The first beta weekend (November 6-7) for Guild Wars has already started, and if you want to play without preordering, Gamespot has some access codes. First come, first serve. Just heard about this, but I still got a code. Just check your email afterward. Something to do while waiting on the World of Warcraft open beta.
http://www.gamespot.com/promos/guildwarsbeta/index.html
http://www.gamespot.com/promos/guildwarsbeta/index.html