Welcome Julie! Thanks for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Advanced Dining Reservations for restaurants at
Disney Theme Parks are not mandatory but are strongly recommended. If you are considering a Character Dining Experience or a very popular restaurant, such as
Be Our Guest Restaurant for example, I encourage you to make a reservation.
You can always show up to the restaurant and try to be seated without a reservation, but it is a very difficult situation. Usually you won’t be able to enter, unless there was a last minute cancellation. I know people who would wait for three hours to be able to have a meal at a desired restaurant, but it is absolutely not my option. I always try to make my dining reservations prior to my visit, and when the restaurant I want doesn’t have availability I try another one. You can have a pleasant surprise!
Hope this helps your planning. Let us know if you have further questions.
Have a magical day!
Gina V.