Hi, Lisa! Yes, I would go ahead and make my reservations now. When or if promotions are released, you can modify your reservation to
include free dining, subject to availability. Disney will not
automatically
modify your reservation, you will need to call 407-W-DISNEY to check
availability and
make the change, if possible. Make sure to keep an eye on the Special Offers
page for a promotion that might work for you, your travel dates, and
your accommodations. If a free dining promotion does not become
available for your trip, you will need to add it to your package before
you arrive. Guests cannot add the Disney Dining Plans to
their reservation upon check-in. Any Disney Dining Plan can be added up
to three days prior to your arrival date. So, if you want to add a
Dining Plan, you must do so three or more days BEFORE your check-in
date.
Unfortunately, when the Disney
Dining Plans for the upcoming year are released, restaurants (even some
favorites) are missing. They are usually added back to the list
later. Often Disney is still negotiating with the restaurants because
some restaurants at Walt Disney World are not owned and operated by
Disney. They must decide if they want to be part of the Disney Dining
Plan. Keep checking back as 2013 draws closer to find out which
restaurants are on board. It should be settled by January 1, 2013. I
would make the Advanced Dining Reservations I want for my trip, and then
cancel them if they didn't join the plan when it's all final. Happy planning and have a Magical vacation!