Is it normal that I just went from 40 to 54 in an afternoon? This seems VERY fast from what I'm used too. Also, where's the gear?

This doesn't feel like wow, I enjoy it but it's not at all what I remember. I haven't seen gear drop, what do disenchanters do? Is that still a thing?

I have zero clue what I'm doing lol I have a billion questions and don't even know what to ask, it's confusing but not at the same time.

I haven't even looked at my old professions. Almost scared too.