Guild Wars 2

So I just had some questions that never really got explained to me during beta weekend or through the forums here (that I have noticed anywho)

So do specialisations open up for your character @ 80 or am I rushing a thief for nothing?
Also are we going to have lore reasons why these specialisations have appeared?

Will I have to do anything to unlock them or is it a case of 80 BOOM you can now rock a new weapon and run a new trait line.
(I would prefer to do something to unlock it)

Ta to those who answer …

Oh and while I think about it.
I’m From Kiwi land (NZ) and ill be on holiday in America (Orlando) when HoT releases.
CURSE YOU ANET!!!! <3

Its like an elementary school graduation party, you don’t have to anything but stick it out. They unlock automatically at 80.