i say get to the park as soon as it opens for that sunday.
i've found the best way to ride the rides, are pick one and from that ride make a clockwise circle around the park, or a counter clockwise circle.
i only go for the roller coasters, so i'm not much help in that area.
the food is expensive, but you have a good choice (lots of different restuants.
in october, you will most likely be there for Halloween Haunt, and if so, you should really try some of the mazes, and don't forget to get a night ride in on The Beast, you won't regret it.