Please allow me to throw in my 2 cents worth.
When Mission Space opened....they had a special "cast preview" that allowed us to take guests. No one in my party was brave enough that day - so I "adopted" a lovely newlywed couple we met at lunch in the Biergarten. The way it worked was this:
The area was closed off...you showed your pass and got you and your guests inside the barrier. You could ride as many times as you felt like it...line was fairly short that day....once you exited the "barrier" you were done. My assumption is that they will do something similar.
I am a cast member, and a
DVC member, plus I happen to work for DAK.
So- I will most likely get to ride it first as a cast member from DAK (the Asia area folks have already had this privilege) then the company will do a "soft opening" with the "guinea pig" crowd of cast members & their families.....then the DVC/AP .....then the general public. The reason for doing this at all is to help get the staff trained for the attraction and to work out any technical difficulties.
I know that when I rode Mission space during its' cast preview that it was a bit more intense of a ride (many became air sick) and now when I ride it I can tell a noticeable difference. My manager later confirmed that they did scale back the intensity a bit for more "guest satisfaction".
Most rides go through this "tweaking" phase before they release them to the general public. I think it is a good idea. PLUS- this way the cast members are more educated to give answers to the guests who ask questions concerning the ride etc.
I have heard the following about the ride....
1. It does not go upside down
2. It does go backwards at some point.
I am looking forward to it...and I promise to post when I get a chance to finally ride it (later this month?)
P.S.....
TAG FAIRY WHERE ARE YOU????????????? I've been a good girl!
Also, if they are doing a soft opening how do you find out about it? I appreciate any help! 
