Hi Kimberly!
Welcome back to planDisney.
The simple answer is no, you don't need to have purchased your park tickets before you make any dining reservations at Walt Disney World. You don't even need to have a Disney Resort hotel reservation either, as everyone is welcome to dine, and make dining reservations across the whole Resort.
You can start making your
dining reservations 60 days in advance. While you don't need a Disney Resort hotel reservation, there is an advantage for Disney Resort guests in that you can make your dining reservations at 60 days + 10 days. If there are any restaurants that are proving tricky to book, and you are able to try dates toward the end of your visit, they are more likely to have availability. However, if you are staying off-property, you can make each reservation at 60 days, one day at a time.
You can purchase your park tickets at any time, but please ensure that if you are dining at a restaurant
inside any Disney theme park (Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park) you will need a park admission ticket for that day, even if you are only visiting a restaurant in the park.
Some of my favourite restaurants are located inside theme parks! I particularly enjoy
The Crystal Palace for breakfast with Winnie-the-Pooh and friends at Magic Kingdom Park, and also
Be Our Guest Restaurant inside the Beast's castle for dinner.
The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios is another family favourite.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, and you can
send me a direct question if you wish. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World.
Sue