Hi Lisa!
Disney Dining Reservations is one of the first steps when planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Resort guests may make them 180 days from arrival so it means guests must start planning early. If you have decided on a last minute trip or just couldn't get to the planning stages that early there is some hope to securing some of the sought after locations.
Dining reservations do open up from time to time and the best way to grab one is to keep looking on line at all times of the day. Doing this on line is easiest versus trying to keep calling the reservation center. Some think checking early in the morning starting at 7am gives them some over night cancelations. I have not seen any better luck in timing but it is worth a try.
Try to eat at off times when the masses are not wanting to eat. Those times will often be available before the prime times. If you have a larger party try making reservations for two tables versus one. Splitting a party of six into a party of 2 and 4 might bring more luck as well.
Guests must cancel 48 hours before their dining time or risk having to pay whether they show up or not. Remember this and once you arrive be willing to make last minute changes to your plans if something comes up. Keep checking and many guests actually do find openings on the day of for dining.
There are no guarantees and the best way to reserve what you wish is to do the booking 180 days ahead. But that isn't always possible so keep checking and hopefully the magic will come through for you and the family for your upcoming Disney vacation.