I hear ya there! That is the one thing that disappoints me about DL in comparison to WDW. I don't think this has changed since the last time I called, especially with all the cut-backs happening, but none of the in-park restaraunts (like the Plaza) open up before the park does. If the park opens at 9 then the Plaza opens at 9.
Now I totally do not remember how the early entry days play into it on T, TH, Sa and Sun, but I think they still open up when the park does even if its the hour earlier.
The hotel's character breakfasts are a different story. I have not done them for awhile, but I am pretty sure they open at least an hour before park opening. But I agree with the above poster, Disney changes things so often, I would call Disney dining just to make sure.