charged unless you fail to show up for the reservation. You have until 24 hours in advance to cancel without penalty.
Guests with
Walt Disney World resort reservations can make dining reservations for up to 10 days of their visit when they are 180 days from check-in.
Either way, make sure you sign into your
My Disney Experience account when you make your dining reservations so that you can easily manage all aspects of your Walt Disney World vacation.
I hope that is clear. Please come back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel if you need clarification or have other questions. And we love to recommend restaurants, especially if you let us know what kind of food you like or what special occasion you might be celebrating.
Enjoy your visit!
Wilma