It depends on when you ordered it, Moggrann. This is from the Collector’s Edition page:
This is a pre-order product. Orders placed before September 24 are scheduled to ship November 2026; orders placed on or after September 24 are scheduled to ship February 2027.
So if you are in the first group, you should receive it prior to launch. If you ordered the restock, then it will be in February. Anyone with an active subscription will have access to WoW: Forever, but if you want access the “Skyborne Race + Zephras Isle Starting Experience” then yes, you might want to pick up the digital version for now.
Once you receive the Collector’s Edition you can enter the code to receive a balance credit for your purchase.