Dear Stevee,
Thank you so much for stopping by to visit us here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your great question about planning ahead for your exciting Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
Chef Mickey's is a fun character meal, I agree! Every family is so different, but for my family, I know that would not have been a very fun experience to have them out and eating at that hour. It's not an inexpensive restaurant, and experiencing it with exhausted children would not be ideal, in my opinion. Please keep checking as you get closer to your dates, and especially in the last few days leading up to the date, because often people cancel at the last moment and reservations become free. You might find something much earlier that would work better!
If nothing comes up, I recommend considering a different location. It may not be worth it. Again, that's just one Mom's opinion, and I know that you will have a fabulous vacation either way!
- Jan K.