Hi, Lisa! If your Disney Dining Plan is any except the Quick-Service Plan you
WILL want to make Advance Dining Reservations. Quick-service dining doesn't need (or accept) reservations. All of the other plans include Table Service meals. You need reservations for those. You didn't say when you are traveling, but at some times in the year, it is nearly impossible to get a Table Service meal without a reservation. You can begin booking these 180 days prior to your arrival date either
online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
It is difficult to try to predict what type of food, what kind of meal, and what time you might want to eat up to six months in advance, but it will pay off when you and your party enjoy some of the great meals at Walt Disney World. While at times it does seem ridiculous to be making dining plans so far in advance, there really isn't an option if you are wanting character meals. These experiences are often fully booked, and if you haven't made your plans in advance, you might miss out. Have a Magical vacation!