How to Tackle Fantasyland in 1 Hour

Contrary to what many people believe, Fantasyland is not simply a place for little kids to go to have fun at Disneyland.  Some of my favorite attractions are there, like the Mad Tea Party and Alice in Wonderland.  It's so crammed full of fun and crowds that it may seem impossible to get it done in just one hour, but it's possible!

The first thing you need to do is plan to use your Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning purely for Fantasyland.  That's the time when crowds are the thinnest there and wait times diminish dramatically - except for Peter Pan's Flight.  There's always a long line for Peter Pan, usually around 20 or 30 minutes, so you have to take that into consideration as you start.  To me, the best thing is to start there at the longest line and hit the shorter queues later.

Once you're out of Peter Pan, hit the other nearby dark rides: Snow White, Pinocchio and Mr. Toad.  During the early morning the lines are minimal and some you can walk right on.  Afterwards head over to King Arthur's Carousel and the Mad Tea Party while the lines are moving quickly.  Dumbo and Storybook Land should follow and then finish up that area with Alice in Wonderland.  Knock all those rides out quickly and don't waste time!

By now the park should be nearing opening time.  Here's a tip: don't head over to the Matterhorn during Extra Magic Hours/Magic Morning.  Everyone else is doing that and the line will actually lessen just around the rope drop.  As opening comes closer head over to "it's a small world" first while you can walk on and then ride the Matterhorn.  You may break an hour by just a bit, but it will all be finished much quicker than if you wait until the middle of the day.  Here's your suggested morning itinerary:

• Peter Pan's Flight
• Snow White's Scary Adventures
• Pinocchio's Daring Journey
• Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
• King Arthur's Carousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Storybook Land Canal Boats
• Alice in Wonderland
• "it's a small world"
• Matterhorn Bobsleds

As a disclaimer, I know I'm leaving out attractions like Casey, Jr., Pixie Hollow or other attractions like that.  I'm working under the impression that either you don't intend on riding everything and can adjust my list as necessary, are willing to finish a ride or two another time, or don't mind taking more like 1 hour 15 minutes to finish.  Whatever you choose it's still a lot easier than what most visitors try to do.