Just curious, how does it work if you come back to play WoW and you didn't buy the Cataclysm expansion? Do you still experience all the revamped lev1-60 zones?
I'm not sure what the requirements are to qualify, but I went to look at my account lately and there was a Cataclysm 10-day free trial offer once I logged in. I own the previous expansions, but not Cataclysm and I hadn't played for over a year.
That trial let me play the new 81 zones (capping my exp at a full bar on level 80, or 81 -1exp) and check out Twilight Highlands. I was also able to play the two new races, although those characters will be locked unless I buy Cata. I also had another alt that I played up through the 50s to see a lot of the revamped areas. I was able to fly in the old world on my 60+ characters, but that was only during the trial (again unless I buy Cata).
So, log in and check your account, there might be a Cataclysm trial waiting for you.