Do I need a resort reservation or my park ticket to book dining?

[petrymom]

Okay, so this may be an old question, but I have never dealt with this before. We are planning a trip from 9-19-15 to 9-6-15. I am not booking yet as I am holding out for free dining. I have flights already, but if I wait til the free dining promos are posted we are WELL into the 180 days. Can I go ahead and book my dinner reservations without the other reservations? How does it differ? This is my DH's and Step DS15 and DS11 first visit to WDW. I want to make it a great one!!!! Thanks!

 

[supersnoop]

When you have a resort reservation, you can book at 180 days from the beginning of your reservation, and book up to 10 days into your reservation. Without a reservation, you'll have to book each day at 180 days out.