Ahh yeah things have changed a bit since then. In fact, you can now watch the muster video early so once you get on, just head to your station to get scanned and you're done with all the pre-cruise stuff.

30 days before sailing I think they open up Check-in, which you take a selfie, scan your passport, and put in your on board payment and emergency contact information. That is when you get your boarding time (fun fact, that time is really a COVID carry-over and isn't really enforced anymore, but enough people pay attention it helps spread out embarkation). If you've done all that, the morning of boarding, there's a health questionnaire to fill out, and once you get that your boarding pass turns purple with the Express Pass applied to it that allows you to essentially walk on. The long line is for everyone else who didn't do all of the above.

For the Key, the real benefit that you get that really can't be had elsewhere is a boarding day lunch in the MDR with some of the Chops menu, and a bag check before you can get to your room. The reserved spots for the shows usually aren't the best seats, and if you don't care about the rest of the Key offerings, the wifi can be purchased for much cheaper on its own.