Hi Colleen! I sure do love Disney Dining questions! Thanks for coming to planDisney!
Your plan is a good one! Guests are welcome to make Disney Dining reservations at dining locations at the Disney Resort Hotels – including on days when they are not visiting the Disney Parks! My family has done this several times when we need a little “Disney fix” but don’t plan on visiting the Disney Parks.
Colleen, keep in mind that
parking is complimentary if you have Disney Dining reservations at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel! You might just need to share your reservation information at the gate of the resort where you will be dining.
Also, keep in mind that you can make your Disney Dining reservations 60-days prior to your desired reservation if you are not staying at a hotel in the Disney Resorts Collection. If you are staying at a hotel in the
Disney Resorts Collection, you can make your dining reservations 60-days prior to your vacation arrival date (for up to 10 days of your vacation)!
Happy Planning!
Jonathan