Hiya Zach - welcome to planDisney!
You've got the right idea starting your days at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. They open early, and you can experience so much in the mornings with shorter-than-usual waits. Plus, at Animal Kingdom many of the animals are more active in the morning hours!
I have some great news, Zach - if you have Park Hoppers, you'll be able to
purchase Individual Lightning Lane access for attractions at Theme Parks you plan to hop to later in the day! If you are a registered Guest at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you'll be able to make these purchases starting at 7 a.m., while all other Guests will be able to start making these purchases at the posted opening time of the Theme Park that the attraction is located in (in your case, EPCOT's opening time that day). You'll be able to see times available throughout the day for Individual Lightning Lanes at the park you're starting your day at with your Park Pass Reservation, and for all other parks, you'll see the times
after park hopping begins (currently 2 p.m.) that are available!
Zach,
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an immensely popular attraction, which means that Individual Lightning Lanes do usually sell out early in the day. I suggest making your purchase as soon as you can - as in immediately at 7 a.m. (if you're eligible), or at EPCOT's opening time with the general public.
Another huge perk of being a registered Guest of a Disney Resorts Collection hotel (and other select hotels) is
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights.
Check the hours online for the dates of your visit and see if they are offered at EPCOT on any day during your stay. If so, that should be your day to hop over to EPCOT! There is usually a special opportunity at 6 p.m. (for these Guests only) to request to join the
Virtual Queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!
If you're successful at getting a spot in the Virtual Queue through the My Disney Experience Mobile App, you will join a Boarding Group, and the app will let you know when to head over to enjoy the attraction! You'll have a bit longer wait compared to the Lightning Lane, but it's so worth it! This is a good backup option if it's available because, without a Park Pass Reservation at EPCOT, there isn't any other way to join the Virtual Queue - this is uniquely offered on select nights only to Guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Just remember that you do need to be physically in EPCOT at 6 p.m. to try and join the Virtual Queue!
I can't wait for your crew to experience my favorite attraction, Zach!
Ryan J.