When I made our ADRs this year, a majority of them were for non-park restaurants. We don't schedule everyday of our 11 days at WDW and need to have some flexibility when eating. That being said, last Sept. (free
DDP) we kept 6 of the 12 ADRs I made from home and I was able to make new ADRs for other meals (when cancelling ones not used

). The ones we failed to keep we, for the most part, in the parks. I was able to get ADRs for Kona, Narcoossee's (hardest to get), HBD, Raglan Road (made ressie same day); while at WDW. The one I made closest to our eating time was RR. I believe I made it about 2 hrs. before eating. Our ADR was for 8 p.m. (we like to dine late).
The non-park restaurants we have ADRs for this year are: Kona (2 times for dinner); Narcoossee's; CG; Spoodles; & 'Ohana for breakfast last day.
I would suggest making an ADR for almost each night, just in case. Since there's no cost to make an ADR, if you change your mind, it won't cost you anything (except for those few restaurants who charge a no-show fee). Just make sure you cancel them if you aren't going to make it to give someone else a chance. If you make them at a resort, then you won't be locked into a specific park, on a specific day. For me, when I do book an in-park meal, I look at EMH pm hours and figure we will most likely be in that park, that afternoon. Since we are from California, the pm EMH are easier for us to do than the am ones. And again, since we like to dine late, I've found that getting into restaurants, even a few hours before, is easier than say those we have to eat early, like 5-6.
If you don't want to make ADRs now, then I would agree with PP and try to make one on the same day-it's surprising how well this can work. Recently, while at DL, I finally realized that even though I always use ADRs at WDW I've never done it at DL. (and we have AP!). After having a good meal at Wine Country Trattoria at DCA (in June), on the next trip (a week or so later

)I went ahead and made a PS (that's what they still call them at DL) from a phone in the park. I was able to get the time I wanted, and when we arrived at the podium, walk-ups were being quoted 30 mins. (lunch). We only had to wait about 5 min.

The next time, we ate there again and this time I made the PS while in line at Grizzly Rapids. I wasn't able to get the exact time I wanted, but that was because they couldn't make a PS for less than an 1 hr. from the time of my call. I made a PS for 1 p.m. and again, we waited only about 5 min., while others were quoted 20-30. A few people waiting even asked the hostess why some guest didn't have to wait, and others did. She explained that they had PS. I can't believe how stupid I've been all these years not doing PS at DL, but it won't happen again. I saved 20-30 mins. by calling 1-2 hrs. ahead. I LOVE

PS (and ADRS).
If you do decide to wing it, and go without ADRS, besides Beaches and Cream, you're best bet may be DTD. But even there, without ADRs you will, most likely, have to wait. Something, also to consider, is will you have a car while there? If you're going to use Disney Transport, getting to the resort restaurants takes more time than going to the parks.
Happy Dining!
