Soft Openings
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Soft Openings - What are they ?
Ever heard the term "Soft Opening" and wondered
what it means ?
Basically, when Disney build a new attraction, or perform
extensive modifications on an existing attraction, that means
the attraction closes for an extended period of time, as the modified
attractions opening day approaches, Disney start to allow limited
numbers of people to preview the attraction in order to gauge
guest-reaction, and to iron out any last minute glitches that
could impair the new ride.
(If a new ride's going to break down better to have
it happen before the grand opening day).
Generally a new ride will undergo a month or so of "Soft
opening dates" prior to its being finally opened, though
this may well be much shorter, or possibly longer. Once a ride
starts a period of soft openings, it may remain open all day for
testing, it may only be open for a few minutes each day, or it
may open once and then be closed for several days before opening
again. (The whole point of soft openings is they're non-guaranteed
previews).
Soft opening dates are rarely announced at the park
although sometimes Disney Cast Members approach certain types
of guest and quietly let the word out to small groups of people.
Also there are no guarantees that if you get in line
you will be able to ride the attraction. It may well break, or
close again before you get to the frontof the queue.
Soft opening days are also used to help train the ride's
Cast Members and to allow them some operational time with real
guests riding before the grand opening day.
Generally after a series of soft-opening days the ride
may well be closed for a while (sometimes a few weeks) immediately
prior to the grand opening day itself, while the Imagineers sort
out any last minute alterations that come about as a result of
any comments made during the soft opening period.
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