IOA early entry for Hagrid’s

I’ve been doing research for my upcoming trip and I have questions about Early Entry for IOA. From what I read you need to be lined up at the gate anywhere from 30-60 minutes before early entry to get towards the front of the herd for Hagrid’s. I also read you should not have any bag with you because putting it in the locker will put you far back in line for the ride. There is no way I can do a day in a theme park with my kid with just a tiny Fanny pack, so I will def wed to use lockers.

The thought of having to rush out so early and be fighting crowds is not appealing. I’d rather just take my time in the morning, arrive at the park after 8:00 and linger around to the be one of the first to get the in Express line when it opens at 9:00. Does this strategy work?