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Disney Vacation Planner  >  Walt Disney World  >  Soft Openings
Last revised Mon, 26-Nov-2007 15:08
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Soft Openings


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At A Glance  


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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