We are going on November 8th for a week. For the last two years (07 & 06) the lights, as well as everything Christmas were done this exact week - picutres from the AK parade and the Osborne lights for both - and not in test mode. We planned a trip for 12 of us, some first timers, and we are devestated that they decided to hold off til after Thanksgiving to start the Osborne lights, and the parade at AK. I will be putting in a complaint with Disney upon my departure (don't want to screw anything up by complaining while I am there!)
I just left a party where two friends are going the week after me and had no clue that the lights weren't gonna be on. They were going home to put in a complaint.
Unless they get a ton of complaints, I don't think we are going to see anything other than the MMVMCP - if you happen to be doing that!