Our kids (age 24 and 17) were the FIRST non-cast members to ride Mission Space. They took the first non-cast member group in on June 9th. All of the engineers, ride developers, etc. were there and they all took pictures of the group who rode. It was very special as the engineers, etc. were very proud of the ride. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
So-from what I understand-there will be some random groups allowed to ride with the soft opening being August 15th.
By the way-they said the ride was absolutely a one of a kind-can't be compared to anything else they have ever ridden on and it truly feels like you are blasting off. It doesn't have the feel of a ride simulator-it has the feel of really going into space. And you feel the g's. They were awestruck after the ride.