Monique,
I agree that for most people three table service meals a day is more food than you can eat, and more time spent not on attractions than most can handle. But that does not mean that you can't still get rest time, and cooling down time indoors, with a counter service meal.
For my family we shoot for a table service dinner every night. We do counter service for lunch every day. And for breakfast we might have 1, possibly 2 table service breakfasts during the entire week, with in-room and counter service filling out the rest of the time. From a food volume perspective, that is plenty. It also is pretty ideal from a time perspective.
But you might wonder where you can get indoor counter service dining at the parks, so that you don't just eat, but you relax and cool down? Here are my suggestions, by park;
- Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbor House
- Epcot: Sunshine Seasons
- Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary
- Animal Kingdom: Restaurantosaurus
In all cases I have gotten great meals, good air conditioning, and nice down time.
As to your other question, I am starting to prefer Le Chefs de France over Le Cellier. I like that I can eat a bit lighter than a steak, and I prefer the ambiance where I can see into the park. But really, either is great.
As for other suggestions, I think you got a ton of great ones already. I am still a huge fan of 50s Prime Time Cafe, and of the Whispering Canyon Cafe, but I am not sure there is anything there that I would bump to add these to the list.
Write me back if you have follow up questions. This conversation is making me hungry!
Have a magical vacation!