Questions for an upcoming trip

[RADOPT]

We are going Jan 2 - 5, just 2 adults. We have been before but usually do things differently because of our kids. Plus we never go when it is busy but we have a chance to go somewhere for a few days and well, christmas + DL is calling our names. I am a little nervous but really excited as it has been years since I have been at Christmas time plus we get to do what we want when we want!

We are staying on Walnut by the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Is there a tram we can catch or return on to the parking structure? Can we use the monorail to go into DL?

Disney Visa reward points - I read that we can get a card at the resort and have our points loaded. Where do we pick up the card?

When we buy our tickets online, are they sent by mail or in a email? Can we scan them into the DL app as soon as we get them and then scan the paper tickets when we go to the park the first day (it sounded like this was a good idea instead of doing it from your phone)?

Should we just add maxpass for everyday or add it every morning when we get into the park? Since the 2nd is still a blockout day for APs, I am hoping that we can still get FPs when we get there in the afternoon and it will be worth it to go when we arrive being a tad less crowded. We plan on ditching DL when it gets too crazy for DCA, DTD, the resorts, and .

Do we need reservations at Trander Sam's? Last time we where at DL w/o kids, my friend was pregnant so no drinks. The hotel won out because Disney hotel, DTD and Trader Sam's is on the way to and from it .

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

It will be very busy. I wouldn't expect fastpasses for headliners to be available for a late afternoon arrival even on a passholder blockout day. I would guess there would be fastpasses for some rides like Buzz Lightyear, maybe Big Thunder, and so on. This year the day the blockouts lifted, I believe DL did hit capacity for some part of that day so be prepared for that possibility. We visited the 5th through the 7th this year which was pretty darn busy, but we are used to going during very busy times and kind of just roll with it. DCA is often a good refuge during the holiday season because it just doesn't get as filled up.

I don't know where you go to get the Disney Visa rewards card, but it's quite easy to just go online in advance and order the card now. It only takes a couple weeks at most to arrive in the mail. You can just load the minimum required amount on it for delivery and then add points online or by phone once you have the card in hand. I don't believe that they can load the card for you there at the resort anyway. I think you get an empty card and then have to go online or call to activate it and add points.

I always got my annual passes via e-mail when I bought online (even when not renewing and buying fresh) so I don't even know if there is a mail option anymore.

Personally I would just add Maxpass day by day in the park. It's quite easy to do, and you save yourself the $20 if you do arrive on Jan. 2 and find out that Maxpass won't be useful that day or you just don't want or need it.

I don't think Trader Sam's takes reservations.