At the Epcot Area resorts, Spoodles (while rather noisy at times) is casual, good for families and has tasty food.
To entertain kids, I'd go Sci Fi Dine In and sit in the cars while watching the old b&w movie trailers. I know people complain mightily about this restaurant, but we think it's great fun and a safe bet if you stick to burgers, onion rings and malts. Don't order anything creative. The atmosphere is great for kids.
I like Marakesh at Epcot for kids. At lunch it's usually quiet and has entertainment -- middle eastern music and an exceedingly lovely belly dancer. The dancer usually has kids come up to dance with her. Makes for some great pictures. Food is unique and tasty.
We like Coral Reef for kids as well. The huge tank with fish is endlessly fascinating. Sometimes, divers come through and feed the fish.
We went late one night to Chefs de France. This was more dependent on the service than the restaurant, but our waitress was wonderful with the kids. The restaurant was mostly empty. She personally moved the kids over to a window table so they could see some of Illuminations through the trees. She was so sweet and lovely with them, it created a magical time somewhat through happenstance and good timing. The food here is very tasty too. One of the best at World Showcase.
At Magic Kingdom, although everyone fights for Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfast, we had a lovely lunch there (much easier to book!). The waiter, David, was marvelous with our 8-year-olds. Completely into character as to period and place -- the kids were princes, he was the king's master servant, etc. The boys were tired when we arrived. By the time we left, he was their best friend. They still talk about him more than a year later, and we're hoping to see him next month when we go. The atmosphere in the castle is fun, and Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother are often in the lobby for visits and pictures.
We also like Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. While I don't care much for the food (lunch is better than dinner here), the food is brought to the table and therefore this is, IMO, one of the least stressful of the character meals. We avoid the buffets whenever possible. At LTT, the characters come to the tables to visit. Also, if a parade is going by while you're eating, there's a nice porch to view it from. And the setting is lovely -- old colonial style with lots of atmosphere.
I also second the suggestion of Rain Forest Cafe, as well as the suggestions for Tubbi's and The Fountain at the Dolphin and Garden Grill at Epcot.
