We didn't decide to go to Disney this September 28- Oct 3 until last month, so this whole 180 day thing didn't help us.
When I began planning I found that the only place I really wanted to try for dinner and couldn't get was Le Cellier. It's booked solid and I have called back again about 5 times so far and still no success. However, I did book a lunch there, and the menu is virtually the same.
I was able to book Cali Grill for dinner on 9/28, AP dinner on 9/29, and three lunches: LTT, LeCell, GF Tea for other days on my trip without a problem.