How early do the ferryboats get loading at magic kingdom? How early should I be there to catch some of the early rides before the crowd?

the parks open at 9 am unless you are staylng at a Disney resort...they have what's called a magical hour on certain days you can get into park 1 hour earlier

There is an app online called Disney World crowd Calendar also that will let you know any festivities going on that day which is helpful in deciding how early you should go to any park.

At 8:00 a.m

9:00am shall be the best time

The ferry boats start 30 minutes earlier than the park opens and they usually 9

The park opens at 9 am including Ferry boats

Ferry boats come and go every couple of minutes i was jist there 10 min ago it took 5 min from the gate to the parking lot no waiting at all