Hi, Melissa!
It is correct that you must check in to your Resort hotel to have your MagicBands activated with your Park tickets. With that being said, you can check into
Disney's Art of Animation Resort as early as you'd like. The front desk Cast Members are there 24-hours a day!
I'm excited that you were able to book an 8:00 a.m. breakfast reservation for
Cinderella's Royal Table! That is such an awesome way to enjoy strolling down Main Street USA before the Park opens in the morning. There are not very many people in the Park yet and it's very magical to head toward the Castle knowing that you'll be enjoying a meal inside!
You'd really have to check in pretty early to make your breakfast reservation, but it is do-able. I recommend that you arrive by 6:30 a.m. at the very latest to check in. If you're driving your own car, I suggest heading straight to the Transportation & Ticket Center where you can catch the monorail directly over to Magic Kingdom Park. If you don't have your own car, my next suggestion would be to hire a taxi to drop you off at
Disney's Contemporary Resort where you can walk right over to the Magic Kingdom. It is less than a 5-minute walk and there is a pathway that will lead you right to the Park entrance! You can also take the monorail, but that would, of course depend on how much time you have.
I sure hope this helps, Melissa! Please feel free to stop back by if we can help with any other questions you have!
Wishing you a Pixie Dusted vacation!
~Jackie