I do think it may be possible to do a preview and reduce impact to guests.
Your (a) YES there were AP Previews for New Fantasyland because we were sad to not be able to make it. And they then did soft opening.
http://www.insidethemagic.net/2012/...nced-for-early-november-at-walt-disney-world/
(b) is possible but kinda pointless as well since part of the preview is to not be in a packed land (like Pandora is now) and it would be a huge hurt on CMs to be turning folks away from those rides non-stop.
How do I think it possible?
At the point that TSL is officially fully operational the TSMM entrance will be on the backside. Right now they are doing all the prep work so that at the actual flip of the switch will take as little time as possible, so in effect they would at the point be able to operate from both sides if they wanted. Especially possible since there are two completely different tracks with different queues they can easily shift operations.
- TSL can easily be in previews minus opening TSMM, keeping guests entering from the front until the last minute when they do the final switch. I mean I doubt any of us APs would care at all if TSMM were part of this, even if I looked about the entrance I wouldn't waste a minute of my preview to go on a ride I've been on tons.
- TSL can easily be in previews with TSMM without regular guests entering by using the new entrance and 3rd track for preview guests, and the old entrance and old tracks for regular guests. It is literally the closing of a door that keeps them apart. It is closed right now.
- We rode last week and we entered via what was an exit ramp/emergency type area, and you could easily imagine keeping both sides open without mixing if the back entrance were open. All they need are some doors/partitions in place.
I do agree the demand won't be as high as Pandora but I do think many will be interested, especially families that will enjoy those rides. I know we would drive the 8 hours, not because I'm excited about it but so my DS can ride Slinky Dog a few times before that line is nutty. AND to get photos in the land with the toys before it is wall to wall people.