I believe some CMs have ridden it - they had been taping footage of CMs riding for an upcoming commercial.
Other than that, the only other "official" dates are Jan. 26-29 for DVC/AP to ride and the opening on April 7. And yes, there'll be soft openings in between.
Bummer, I thought it was gonna be 40". Another ride we'll have to do child swap with, my kids that can ride love when we have to child swap since they get to ride twice, lol!