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Most of the guidebooks you read about Disneyland will tell you that you should begin your day by enjoying the attractions found in Fantasyland. There are several important reasons as to why this advice is given, and it is advice that you should strongly consider following.

Fantasyland is one of the most popular areas at Disneyland because it appeals to all age groups - there are no age or size requirements. The only height restriction is a minimum height of 35 inches for the Matterhorn. As the day progresses, Fantasyland quickly fills up. Getting there first thing in the morning will help you avoid the long lines that others will face later in the afternoon.

None of the attractions in Fantasyland have FastPass. This is another reason to why you should go there first. FastPass allows you to more or less ‘set an appointment’ to ride certain rides – it’s a great way to ensure you get to ride the most popular rides at the park without spending the whole time lining up. However, as mentioned above none of the attractions in Fantasyland have this option so the best strategy is to cover Fantasyland first, then go get FastPasses for the other attractions that you want to ride.

The crowds and the lines will start growing within a few hours of Disneyland opening each day. Make sure that you arrive before the park opens so that you can be one of the first ones through the gate – and head straight to Fantasyland before going anywhere else.

Since most of the guidebooks suggest this, many other early risers will also be headed for Fantasyland. Even so, the lines won’t get really long for two or three hours, and by then, you will have already ridden all of the rides there and moved onto other areas.

From Fantasyland, you should start collecting FastPass tickets for the other attractions that have FastPass throughout the park. It is best to collect
these early in the day – the longer you wait, the longer it will be before your appointed time comes around, depending on how many FastPasses have been issued for each ride.

While you are waiting for the appointed time for your first FastPass, you can enjoy other attractions, visit the shops, or get a snack. Times between FastPass appointments are great for visiting the restrooms or sitting down to rest with a cool drink.

Just remember that in order to get the most out of your visit start with Fantasyland, followed by gathering FastPass tickets. Enjoy other attractions between FastPass attractions, but make sure that you don’t put yourself on such a tight schedule that you forget to have fun! You need to allow some time to just wander around the park and take it all in.

Want more detailed Disney information? Check Out This Insider Guide!