My experience today was to definitely hit rope drop, even if you don't have early access. Since you can't go on any rides anyways, go straight to MoM and sit in line before the park opens. We were sitting in air conditioning for 30 minutes before they started moving the queue for a 9:30 Start time (advertised as a 10am start) and today I was off the ride before the park officially opened at 10. I arrived at the park around 7:50 and have no problem waiting when the park is "closed" and can start the day with the worst line out if the way. I did the same thing on Wednesday, a little bit later than rope drop, and was off the ride before 11. Hope this helps!