We stayed at the CCI last October when the park was opening at 8:00 am. We ate the free breakfast on all but our MM day and were always there for gate opening- and while not first at the gates- were within 10 or so people. I do agree with your general thought that it is more important to be at gate opening than to have a free breakfast, but I disagree that you have to give up one to do the other. The quality of the free breakfasts offered vary greatly and many are not worth eating, which is why boards like this are so wonderful. You can ask questions about when and what the hotel offers and decide it it works for your family or not.
