Connectrix MDS switches consolidation (Migration) to new MDS director switch

I have two MDS9148 switches which are currently connected to MDS9710 (core). These two switches are acting as NPV switches. We are bringing a new MDS9710 to replace these two departmental switches and connect them to the core 9710 switches. Please suggest the below steps are correct for the migration. We wanted to do a drop and swap procedure because the two 9148 switches are EOSL and running on old code.

Migration Procedure:

1. Do the initial switch configuration of the new MDS9710

2. Apply for a switch license

3. Enable required features such as IVR and NPIV etc.

4. Create VSANs, and interfaces to the respective VSAN

5. Verify ISLs and port channels in place from the new MDS9710 to the core MDS9710

From here, I need suggestions to move forward with the best approach.

Once the new MDS9710 ISLs with the core MDS9710, does the existing zone set will distribute to the new MDS9710 automatically?

If it automatically distributes to the new switch, can I simply move the ports from the departmental switch to the new MDS 9710?