1)Anyone been the end of January?
We were there in early Jan last year right after it opened
2)If arriving early...chances of early check-in ?
I think we got there around 2 and went right to our room
3)Can we choose building...if so any suggestions ?
We used the unofficial guide and it recommended the 60's as preferred. Its close to the pool and the lake and the food court, bus area. We did not have a car, so parking was not issue, I have heard others say that if you are driving you want to be closer to the parking lot
4)Swimming ....too cool at that time of year?
Most of the days we were there were COLD, but not all of them. We swam one day (our room was on the first floor right by the kiddie pool) and the rest of the family went to Blizzard Beach one of the days. I think the pool might have been heated because there were people in it on cold nights and steam coming off of it
5)Use rental car for hopping or buses ?
Buses (only delay was that blizzard beach and animal kingdom shared a bus and they closed about the same time. Our family had to wait for 45 minutes at blizzard beach because the buses were full of animal kingdom) It was still a new resort and they were working out kinks!
6)Best times for eating in food court (ie;early morn,breakfast,early eveing ,dinner?)?
Anytime...we were there all times a day and were pleased with food. Busiest in the morning and late a night, but there is a lot of seating area. Its close to where the buses leave from too..which is nice!
7)Express checkout suggested?....arrival time of final bill (to room)?
We checked out by 9am and they kept our bags while we went to MK for the morning, we got back around 12:30..perfect timing for our airport shuttle.
Hope that helps! We loved it and are going back and will probably stay there again.
Courtney