I think I read that CRT is going to 90 day bookings after mid-June. If you are not on the dining plan, you need to pre-pay. If you are on dining plan, you need to "hold" your reservation w/a cc and it will only be charged if you are a no-show.
I like to choose a restaurant that we are interested in and is in or very, very near the park where we will be. I don't want to get a migraine figuring out transportation all over WDW and be a slave to a reservation.
We have really enjoyed Crystal Palace in MK for breakfast. Great food that is hot and frequently replenished and good character interaction and service also.
We have also done Chef Mickey's for breakfast...it is really busy and crowded in there and feels very hectic. The character interaction is very good, but it is just too busy to try to eat.
Some other restaurants we have enjoyed:
* the Askershus Princess breakfast - Norway, Epcot
* Cape May dinner buffet - Beach Club Resort
* Biergarten - Germany, Epcot
* Fultons Crab House - Down Town Disney
* we have virtually boycotted Rainforest Cafe due to their ridiculous wait times....can be up to 2 hours!!!! Shouldn't need a meal to sustain you while you wait for a meal!!
When we book breakfasts, we try to book a late/latest seating and let it serve as brunch. This way we can still get some am touring in.
We were disappointed by San Angel Inn and Garden Grill in Epcot.
Read up on the dining reviews to see what may interest your family.
Le Cellier (Epcot Canada) gets rave reviews as well as Coral Reef (Epcot) in the aquarium. Character meals are especially fun for children and are a great way to collect some autographs.