Hi Katherine,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! There are lots of wonderful character dining experiences across Walt Disney World, and, as you note, a number of them are buffets. Sometimes, especially if you have small children, it's more relaxing to let the food and the characters come to you.
You have several options: the
Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch at 'Ohana, which is one of my favorites;
Chip 'n' Dale's Harvest Feast for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Garden Grill at Epcot; breakfast, lunch and dinner at
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot; and breakfast, lunch and dinner at
Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. A bonus of Garden Grill: the restaurant rotates gently to give you a view of Living with the Land below.
'Ohana and Garden Grill are family-style at each meal. Akershus is family-style at breakfast, and plated lunch and dinner with family-style appetizers and dessert. Cinderella's Royal Table's service is plated at all meals.
If you decide to try a character buffet,
Chef Mickey's is iconic and fun for little ones. My top choice, though, is dining with Winnie the Pooh and friends at
Crystal Palace.
For all character meals, advance dining reservations are strongly recommended. Thanks for your question, Katherine. Please let us know if we can help in any other way. Enjoy!
Wilma