Regarding the El Capitan, not only is there the majesty of the theatre itself, but since it's owned by Disney, they frequently have sets or props from whatever's showing on display in the lobby for you to explore, and either organ concerts or live shows on stage prior to the actual move. In addition, there's the world's only Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store.
As for dinner, I think most of our meals are included, so I'm not sure where we'll all be dining. If you want the "old Hollywood" experience, there's Musso & Frank's Grill two blocks from our hotel. By "old" Hollywood, I do mean old. The kind of place Eli Wallach might eat, with faded panelling on the walls, letherette banquettes and crusty old waiters in red jackets. The service is poor, the food just okay (a steak and a martini is probably your best bet), but you go for the slightly mothballed history of eating where people like Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles (and probably Walt Disney himself) once ate.
If you're in the mood for something trendier, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Hollywood & Highland, including one from the founder of Atari where you order all your food through touch-screen monitors built into the tables (which also have free video games on them if you get bored with your dinner conversation).
I love Trader Vics as well, though their menu is fairly limited if you don't like fish. I urge anyone (even the fish-averse) to try the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, together with the original (no fruit juice, pure liquor) Mai Tai. Just remember to take a cab rather than drive yourself.
You're right though, it's in Beverly Hills, aways away from Hollywood.
One other thing to remember is that our hotel is practically on top of the Hollywood & Highland metro station. It's one stop from there to Universal Studios (a free shuttle takes you from the station to the entrance), which has all the Universal CitiWalk clubs and restaurants as well.
'Cause I don't eat fish.
