But would you stay a week at a deluxe resort, paying upwards of $400 a night or more? That's the difference between local visitors and someone taking a vacation to WDW. I think they are much more likely to do some kind of preview for a day or two involving CM's or locals without the resorts being open at all, just to test out procedures, if they do anything at all. But really, as Yulilin said, there's not a lot to test out, especially in the resorts- no need to open them before the parks. It's the parks where the challenges lie. If Disney is looking to opening with a positive contribution by the parks- it's not happening with an opening that doesn't include resorts and parks being open. Their money maker is the guest traveling from out of state, staying on site for the duration of their multi day trip.
I think Disney resorts, especially the deluxe and villas are beautiful, but there's no arguing for the price they charge, one can stay at a much more luxurious hotel for less. And when you look at the price for the values- you can easily pay half the price and stay at an equally good motel. The draw to the resorts are accesibility to the parks, and the perks you get for staying there. Without the parks, the draw is gone.