I had breakfast there on the 8th Jan.
Arrived around 9:10am for my 10:10 ADR and just watched the crowds - they never really let up. Quite amazing how many people breakfast late in the day - did expect after 10am to be quieter but no - still piling in after 11am.
Got my pager and was paged around the time of my ADR.
The waitress was very helpful and constantly refilled the orange juice and made sure I was fine.
Food was warm but newer food was put out and I tried everything first time around. Usual pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit, bacon, home fries, Mickey Waffles etc and it cost $24.99 + tax + tip.
Quite noisy what with tables full of kids (95% Spanish speaking) but still got photos with the characters.
Found the place to be a bit open for my liking. You're easily overlooked by everyone inside and outside, and with the open wall for the monorail, there are loads of sparrows flying about, on the floor, tables etc.
Did 1900 Park Fare the following day and a lot better. Looked posher although wasn't keen on people with electronic pads standing around looking like security guards. Food was much the same although toast, bagels, strawberry soup and an omelette station were there. Better atmosphere overall and cheaper at $20.99 + tax + tip. Service was better at Chef Mickey's to be honest.
Characters did take longer to come around though.
To be honest, if it's just meeting Mickey etc you want, probably best to go to Epcot and meet them all there for free. At least you don't get half of Brazil or Mexico in the background of all your photos!
Hi. I ate at chef mickey's on Jan. 2nd and the ice cream was like ice milk. It was unappetizing! I was looking so forward to the desserts too. For the overpriced cost of the meal you'd think they could have some good soft serve instead of quickly melting ice milk, or almost ice water. The vanilla nearly had no white color. 
They get too distracted by the characters and singing etc and forget we are there for a meal.
the food at CM has gotten progressively worse over the last couple of years IMO. It used to be one of our favorites, but I will be skipping it from now on. I have only eaten there for breakfast, and it was a must do for each trip. We usually go to WDW four (4) to five (5) times a year. The last time we went to CM was the first week of December, 09. We decided to give it one (1) last try hoping the food had gotten better. Well, it had not. Even the character interaction didn't seem the same, and I am the person in the family who loves character meals. We probably will not go back again. This used to be the #1 eatery for us, but now it is not even on the list.
Terrible choices and food, noisy atmosphere and ice cream soup 
We won't be back!
