We are character meal junkies, we hit every single one each time. I like them all for different reasons. Another thought for you too - the My
Disneyland Birthday Party - it's fantastic and I highly recommend it, reservations are a must, $10 per person and everyone has to participate, at the Plaza Inn and generally at 2pm.
Ariel's - food isn't the best, but it's not terrible it you stick with classics rather than when they try to get fancy. Fish & chips or hamburgers are fine. Veggie soup is good. The octodog apparently tastes okay since my 2 year old eats it but I warn you on that one - we've watched several very upset and freaked out little girls starring at this "creation" - lol...not ours but it's a common thing apparently. The character interaction is amazing and well worth it for a princess lover. We HAVE to do this meal.
Goofy's Kitchen - we love this meal. The upper level you see as you walk in is the BEST! Usually amazing character interaction and the food selection is fantastic. Also amazing dessert buffet. I really like the selection of kid foods, never had a problem getting Morgan to eat at this place and we generally do this almost every night. They also have the get down and dance and fun time, which is a perk for kids!
Lilo & Stitch - the character interaction can be hit and miss. It's the only meal where we've seen Daisy Duck so we try to hit this one JUST for that. You can order eggs cooked to your preference. Great buffet with some interesting items. Really like that they had rice for Morgan. They also have some get down and dance time and kids love that.
Storyteller's Cafe Breakfast with Chip & Dale - bears are huge in our house. If you have an animal lover, this is a great breakfast. Nice buffet or you can order off the menu. The eggs are plain without stuff put in them to make it "fancy" - huge hit for us as this is a common problem and waiting in the lines to get your preference made can take longer at the other places. They also have a little bit of the get down and dance time but not a lot of room to do it in.
Minnie's - how can you not enjoy something so convenient that it's in the park, you miss less DL time this way. Character interaction has been hit and miss here. If you have a Minnie fan, this is also a good one, but you'll see her at Lilo & Goofy's as well. Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Captain Hook, Fairy Godmother are all frequent visitors. I like the fruits available here but the rest of the food isn't my favorite. The large size of the restaurant make it tough if you're alone with small children, you really can't leave them at a table to run get food because you will not be able to see them.