darkSpyro

For example, who will you use for Elemental Gates? Do you have any order you would like to use them in? Are you planning to level some up before using others?

I think we all know what I'm doing but I'll set it in the last part of rock on this mountain. I will save them as Level 1 on the 3DS game, then go through my first console run with just Sprocket, even ignoring Elemental Gates I can't access with her. Crusher will be my "priority Giant" I am going to set aside for the off chance that a standard run will require a Giant for a non-optional level path.
Then I will level up both on the 3DS totally separately and go through it with just them as well. But the same "Sprocket fixed in" rule applies here and I will probably use just her, or at least as much as possible.

After that, my most anticipated to 3DS-level and upgrade will be Crusher- if he isn't done by that first run.
Then Fright Rider, Chill, Series Two Stump Smash, Jet-Vac, Swarm, Pop Fizz, Series Two Chop Chop, Whirlwind and Shroomboom.
I am also looking foward to upgrading Hot Dog, Series Two Wrecking Ball, Series Two Prism Break, Ninjini and Series Two Lightning Rod but I didn't note them because I don't expect them to be available at launch.

The rest I will just do as I feel for them.

But that was a draggy post and I said and a lot. So what are everyone's plans?

Well, I decided to buy all of the series 2 and new characters, and just sell my first set. But for playing-wise, I will start off doing the hardest difficulty possible, and try to only use my new guys.
Sadly, I have to get the game on Christmas, because a Christmas present will be the only way I can afford it. Howver, I will beg my parents to let me help shop with them, and to buy the characters way before Christmas because I don't want to get stuck in the Christmas rush. So, the only difference will be that I don't get to play it as quickly as you guys.