So I will caveat this was before MMRR opened and also before FP was added to MFSR, so, I think that is another challenge to the park in that things seem to be continually evolving ...
What we got done:
- Rope dropped MF:SR
- Breakfast at Docking Bay 7
- Rode SDD (FP)
- Did character meets (split up - older kids met BB-8, youngest met Disney Jr characters)
- Built Droids
- Explored market place
- Lunch at Ronto Roasters
- Rode Star Tours (FP)
- Oga's Cantina
- Took break back at resort
- Rode Rise of the Resistance
- Rode Toy Story Mania
- Rode Alien Swirling Saucers
- Rode MF:SR again
- Rode MF:SR again (so 3 times total)
Some thoughts/advice:
- be at the park at least 1 hour before listed opening.
- If taking the bus be at the bus stop at least 1.5 hours before park opening. If possible, take ride sharing or drive - we had a car, so we dove over, leaving our resort at 6:30 (for an 8pm opening) and were through bag check and security at 6:56.
- stay to the right for tapstyles, but not the very last 2 (they only have one scanner, so be 3-4 in from the very right
- pick out what rope drop ride you want to do and get in that line
- make friends with the people around you - we had really good conversations with the people around us and to be honest, one positive of the Boarding Group process is it creates a sense of community
- For trying to get a BG, have as many people try as possible, all can be logged into one
MDE account. Turn off Wifi (if possible/you can use data), close everything else. Do a restart of your phone earlier in the morning and then check that you are logged in to MDE, close everything on your phone. Startup the MDE app about 5 minutes before park opening but leave on first page. Right at park opening count to 3 and click on the AT-AT picture and "join boarding group" should be red
- Because of BG process, rope drop is crowded/hectic - if you can't be there at least 1 hour ahead of time, then wait for the headliners as waits peak right after opening
- tons of value in the last hour or so the park is open if you can skip the evening entertainment shows ... rope drop is worse, but end of the day seems to be sweet spot
Some alternatives:
- Non-healiners tend to have very little lines at opening - so "rope drop" Star Tours or things like that
- Scan in and leave right away, secure a BG outside of the park and go get breakfast somewhere, just skip the morning crush
One thing I would try to do is for your DHS day, minimize other plans. Avoid having to park hop, avoid having ADRs, etc. - the more flexibility you have the better. Also, ideally, have some flexibility later in your trip in case things don't work out on your first attempt at DHS
lastly, try to keep a positive attitude. As mentioned, we had good conversation with people around us as we waited and then eveyrone was led calmly into Galaxy's Edge and wasn't pushing or shoving or anything. It was stressful but the end result was really fun and positive - try not to let the horror stories scare you!