Hello, Elizabeth! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Enjoying a meal while
Mickey's Soundsational Parade goes dancing by sounds like a great idea! Plus, I am totally the early dinner type, so eating at 4:30 p.m. is something I'm a little embarrassed to admit I do frequently - whether I'm at the parks or not. There are a few options where you can have a partial view of the parade while you dine. The best option might be the Plaza Inn at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. If you request a table outside, you will be nearly right in the action. Another option is to grab a light bite at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe which is across the way from the Plaza Inn. You'll be situated a little further away from the parade route, but could pick a table that is slightly elevated. Refreshment Corner might also work if you are in the mood for a hot dog. Seating can be a bit limited here but you might be able to score a table with a view of the parade.
Keep in mind that with all of these options you will have folks lined up on the sidewalks in front of where you would be dining. So if you want a more unobstructed view, try grabbing a corn dog or another small bite and taking it with you to a spot directly along the parade route.
Or in Disney California Adventure Park, you can make a dinner reservation at Wine Country Trattoria during the Pixar Play Parade. The seating at this restaurant is elevated enough that if you sit outside and along the railing, you will have a pretty incredible view of the
Pixar Play Parade which runs a little later in the evening.
I hope this helps! Have a magical day!
-Linda M.