Continental vs. qantas (question mainly pertaining to continental air international)?

economy travelers: we're flying from auckland new zealand to Los angeles and then beyond.. so we have a full day of travel with a 2 year old. we normally fly Vaustralia, but its a bit more expensive to fly from n.z. and not au... so my question is to those of you whom have used continental airlines internationally.. we know qantas and we like them, they serve booze for free, snacks often and have the good tv screens in the back of the seat.. we know virtually nothing about continental airlines international(ive only flown them domestic u.s.a.). its a long flight and its important that certain things make it easier on us.. do they serve free drinks(even just one with dinner) do they have individual entertainment screens in the seats, is the staff friendly, is the food edible, do they offer snacks and water often or do you have to ask constantly? these are my main concerns.... the price is only slightly cheaper to go with cont. but we'd like to try it if its good....however, wont risk it if we dont get feedback.