We had never done TS meals until our most recent trip earlier this year. We stayed at the CR (and LOVED it!) at the end of January, and we did Chef Mickey's as our last TS dinner on our last day. It was so nice to be able to make the short walk from our room to the restaurant, and they have a great picture-taking spot to take a family picture while you wait for your table. My sons are 11 & 14, and we had several character meals this trip, so I think by the time we got to Chef Mickey's, my boys were sort of "charactered out". While I would not say the food was great, I wouldn't say it was horrible either. It was sort of your basic buffet food. I'm glad we went to Chef Mickey's, because the pictures we got were great. However, we have already decided we won't return to CM on our next trip, mostly because my boys are really past the age for character meals. I would say if you are staying at CR, it's really convenient. Many others here say breakfast is good, so give it a try! Your boys are the perfect ages for character meals!