We went there last Wednesday with that strategy. We got there before opening and then when the park opened, we went to the gift shop to get our locker key (you can also rent towels there too, which we did not know...new since our 2001 trip), put our back pack in our locker, and then went to find two lounge chairs in the shade where we laid our towels and cover ups. We headed right to Summitt Plummitt and maybe waited two minutes. DH timed people going down and it is literally about a 10 second ride. It goes so quickly and the water sprays up that you close your eyes and before you know it you are done! DH was actually scared of it but I jumped right on it. The ride isn't worth it if you have to wait up there in the sun for more than 20 min, so get there first! Also, DON'T LOOK DOWN as you are climbing to the top! I just kept climbing and looking at the steps in front of me. When we got to the top I just focused on the lifeguard and whatever was in front of me...I might have passed out if I would have realized how far up I was!!!!
We hit a bunch of the slides on the back next, then made our way to the rides on the front left of the mountain, then did teamboat springs, hit the lazy river, and made it back to a few of our favorites before drying off and heading back to our resort, then got dressed and headed off to DTD and ate at Earl of Sandwich...we were at BB for three hours. Be aware that climbing all those steps to get to the rides will wear on you! And always reapply that sunscreen!
Unfortunatley my 15 yr old DD did not 
and the life guard who pointed it out was very cute 
