We spent 3 days at Disneyland last year and a day at Universal Studios Hollywood and they have a ton of characters there! My kids were able to get their picture taken with Spongebob, EB, Shrek and Fiona, Doc Hudson, Lisa, Bart and Homer Simpson, Crash, and Curious George to name a few. We went early June last year and it wasn't very busy.
They do have lot's of character but no character meals.
My kids are 13 and 5. My husband and I loved the back lot tour. I recommend you do that. It was neat. Have fun!