Hi
As above and as you say there are lots to choose from, we as a family are a bit of a mix, one vegetarian (DW), 2xDD now teenagers and me, Disney is more about the experience than the food, although there is some great food. So with that in mind and with the 180 day thing coming up for you our list would be :-
Character Dining (we like the breakfast) I think we'd go even with out children
Rose and Crown around 7:30 sometime in the week so you can ask for the terrace seating and see the fireworks at 9:00, I'm from Yorkshire and the fish and chips are more than acceptable.
Sci-fi Dinein my DD's love it, burgers and shakes
Be Our Guest is a draw for many and should be tried once
California Grill is expensive but very nice, check the menu first though before going, you can watch the MK fireworks from their terrace.
To be honest we stay off site in October (less than 30 sleeps now) and Be Our Guest, Cal Grill and Character Dining are the hardest to get on the day you want and the time you want although you'll get a spot. Many people book loads of dinning and as soon as they can, as a banker just in case they don't get what they want, these are then canceled and you should keep checking as I've found a better day and time for you will always come up. As said above there is no cost up to 24 hours before if you cancel, so book as many as you like, get your plan together as soon as you can after that, then cancel to be fair to those trying for 'a better day and time'
By the way our favorite spot away from the parks is Celebration Town Tavern in Celebration no booking required just arrive.
Regards
Paul