Oh, I am dying to know how people mangage this too. I can tell you what I witnessed last year.
I had gotten my family up and out of PPH and to the security check about 45 minutes before opening. We were 3rd in line, and as soon as they opened the checkpoint we skidaddled over to the gates. One lady with a babe on her hip came speed walking past us, yelling out, "Sorry, I have a reason."
Well, about 15 minutes later, there was an announcement that the "blank" family would be opening the park and give them a hand. I looked over and it was the lady with the baby and she actually had about 15 people in her party. She had gotten to the gate quickly and apparently asked for this honour.
I understand they tend to choose large families (your family would qualify!) and oftentimes those with matching shirts or outfits, etc.
The family get's a button, get's to enter the gates early, makes a pronouncement, and signs the guest book.
That is all I know about it. I thought it was really cool, and when I got the gleam in my eye and started to comment on how fun that would be, my hubby assured me that he would not be interested in doing that under any circumstances. Whatever!!