In 2008, from both being a part of the ACE walkback as well as working at The Beast over the summer; If you were a coaster club card carrying member you would meet infront of the old Paramount Theater, around 9ish, at which point a individual from guest relations would meet everyone at this location, take down their names and coaster club organization, as well as each individual having to present the card. an aside, I know in the past, not sure about last year the walkback allowed for a card carrying member and a guest. But after the meeting, those individuals would be escorted back to The Beast, and once the ride was ready for the day after the morning tests etc. those would be able to take the first ride(s) on The Beast before the GP arrivied. Depending on the time it was possible for those individuals to have multiple rides before the GP arrivied.
I hope this cleared things up