I have to agree with the hotel dining as probably your best bet. There is no Victoria and Albert's or Le Cellier out here but it doesn't mean there isn't anything good to eat. The Disneyland Hotel has Steakhouse 55 which is probably themed more like a steakhouse from yesteryear and has excellent service. Napa Rose is the gem of the Grand Californian, and probably of the whole resort. If you can do chef's table, I hear the experience is enhanced even more. The Blue Bayou has the theming and it is awesome to say "I ate at Pirates of the Caribbean." Maybe check it out for an early lunch or something. The food isn't worth the price, in my opinion, but it is tasty. If you have kiddos with you, the Grand Californian has Storytellers buffet which does character meals. And the Disneyland Hotel has Goofy's Kitchen. For snacks - the Dole Whip line is at the Tiki Room (but I am assuming as a WDW regular you've had your share). The corn dogs are actually amazing - there is a cart on Main Street at the end on the right as you are walking towards the castle - and they also sell in Frontierland at the counter service. Corn Dog Castle in DCA is probably even better (though maybe that's blasphemous to say). Plaza Inn's chicken in Disneyland must be full of some illicit substance because it is so good and addictive. For lighter fare, we like to get the grilled cheese and tomato soup and Jolly Holiday. For in-park eating, DCA probably has the better options. Carthay Circle is their nicer restaurant (never been) but the counter service along both ends of the pier has all types of food and it's hard to go wrong wherever you pick. As for the one must-have in my mind, I've had a cast member swear up and down that the popcorn cart by the castle is the one that has the best popcorn. I don't know if my palate is that refined but can never go wrong there!