In 2008 we went to Garden Grill as an alternative to CM.
The character interactions were great! Chip, Dale, Pluto, and farmer Mickey.
The food, however, was just okay. The starter salad with greens from the Land greenhouses was fantastic, but the family-style dinner was just okay. It was not because it was family style, just wasn't super food. I will say they do a nice job with the kids meal including a decorate-your-own cupcake dessert, plus since it's family style everyone can just pick off the adult and kids plates.
You can book with Garden Grill for now and then keep trying for CM...something may open up.