mission space soft opening

[JACKSDAD]

We are going to be at epcot on Aug 15th, and have just read that the soft opening of M.S is scheduled for then.
Can anyone tell me what is a soft opening, and how do you get to ride?
Many thanks

[SpaceMountain_uk]

as far as im aware the OFFICAL opening is Augs 15th so a soft opening would be before this date.

[wdwguide]

The official opening in sometime in October.

[4407mark]

jacksdad - they removed the Horizons attraction to put in MS - as you enter EPCOT, stay to the left and proceed past Test Track - it'll be on your left. Just look for Planetary Plaza!

[zulaya]

Soft opening is August 15. Official opening is sometime in October, rumored to coincide with a media event.

Usually soft openings are rarely announced so it's easy to see why some would think August 15th is the "official" opening.

I think it could be termed official if it stays on schedule and the October event could be called a "premiere" or something. Basically an excuse to celebrate and add more publicitiy to it.

[katerkat]

Originally posted by JACKSDAD
Can anyone tell me what is a soft opening, and how do you get to ride?

A soft opening means the ride will be open periodically for guests/CMs to ride. It's never guaranteed, and when I was there, it was never announced. You just have to be wandering by and notice. The line is often very short, as people don't really know. I would ask the CM at the ride board in the front of EPCOT -- they would probably know if it's open at that time, or that day.
The ride isn't finished, btw, but it's mainly details missing. I rode RnR about 60 times before it opened, and several of the stuff on the ride hadn't been painted yet. So I didn't get the "full" experience until it actually opened, but it's still pretty cool.

[honeymom]

Often a soft opening means its open for good, but without the hoopla and announcement that it is open. That way people that are there can use it, but if any bugs still need to be tweaked it doesn't make the press.

[turbodisney]

I am hoping for a soft opening at the end of June....may be wishful thinking, but hey...its Disney... :jester:

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[grinningghost]

On one of our trips, Winnie the Pooh was in the midst of a soft opening. And to be perfectly honest, it seemed VERY open to us. The lines were long and the ride was operating all day long. I guess it just depends on the attraction - you never can tell how "soft" it will be.

[vellamint]

Would fastpass be up and running for a ride that is having a "soft" opening?

[dianeschlicht]

WE experienced a few soft openings, and NO, Fastpass probably would NOT be an option for a soft opening.

[Testtrack321]

August 15th is the offical start of GUEST PREVIEWS. This is the whole ride running to capacity and trying to simulate a full days work. This is different from a soft opening. It is still belived that a soft opening for limited days in June/July with only a few centerfuges open is a possablility.

[Walt's Frozen Head]

I understand it's not so much the guests previewing the attraction that's the problem, it's the guests re-viewing their breakfast that's causing issues...

-WFH

PS: Or was it in all caps because guest PREVIEWS stands for Proteins Regurgitated Every Viewing. Inhale, Exit, Watch Step.

[wdwguide]

Originally posted by Walt's Frozen Head
I understand it's not so much the guests previewing the attraction that's the problem, it's the guests re-viewing their breakfast that's causing issues...

-WFH

PS: Or was it in all caps because guest PREVIEWS stands for Proteins Regurgitated Every Viewing. Inhale, Exit, Watch Step.

"We at Walt Disney World are always looking to improve our environment. At Mission: SPACE we are currently exploring new means of nutrient recycling, ensuring maximum yields and efficiency."

[EpcotRanger]

Ok, the soft opening means that it will be slightly open. They WILL be working out all the bugs and things like that. So the ride can be running @ sometimes and others nope. As for FastPASS...shoot for no. A couple of days ago, they did have a special event in front of M:S. Everything in front and around was blocked off with trees. Oh, and all of the front was revealed and going. The mural was shown, lights and everything. Looks really cool.

[sln88]

WFH and wdwguide!:)