Hi there, Diana - welcome back to
planDisney!
I'm so excited to hEAR about your upcoming trip in just a few short months - get ready to make some magical memories!
Currently, all Guests, regardless of where they are staying, can make
Advance Dining Reservations starting 60 days in advance. So, for any dates at the beginning of your trip (while you are staying off-site), you will need to book your dining reservations one day at a time. At 60 days prior to the start of your stay at a Disney Resort (including the
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel), you will be able to make reservations for the remaining days of your trip (up to 10 days). Just be sure that your reservation for the Dolphin is properly linked to the My Disney Experience account you're using to make your dining reservations - if it's not, you won't see availability to book dining for the remaining days of your stay.
I see that you mentioned having Theme Park Tickets and Park Pass Reservations for the days you are staying off-site - that's fantastic planning! Unfortunately, these don't make you eligible for earlier access to Advance Dining Reservations for that first portion of your trip. The good news is that it sounds like you'll only need to make those day-by-day reservations for a few dates at the beginning of your trip!
Did you know you'll be visiting at the start of
winter holiday celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort? Be sure to check if there is a
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party offered during your stay! Also, you'll be experiencing the magical
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, including my favorite new attraction at
EPCOT -
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind - it's a blast!
Ryan J.