What things need activated?

[auntyjenn]

What things need activated before you can use them? (and where can you activate them?)

We might do a one day resort stay, but it won't be at the beginning of our trip. We will go to the park a couple of times first. So...

If I buy tickets through Disney and they send them to me do they need to be activated before I go through to the gate?

If I get magic bands, do they need to be activated before I go to use them at the gate?

Do I have to reactivate bands on the hotel day? Or just check-in to access resort privileges?

If I don't get a band/stay at the resort are my tickets ready to go?

I'm just worried that I'll get to the gate ready to 'run' to my favorite attraction and they'll say, "I'm sorry, you were supposed to activate that at Tickets and Transportation," or something, and then I'll cry

Thanks!