I remember when Soarin opened, the public testing was a full 2 months ahead of its official May opening in March.
So....along that logic (if everything stays is the same, which it isn't). Expect something (possibly) in February (Earth day as the official opening date)?
I thought it was weird that every time a cast member talks to the ladies (and 1 guy) up front of the attraction they say January will be cast testing.
I don't know Disney that well, so I can't vouch for that.
But I know I've done public testing a solid 2 months in advance of the 'official' opening date.
I don't know why I want to try and hit AK every week day now, expecting some miracle of progress and them pull a public testing? Not likely. I'm like those guys who line up for Star Wars months in advance.
I have become what I've mocked! lol