What is preferred dining for on-site guests?

[WDW TRIP NUT]

If we are staying on-site at Universal, and we would like to eat at Emerils, do we make reservations the day of, week before, or longer out? Also, what does preferred seating actually mean for on-site guests? Thank you in advance! I'm new to Universal

 

[gschmerl]

Preferred seating means that if you are staying on site, you show your room key and get "next available seating". If a lot of other on site guests are ahead of you, you could still have quite a wait.
Emerils and the hotel restaurants do not give you preferred seating.
You can make reservations at Emeril's at City Walk or Tchoup Chop on www.opentable.com I wouldn't wait until the week of day before though. I would book a month ahead to be safe.