I just called Apple, and asked them to upgrade me to next day shipping. My AT&T mini now shows a delivery date of Nov 16.:
"Available to ship: 5 business days
Delivers Nov 16 via Next Day Shipping"
I have no idea what will actually happen. Honestly, I suspect that they will ship them all the same method to arrive on the day that they appear in stores. They are going to be shipping millions of these all at once. All the previous launches have involved Apple shipping the product a bit early and having FedEx hold on to them so they don't arrive early.
I don't think that Apple will pay any attention at all to the shipping method listed in the store. Product launches are carefully planned, timed events that happen to a schedule. They don't really use standard FedEx services. They have special deals and, I would guess, plan in advance with FedEx so they know when to expect the fleet of airplanes with iPads.
That being said, if the mini is in stores before I get mine, I will attempt to buy one at a store and return the unopened box when mine comes in the mail. But I ain't waiting all night at the Apple Store.