Hi there, Amanda!
What a wonderful experience you are going to have with your friends; Walt Disney World is just as magical for first-time grownups as it is for children!
I'll throw out my two favorites:
1 -
Chef Mickey's in
Disney's Contemporary Resort. This buffet (breakfast and lunch) features the Fabulous Five in their kitchen attire: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto (characters subject to change without notice). The food is very good, and hey, it's cool to have a monorail cruise through your dining room!
2 -
'Ohana in
Disney's Polynesian Resort. The breakfast is excellent, and the atmosphere is a tropical paradise, Characters include Mickey and Pluto in vacation wear, and Lilo and Stitch might drop by for a bite, too!
The reason I like these is not only for the "wow" factor (in one case, dining in the Contemporary while the Monorail glides by overhead, the other just has incredible decor, landscaping, and views), but for the characters, For first-timers, I think Mickey is a must-meet, and of the character dining spots that feature The Big Cheese, these are the two standouts.
Neither one of these requires Park admission, but you will definitely want to
make reservations online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. You can reserve your time 180 days before your projected meal day.
Bon appetit!
See you later, celebrator,
-Deborah B.