For character meals with a 4 yr. old boy I would recommend either Goofy's Kitchen (serves breakfast/lunch/dinner) which is at the DLH or the Lilo and Stitch breakfast at the Paradise Pier Hotel. Goofy's is alot like Chef Mickey's but has a wider variety of characters. Goofy and the rest of the characters come out and dance the Macarena (sp?) with the kids every half hour. The Lilo and Stich breakfast is a hoot, Stitch and Pluto play games with the kids. I think both of those have good food and good character interaction. Be prepared, the food at
Disneyland (sit down and cs alike) is more expensive than WDW. There is also a Minnie and Friends breakfast inside Disneyland at the Plaza Inn. That one also has good character interraction but I don't think food wise the breakfast is as good as the one at PP or Goofy's. For counter service, we like Redd Rockets Pizza Port and the Hungry Bear. The Hungry Bear is right on the Rivers of America and has a nice view of the boats going by. Its always shady and relaxing there and they have plenty of seating. And the burgers aren't bad either! Actually all of the cs places we have eaten at Disneyland with the exception of the Village Haus have always been good. They are nicely themed and the portions are huge so sharing is a good idea. I think Disneyland has a wider variety of counter service options with more unique settings than WDW. But they don't have as many full service places. There is a place on Main Street called Carnation Cafe that is good. You sit outside and you can see Main Street and all the activity. If your son likes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches he will love this place as they bring the pb, jelly and other condiments on an artist's palette and he gets to create his own sandwich. At DCA we like Taste Pilots Grill for good burgers and over in the Pacific Wharf area of DCA they have a decent Mexican place and a bakery that has sandwiches, soups and salads. We love to go to the Pacific Wharf at night and sit outside and admire the lights of Paradise Pier.
For rides and shows:
Aladin at DCA is probably the best show at either DL or WDW. Don't miss it. It doesn't run every day so check Disneyland.com to see what days during your visit it is running.
Monsters Inc is really cute. It doesn't have fastpass so ride it early before the line builds.
Pirates, I don't know when you're going, its down for refurb now until the latter part of June. If its open, make sure you ride it its so much better than WDW's.
Space Mountain. Way, way better than WDW's, really a completely different experience. I think your son is tall enough. It has side by side seating too which I like better for littler kids since they are right there with you!
Indiana Jones. Your son is too little for this one but make sure you and your wife ride it. Its incredible.
Fantasmic at Disneyland is better but it doesn't have the amphitheater seating they have at MGM so if you go be prepared to stake a spot at least an hour before showtime.
The Remember fireworks are incredible. When it starts out you will think its going to be just like Wishes but it branches off into something far superior and unique. Don't miss them!
And I agree about the Bill Hill show. Even though your son is little he will have a ball. Its good clean family fun and hilarious. We can never miss this. And they serve food in there. If you plan on eating arrive in plenty of time before the show as the line gets long.
I love the Walt Disney Parade of Dreams. I also love the Electrical Parade. Its a classic and it doesn't have those creepy Chucky dolls that Spectro does!
I also love the Snow White show. I think I might be in the minority on that one since they are discontinuing it. In fact its not running now but will start up this weekend. If nothing else its a nice place to sit and relax!
Grizzly River Run is a fun raft ride, longer and better than Kali with two drops and not one.
The Bugs Land area of DCA is fun for littler kids. It usually isn't too crowded back there either which is nice. My nieces who are five love that area since the whole thing is geared for littler kids. You and your wife could trade off being in there while one of you rides California Screamin. Its a really fun coaster. Much longer and smoother than RNRC.
I hope you have a great trip!
Also stayed at the DLH--great place! Definitely do the character meal at Goofy's Kitchen--it was the best character meal we've ever done (WDW included!) The characters sat down at our table and really spent time with us. Food was delicious.
