As soon as I'm done with BG2 and/or Planescape: Torment, I'm going to start Icewind Dale. I hear the Enhanced Edition is worth a shot, but is it possible to import the same party to the vanilla IWD2 later on? I assume it's possible to do it from the original IWD since it was possible to do a main character import between the BG's.

And if it can't be done, should I still play the EE instead of original?

You can't improt characters, because IWD1 and IWD2 are based on different D&D rules, the first one is AD&D 2ne Ed., the second - D&D 3rd Ed. It was possible in BG 1/2, because both games were based on AD&D 2n Ed. rules.

Also, you should play original instead of EE, at least for the first time.

No, it can't be done, and no, you should play the original if you care about authenticity.

Also IWD 1 and 2 are not continuous stories involving the same characters. Temporarily the two stories happen 30 years apart, and while there are some storyline links and NPCs common to both, they are two completely separate adventures.

Unlike BG2 which was designed with a party starting at mid-levels, IWD 2 starts with a beginner lvl 1 party.

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous posters. Play the original IWD first. I haven't played EE, but I've read EE has balancing issues.

Thanks for all the answers, thanks a lot. With my gaming pace it will take a long time to finally get to IWD, so I think I'll do some more research into the pros and cons of each version. Good to know importing is not an issue to be worried about.