michael,
I think you can
anchor off to the right in the AC inlet if you don't want to go to Trumps. Instead of turning laft for Trumps turn right. Also, if the weather is good you can get into Great Egg Harbor inlet just above Ocean City. That is where I'm at. I would not do it in bad weather or at night, quite a bit a shoaling there.
Finally, don't cut the corner at Cape May if you need to go around. There is a lot of shoaling in near shore. Go around B4 I think it is. As Cam mentioned you can save a few hours if you can fit through the Cape May canal. Good luck.