As noted above, get the stroller. And honestly, don't rent one of the Disney ones. Either bring one and gate check it or buy one down there and give it away. The distance from the car to the front gate can be as far as from the gate to any of the rides! Plus the Disney strollers are kinda lame.
I got a lightweight umbrella stroller with a carry bag underneath. it was awesome to have it as they have stroller parking in front of ALL the rides and it is basically like having a shopping cart to haul all your gear. Even though 4 is "typically" well beyond stroller age, you'll appreciate it and they will use it. If nothing else, having an empty stroller to have your backpack or whatever is still nice.
There are some rides that don't have fastpass. The Nemo ride didn't the last time I was there. So either hit that first thing, or later when the lines die.
Often with multiday passes you can have a "magic morning" where you get in early.
I've found that rides like Pirates and especially the Haunted Mansion get really dead later in the evening (like after dinner time).
If you want to kick out for dinner at the Blue Bayou restaurant, get your reservation in EARLY at the very beginning of the day, because they'll be full in by mid morning easy.
There's a schedule at the guest services of which characters will be out in the park and when/where. I'd imagine the info might be on the app too. Most hotels nearby have shuttles if you don't wanna mess with parking. there's pros and cons to that.
I like either Newport or Manhattan beach. If you go to Manhattan, the original El Tarasco on Rosecrans is the most amazing Mexican hole in the wall place. In Newport, Ruby's on the Pier is really fun (they have one in Huntington too). Amazing burgers and shakes.
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