When you make your reservations do they have to know ahead of time and have a confirmation number or no? I want to make my ADRs but we havent reserved our room yet... Just curious.
No, you do not need a reservation number to book ADR's.
If you were trying to use the Disney Resort perk of 180 + 10 you would need a resrvation number to prove you were staying onsite for the perk of the + 10.
If you just want to make ADR's at 180 you can do that,
They'll ask you for your phone number instead of the confirmation number. When you receive your room booking (so long as you book it with the same phone number) your ADRs will automatically be linked to your room.
This comes in handy, because you can ask the hotel concierge to print out a listing of your ADRs.
They will get a cc number to charge either way; you will be charged if you don't show and don't cancel 48 hours ahead. If you show, you can use the plan, keep it on the card or pay cash.
Tell them when you book it that you will be on the DDP. They don't ask for any more proof than that. They won't charge you up front. But, as just said, they will still take your credit card info.