Can you check in to a hotel and not have to visit the parks that day?

Yes! That's a great way to see the Parks fully rested.

As I mentioned in my answer to your Dining Plan question, this would be a perfect time to opt for a ROOM ONLY "non-PACKAGE" night.

Sounds like you're planning a fun trip, have a great time!

Certainly. Your Park visits begin with the full DAY, nice and early (extra magic hours), not the day before your night at a Disney hotel.

Try to arrive at your WDW resort hotel at mid-day. Even if your room is not ready yet, this first afternoon (and last morning) is a good time to use your hotel pool without time away from the Parks that you pay so much for.

Yes you can. However, if you are staying more than 3 days, the additional park ticket for the first day is around $2. That's right. Look at the disney web site and check it out.

So, if you want to you can wander over for just a ride or two and the fireworks.

However, I like to begin Disney early in the morning and make a whole day of it. It just sort of depends on what you want to do.

of course. i never go to a theme park the firs day i get there cuz i'm typically jetlagged and rather have a fresh start at the parks the next morning.

for example next time i go we'll arrive at the hotel by noon and just hang out in the lobby/food court if our room is not yet available. then we we hang out in the room and maybe go for a swim and then half of our group is going to eat at chef mickey's and the other half is going to eat at the wave both are in the contemporary. the next day we're going to epcot.