Hi,
Disneyfoo has answered most of your questions, just thought I'd add -
You can check in whenever you like at any onsite hotel, its 24 hour reception. Your room may not be ready until 3pm, but you can get your park tickets, and leave your bags at your hotel.
EMH - do all the rides! If you are there for 8am, you'll have time to fit all the open rides in, in both Fantasyland and Discoveryland. If you have to miss a couple, Buzz and Peter Pan have fastpass, so you could catch them later. But I think you'll have time to do them all more than once during EMH.
Autograph books and pens are sold everywhere - in your hotel shop, in the Village, in the Parks. They are around 5 euros, and are a lovely souvenir. Chunky pens are around 2 euros.
You choose your breakfast slot when you check in at your hotel - at the SL you can also request Good Morning Fantasyland breakfast in the park, instead of your hotel breakfast, if you'd prefer that. The GMF breakfast is subject to availability though, and may not be available to you for certain days of your stay. Ask when you check in if you're interested in the GMF breakfast.
My favourite place to stand is also near Its a Small World - I find it the quietest spot on the whole parade route to be honest. Last November I got there with 2 minutes to spare, and still got a great rope-side spot for me and the girls, opposite the Pizza Bella Notte, near the benches by the trees. I'm usually there about 10 minutes before the parade is due to start, and can choose my spot. I still think, even though lots of people here and regulars know about it, that its the quietest part of the route.
Main St is the busiest part of the park when the parade is on.
Enjoy your trip - Christmas at DLRP - you will love it
