Best times of day to go to Disneyland/plan of attack for rides?

I'm going to Disneyland today (we got the 5 for 3 park hoppers) and I'm wondering what our best bet will be to avoid the insane crowds the park gets in July. Is it best to get in early? Or does everyone try to get into the park early? Should we completely avoid Disney during the day and go in for a few hours after the fireworks? We don't mind spending the day shopping/at the pool and then going to Disney later. Which rides should we go on first? My mom doesn't like the roller coasters (space mtn, matterhorn, thunder mtn...etc.) so we probably won't go on those. But, I do like the Peter Pan, Snow White, Toad and those kiddie rides. The lines are always long for those (I think...I haven't been for a few years.) What is the best time to go for those? After the fireworks when the kids are making their way home? What about rides like space tours and soaring over California? Finding Nemo, Pirates, Indiana, Haunted Mansion as well.