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Step 1
Make a list. On a sheet of paper, make three columns. Label them definitely, probably, maybe. Then go to the Disneyland website and look at the rides. Write down the ones that you want to make sure that you go on in the definitely column, the ones that you would really like to go on in the probably column and the ones that you wouldn't mind missing in the maybe column. This will help you decide on your ride strategy.
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Step 2
Arrive at the park about ½ an hour before it opens. Some Disneyland vacations come with early entry as part of the packag, make sure you take advantage of this if you have that option. also, Disneyland will often let you into the park a few minutes before opening up to the end of Main Street. Try to get as close to the front as you can. Be sure to get a copy of the daily schedule when you enter so that you can see which shows are being offered and their times. Give all your park passes to your fastest and most trustworthy person in the group. His job will be to go get fast passes for one of the rides on your "definitely" list. If it is a hot summer day and you want to go on Splash Mountain, I recommend that you get fast passes for that ride first. On hot days Disneyland often runs out of Splash Mountain fast passes before noon.
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Step 3
While your runner is on the move, the rest of your group will head over to another ride on your definitely list that does not have fast passes. If Finding Nemo is on that list, you may want to go there. Since it is still fairly new, and it doesn't have fast passes, the line can get very long. It is best to get it out of the way early. Otherwise, you may want to head over to New Orleans Square and go on the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. These lines move very fast and it is a nice start to the day to get to go on a couple of great rides right away. If you got a fast pass for Splash Mountain, save it for the afternoon when you really need to cool off.
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Step 4
As soon as the starting time for your first fast pass comes, send your runner to another ride that takes fast passes and is on your definitely list (hopefully, your runner is in really great shape). Space Mountain is always a terrific choice since it is another ride that often has very long lines. It is one of the most popular rides at Disneyland. Plan on repeating this step every time you are allowed to get a fast pass.
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Step 5
Bring some snacks with you so that you can take a late lunch. Then when everyone else is eating lunch, you can hit some more rides. Make your definitely list your priority, but include some of the probably items too if they don't have long lines. Save the maybe ones for later in the evening when you have hit everything that you don't want to miss.
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Step 6
If you are starting to feel the heat, or getting a little worn down, take some time to see a show. Disney shows are an important part of the Disneyland experience. Billy Hill and the Hillbillies put on a great show at the Golden horseshoe in Frontier land. You can also bring your lunch in there and eat it during the show. The Honey I Shrunk the Audience in Tomorrowland is also a great way to cool off as is Star Tours. Even taking the train can be a relaxing experience and a great chance to rest your feet.
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Step 7
If rides are your priority over parades, use the parade time to hit the rides in Fantasyland. Since parades usually appeal to the younger guests, the fantasyland lines decrease drastically during this time.
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Step 8
Don't skip Fantasmic. Even if you don't see any other show at Disneyland, don't miss Fantasmic. It is an amazing show and almost worth the price of admission by itself (well, if admission was twenty dollars or less).
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Step 9
If you don't mind having the group split up, you might try the single rider option for Indiana Jones and Splash Mountain. To use this, go through the exit. Cast members then use you to fill in holes on the ride. If there are only two people in you party, this can be a great option as it is usually faster than the fastpass line and you often get seated near each other anyway.
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Step 10
One final trick is called "child swap." Use this when you have a child that is too young for a ride. This is available on every ride at Disneyland. Plan for the person who will be getting the child swap pass to in line with the rest of the party. At the front of the line he indicates to the cast member that he would like a child swap pass. He then takes the child to the exit area. When the party is finished with the ride, they swap the child and the person who waited gets to go on the ride. One additional person can join him so that he does not have to ride alone.
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Step 11
Above all, don't let yourself get stressed out about what you can and cannot get done during your day at Disneyland. Vacations never go as planned. Know that some rides will be out of order, or time will run out before you get to do everything on your list. As long as you have a great day, what you didn't get done should have no bearing on the success of your day. Besides, that will give you a reason to visit the happiest place on earth again!
