Hi Pam! I also have a four year old son and here are his top two favorite restaurants:
Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a character breakfast and lunch. The Disney Junior Play and Dine invites you to not only enjoy a delicious buffet, but also to participate in all of the fun! Some of my favorite Disney Junior characters are on hand for the show. Handy Manny, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, and Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates will come to your table for photos and autographs, and they also encourage your kids to sing and dance with them. Also of importance to note, you have the option (if available) to participate in the
Fantasmic! dining package. With this package if you choose to do a lunch dining time at Hollywood and Vine on this package, you will have a VIP seat for the Fantasmic! show that evening.
The Garden Grill in Epcot is my son’s second favorite character dining experience. Located in the land pavilion, Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest feast is a really delicious dinner made extra special with visits from Chip, Dale, Pluto, and even the big guy himself, Mickey Mouse! Dinner is served family style and includes, beef, fish, turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and more. The children’s menu is perfect with chicken and yummy sides. Some of the food is even prepared in the Living with the Land greenhouses. We always take our kids on the Living with the Land boat ride and use this as a teaching experience! The characters will also come to your table to sign autographs and take photos!
Lastly if you have your heart set on dining at Chef Mickey’s, keep checking back for reservations! I have often been able to find that perfect dining reservation even after they hadn’t initially been available!
I hope you have a wonderful first visit!
~Heather~