Hi, if you're staying in a Disney hotel you'll benefit from extra magic hours so Fantasyland and Discoveryland will have a few rides open.
Fastpass works the same here (your next window opens either when you ride or the time printed on the fastpass) and work on the principle that the time will be enforced - they did seem to be quite lenient once but I believe that's no longer the case.
There is no rope drop as such but if you don't have access to EMH you'll be able to enter Main Street early and be at the hub ready for when the other lands are open.
What I would do (and which is what I did at DL last month) is concentrate first on all the rides/attractions that are unique to DLP, then do the ones that are similar. Majority of DLP's rides are newer than their US counterparts and it's interesting seeing the differences - my DH and DDs like Pirates at DL best but my favourite is still DLP.
Dreams in the evening is a must-see, it is amazing, and if you have the time for a sit down meal (IMO counter service is nowhere near as good at DLP as in the US parks but the table service/buffet restaurants more than make up for this) then Walt's on Main Street is my favourite - it's very elegant and full of memorabilia.
