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Sadly, there isn't a lot of really great food in Anaheim. Most of the choices at the mall adjacent to Disneyland will probably be decent, and your easiest options. They're not all "Disney" restaurants.

And, although you asked for non-Disney restaurants, I have to emphasize that the Napa Rose is easily one the best choices Anaheim has to offer. Actually, one of the best in Orange County, which is sorely wanting for world-class restaurants. (I'm an OC resident, so I know.)

That said, one of your next best bets that's actually in Anaheim would be Mr. Stox Restaurant, fairly high-end, but quite good (especially known for their artisinal breads), and very close by.

Will you have a car? If not, arrange a cab to go to The Hobbit in Orange (next town over). Very unique, fun, delicious dining-as-entertainment. It's also high-end and even more expensive than Mr. Stox or Napa Rose, but it's actually very reasonable for what you get. It's truly a wonderful experience. You really cannot go wrong here.

There are a number of other very good, higher-end places nearby that I can recommend if you're interested.

Otherwise, here are some good everyday-type choices, listed by distance, depending on whether you'll have a car:

* In-N-Out Burger, various locations, closest is on Brookhurst(?), fast-food drive-thru which everyone who visits So. Calif is required to eat at least once
* Wahoo's Fish Tacos, various locations, closest is probably Fullerton, local chain, great fish tacos, but lots of other good stuff, try the brothy homemade chicken tortilla soup
* Cafe Tu Tu Tango at the Block (an outdoor mall), Orange, can be fun for drinks and tapas with a nice patio for people-watching
* Taco Mesa, various locations, closest is probably Costa Mesa, good inexpensive Cali-Mex
* Plums Cafe, Costa Mesa, good breakfast, gets really busy
* Memphis Cafe, Costa Mesa, fun, creative roadhouse food
* Side Street Cafe, Newport/Costa Mesa, tiny dive, great breakfast dive, long lines
* The Crab Cooker, Newport Beach, long-time local fave, somewhat of a dive, noisy and fun, long lines
* Taco Rosa, Newport Beach, nicer version of Taco Mesa, same owners

For really excellent fresh fine seafood (although not the fried seafood shack variety) I just can't say enough about Wildfish Seafood Grille in Newport Beach on the edge of Irvine. It's not cheap, but very reasonably priced for the quality, preparation and presentation. We're regulars, even though it's a bit of a haul for us.

i'll be getting a car to check out multiple options. it wasn't a resolution, but i've decided to try as much local food as I can when I travel this year.

When I'm at Disneyland, I almost always end up eating at that Jack in the Box a few blocks away. Though, I'm assuming that's not the caliber of restaurant you're looking for.

actually, jack in the box and in-and-out burger ARE on my list. i want places I can't get in Charleston. so a west coast fast food experience is on the list.

Since you're going to have a car, if you have time (presumably you're spending at least one day at Disneyland, right?), and if you like Asian food, you really should go a few miles across town to Orange County's Little Saigon. It's one of the largest and oldest Vietnamese ex-pat communities, and something hard to find elsewhere in the country. And you can get some amazing Vietnamese food, especially pho.

Another original California fast food chain is Del Taco. It started out in the desert (road food), but now it's based in Lake Forest (OC). Del Taco is spreading across the country, but it's not on the East coast yet. Much, much, MUCH better than Taco Bell. (E.g., I'm willing to eat at Del Taco in a pinch, but you can't get me near a Taco Bell.) Amusingly, their burritos are far superior to their tacos.

There's one about a mile or two from Disneyland on Harbor Blvd.

Oh! Cool... if you're not going to "that place" then you'll have time for recreational eating. I thought of a couple more...

If you have time, and if it's not raining, go down to San Juan Capistrano. Visit the mission and do a foot tour of the historic Los Rios District across the train tracks, where you can have breakfast or lunch on the patio at Ramos House Café (closes at 3pm). It's a one-of-a-kind spot, a bit contrary to the typical OC image. Not cheap, but not outrageously expensive, either. Owner/chef John Q. is a hoot and his food is exceptional. You can even catch the Metrolink in Anaheim and it'll let you off in San Juan about 30 minutes later. The station is right in the Los Rios District.

It's also a great time of year to be around the beach, since there are no crowds (i.e., touristas), and it's usually nice and clear. Go down to Laguna Beach and have tacos at Taco Loco, a divey little surfer hangout.

Also, never been to either of these, but keep meaning to try 'em out based on so many good recommendations. This one is near my home, so I can attest to the wonderful location. Go early and enjoy the canyon area, though it may be less pretty than usual due to the recent wildfires:

Rose Canyon Cantina and Grill
20722 Rose Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon
(949) 766-6939 -- their hours are odd, so call first

Also, Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen is supposed to be excellent. Not too far from your hotel (141 S Glassell St in Orange)