Hi Scarlett,
I'm so excited to hear that you're going to Walt Disney World for the first time EVER!!!! I'm thrilled to answer your question and any other you may have while you're planning your vacation to the most magical place on Earth (it truly is you know)!
I have two top choices for best character dining, and it's because it is the easiest place to see Mickey and the gang at one time. I love
Chef Mickey's at
Disney's Contemporary Resort and Minnie's Seasonal Dining at
Hollywood & Vine, located at
Disney's Hollywood Studios. If I had to pick one, it would definitely be Hollywood & Vine. I was there not too long ago with some of my dear Moms Panel friends and we had a blast! The all you care to eat buffet is really yummy. Don't worry about missing any of the characters, they make several rounds to all of the tables. I loved the fact that they'll stop for autographs and pictures...and boy, do they love selfies!
One tip: get a late dinner seating. We were one of the parties who left the latest and we were able to hang out with all of the characters! We had some pretty personal discussions with Mickey and Minnie (can't talk about that though), and took group shots with all of the characters at one time. It was amazing!
I'm wishing you the most pixie dusted vacation, Scarlett! Have a magical day and thanks for visiting the Moms Panel.