Hi Reginald!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Yes, you will always need a park ticket to enter any theme park at Walt Disney World Resort for any reason, even just for a dining reservation. However, if you are only planning to visit
Magic Kingdom Park there are several Table-Service Restaurants that accept reservations there, so you might like to consider dining at one of those locations instead of Epcot.
If you would enjoy a castle setting,
Cinderella's Royal Table (to meet Cinderella and enjoy visits from other Disney Princesses while you dine) or
Be Our Guest Restaurant (if you choose dinner, it is likely you will be invited to meet Beast after your meal, for a photo and a hug!). These two restaurants will provide a truly magical experience, and I recommend them both. Otherwise, there is sure to be somewhere else to suit you at Magic Kingdom Park.
If you would like to meet Winnie the Pooh and friends, I love
The Crystal Palace. The setting is beautiful and it makes a really lovely start to your day at the park.
Other restaurants that accept reservations are:
The Diamond HorseshoeJungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper CanteenLiberty Tree TavernThe Plaza RestaurantTony's Town Square RestaurantIt is recommended that you make dining reservations for all Table-Service restaurants - you can do this up to 180 days in advance, either
online or by using your My Disney Experience mobile app. If you can't find a reservation for the day you are visiting Magic Kingdom Park, please keep trying. Many Guests will change or cancel dining reservations, even very close to the date, so I am hopeful you will eventually secure a reservation.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort.
Sue