Death Knight Preparation for Cataclysm Leveling

The end is near, Cataclysm is looming in the distance and the shattering will be happening any day now.  So what should Death Knights be doing to prepare for leveling to the new cap of 85?  Also, what will be the best way to gain experience from 80-85?

Of course there are plenty of arguments about taking your time, power-leveling, instance runs, or just questing.  Really, I prefer a mixture of all of the above.  I love questing, but get bored fairly quickly and the same can be said for running instances over and over and over again.  Furthermore, I normally hit the power-leveling quick and hard, but back off as the bubbles disappear and my rested XP wears off.

Leveling Spec and Buff Stuff

If you don't plan on tanking instances all the way to 80, it may be a good idea to at least dual-spec into Unholy.  Unholy will provide the most damage and allow the completion and killing of Cata Creatures much faster or efficiently.  Also, the use of buff food, elixirs, and potions will help min/max your leveling experience to 85.

Personally I've been stocking up on some Strength Elixirs and other various buff foods.  If you happen to be a cook or alchemist the need for this may be null and void, since so many new buff stuff will be available.  However, if you are buying it all, you may save some money buying the Lich King expansion goodies now.

Instance Runs

Sprinkling in some dungeon runs will help break up the monotony of quest grinding.  Also, it has the added benefit of potentially providing superior loot, which will also in turn help your quest leveling process.  The stronger you are, the harder and faster they fall.

Death Knight tanks will also have the added benefit of learning the normal mode dungeons before jumping into heroics at 85.  This could pay off in spades, to learn the more difficult Cataclysm dungeons on a normal mode, when everybody is feeling their way around.  I find this will take the stress off of every trying to push for a rush as soon as heroic modes are available.

Misc Tips

Stocking up on gold will offer the side benefit of helping leveling your mat using professions.  Gold will become an even larger sink if you lack a gathering profession or there are people waiting in line for certain veins or herbs.  How long into Cataclysm before the auction house stabilizes?

Bonus Secret Extra XP Tip

Do 25 daily quests before Cataclysm launches on December 7th.  Then, once you have installed the expansion, had your level cap raised, go turn in said 25 quests.  This way you get an immediate boost in experience, perhaps just not enough to hit 81. ;)