I love both of these restaurants! I'd definitely pick Jiko over Artist Point if I had to pick. We are very similar to you guys it sounds like. I'm a bit adventurous with food, and DH is pretty picky. But he really enjoyed Jiko.
We do the safari at rope drop, and then head over to EE and do single rider if the wait is substantial. Going single rider we've never waited more than 10 minutes.
We just got back from WDW on Sunday. We went to go park one day at 1pm and the lot was closed already, another day we went at 11:30am and it was closed and being rerouted to Epcot already. We ended up parking at the Polynesian and busing over on the second night, as we wanted to watching Holiday...
Tiki room - Yes! Although DH would say skip it.
Country Bears - We only do it every couple of visits
Hall of Presidents - Nope, only once every 4 years really.
Carousel of Progress - Yes! We love this ride. DH is the guy singing at the top of his lungs. :)
Captain EO - never again
Journey with...
This is my favorite parade. I hate that it's in the middle of the day though. DH really enjoys a mid-day break. So I always have to plan a specific day to do our break earlier, or have a late start day, just to make sure we get to see it.
20,000 leagues under the sea - mainly because I was excited to ride this on my first ever trip...and it was closed for refurb. Then by time I got back it was closed for good. I never got to try it!
I completely agree with the previous post about older characters.
It is absolutely part of the fun for me! I'm a planning addict in general, so I enjoy making my Disney spreadsheet, and getting ADRs and fast passes. Plus, like many others said, it makes the trip seem like it lasts longer. :)