Hi Sarah,
It's absolutely wonderful that you're planning your family's first trip to Walt Disney World!
While the first week of March is before the rush of the spring break crowds, I would make reservations for any restaurants that you would be heart-broken to miss. In the last couple of years, I've found it increasingly difficult to find walk-up availability at many restaurants. Also, while a restaurant may have availability that day, it might not be until 9:00 pm rather than your preferred dining time of 5:00 p.m.
I always book one table-service restaurant per day of our vacation.
If we decide not to dine, we cancel the
Advance Dining Reservation adhering to any cancellation polices for each restaurant. Character meals and signature restaurants (fine dining and/or super popular locations) require a credit card guarantee and have a one day cancellation policy in order to avoid a penalty fee. Reservations must be canceled 24 hours prior to your reservation in order to avoid the $10 per person no-show fee.
You'll need reservations for dinner shows such as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (this restaurant also requires pre-payment). Reservations may be needed if you plan on taking a tour, participating in a resort activity such as a fireworks cruise, playing a game of golf, or indulging in a spa appointment.
If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to help!