We love it because they have a wide range of food choices (not as many as cosmic rays though) but we have never had an issue with finding seating and the service has been wonderful each time we have gone.
Pecos Bills is a close 2nd with their burgers and their "burger bar fixins"
If I were going for burgers, Pecos, if I were goin for chicken or fish Columbia Harbour House
Unless you all are VERY big eaters you will probably not need to eat a full lunch on the first day. Those two TS/buffet rest. will fill you up for a long time. I would just grab a snack for lunch. You don't want to be full and not enjoy dinner. Cost to much to not really be hungry. Esp. since it seems you are budget minded like me.
We usually only eat two meals a day. Usually early lunch (11:00) and regular time dinner (6:00 or so) and just snack for breakfast or early breakfast and early dinner and snack for lunch. Three meals have always been too much for us.