I have actually never been to Chef Mickey's, so I can't comment on that (we have always stayed at Port Orleans and All Star Music, so it's not convenient), but I am returning to Disney in a few weeks after having been away for a few years. The only place in all of Disney World my kids (who are now teenagers and pre-teens) said they wanted to eat and not miss is Tusker House for breakfast. The food is good, the place is huge and the characters come around to all the tables dressed in Safari gear. They do cute parades with the kids. It seems to me that the reviews of Chef Mickey's are always bad and the reviews of Tusker House (for breakfast at least) are always good. I'd go with TH if I was in your shoes! Have fun!
PS - I haven't been there in 3 years, but last time I was there it was the same characters as someone said above - Mickey, Goofy, Daisy (and I think Minnie too), plus Donald outside.