We managed to be in the second group last March, but we stationed ourselves well up close to the rope to the left of the MK welcome show area -- so that we couldn't really see the opening welcome show.
And then we seriously speedwalked it.
Folks further back in the Rope Drop crowd and/or folks walking a normal pace probably faced a 30-minute wait by the time they got to Belle's cottage.
I'd say that this is the toughest attraction at any of the parks to arrive in time for a short wait at Rope Drop. Much more difficult than Toy Story Mania or Soarin.
Are you sure that the only available FP+ times are in the afternoon? It might not be showing you morning times if they conflict with your other FP+ or ADR. Did you select one of Option A, B, C, D, and then try to go in and change the FP+ time? You're not stuck with just the original A-D options if you don't like the times for them.