Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Felecia! I am so excited for your first visit and I am honored to help with your planning.
First, I will share a little secret with you. I have never made my Advanced Dining Reservations 180 days out. I normally start planning my family's Walt Disney World Resort vacations approximately 4-5 months in advance. The excitement and anticipation of having 6 months or more to wait would probably drive me crazy!
Second, make those Advanced Dining Reservations right now. Even if you do not currently have the Disney Dining Plan, that is just fine. Your reservations are connected to your My Disney Experience account, not a Disney Dining Plan. Some Restaurants do tend to fill up quickly, especially the more popular dining locations. Secure what you can now. If your plans change, you are able to cancel your reservations without any fees as long as you do so more than 24 hours in advance. With so many wonderful Table-Service locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, Downtown Disney Area, and Resort Hotels I am certain you will be able to find enough places that will have an open table available for you.
Third, if you are unable to secure a dining reservation you really had your heart set on - don't fret! Keep checking back for an available table. Other families will change their own plans at the date nears. If a reservation opens up, you can then cancel one of your existing existing reservations (again, as long as it is more than 24 hours in advance). You may need to be flexible and keep an open mind. This may mean eating at a time later or earlier than you are used to. I promise it will be worth your efforts!
Have a delicious vacation, Felecia!
~Rachel