Suggestions for Best Dining Strategy?

[nmcrocker]

Hi Everyone! Just booked a trip for Oct 11-15th 2012! We've been to Disney a few times, but never booked far enough ahead to get any good reservations! So I'm kind of a newbie to ADRs I'd love some suggestions on which restaurants to book/ and when, to get the most magic out of the trip! They'll be 5 of us, including 3 daughters, and 1 husband. We're staying at POR. Here's my tentative plan:

Thurs, arrival mid afternoon (maybe 1900 Park Fare for dinner)
Fri, Magic Kingdom
Sat, Universal (husband works for Comcast, so we can go for free!)
Sun, Epcot
Mon, leaving mid morning, so maybe time for early breakfast?

I'm open to any suggestions - especially anything that might be a little "different" Like I said, we've been a few times before, so I'd love to try out some new places.
Also wondering, if anyone know if Free dining may be offered at that time?

 

[BrookeMQ]

Do you want character meals or just regular meals.

Crystal Palace breakfast is good b/c you can get into the park before it opens. It is nice to walk down and empty main street and get a picture with the castle with no other people in it. This is Pooh characters so that may or may not interest your kids.

Epcot I have enjoyed all of my meals there... Le Cellier, Chinese Rest., Tepan Edo.

 

[nmcrocker]

That's exactly what I was thinking of - something like Crystal Palace for breakfast, before park opened! Thanks for the suggestion. Is there anywhere that would be good for parade viewing/fireworks? Either MK or Epcot. I'm trying to get a list of places together with the times I'd like to go in. It's funny how even after a few visits to Disney, I still feel overwhelmed and need advice!