What time should we expect to need to on a bus from the beach club to make it to the 8am rope drop at magic kingdom? Anyone have experience with this bus ride?
I always try to build in a bit of extra time, just in case. I usually arrive at the bus stop around 7:00am and I can't remember ever having a problem making opening.
I would also go with getting to the bus stop around 7am. That is always our bus stop time for an 8am park opening or EMH. Sometimes a bit earlier depending on how excited we are!!
Buses start running an hour before. I too recommend the first bus at 7:00. You won't regret it. It's always the next bus that ends up being crowded. Feel like its a general rule that most people (who want to be there early) show up a half hour before.
I'd take a cab. A ride from Boardwalk to Contemporary (where you can walk to MK) costs less than $14 before tip and takes about 10-15 minutes. With this strategy, I'd leave at 7:30am.