New Stitch attraction - Soft opening?

[msr709]

Does anyone know if the Stitch attraction might have a soft opening by Sept. 1, or maybe Labor Day weekend? Does that sound possible?

 

[candykisses]

I was just going to post the same question, but I was hoping for a soft opening while we've there Aug 4 - 18.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[WDSearcher]

Not likely for Labor Day and DEFINITELY not likely for August. Especially that early in August. Think October.

 

[tkay]

We are also hoping for a soft opening in early Fall since we will be there Sept. 29 - Oct. 3. We would love to be some of the first people to ride this one.

tkay

 

[LisaZoe]

What is the new attraction supposed to be like? Also, what is a "soft opening"? My DD, almost 3, and I will be going to WDW for the first time in mid-Sept. Lilo and Stitch is one of her favorite movies (she acts out parts as she watches it ). I won't count on this being open when we're there but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks

 

[Hippychickali]

I know that there have been several posts about this already but perhaps I could offer some updated information.

What will Stitch's Great Escape be like?

There are several websites which offer descriptions of this new attraction.

WDW Magic offers updates of the progress of the construction including photos. That information can be found here.

Allearsnet offers the following description:

Stitch's Great Escape takes place when Stitch is first discovered by the Galactic Federation and shortly before the events in the movie "Lilo & Stitch" occur.

You will be recruited by the Galactic Federation Grand Councilwoman to provide additional security for the captured alien. As you might imagine, Experiment 626's playful disobedience causes havoc and you are caught in the midst of it.

Walt Disney Imagineering has said this attraction will contain some of the most sophisticated Audio-Animatronics technology ever developed. Also featured will be two DNA-tracking "plasma cannons" that, according to a Disney press release, "follow the crafty alien's every move with graceful fluidity." The attraction will star characters straight out of Lilo & Stitch, including the Galactic Federation's Grand Councilwoman and Captain Gantu, with voices supplied by the movie's original actors.

The structured seating of the previous attraction, Alien Encounter, will probably remain, as will much of the other basics, including the popular "guinea pig" alien Skippy, who suffered a sad fate in the previous attraction.

What is a soft opening?

A soft opening happens when Disney allows visitors to ride an attraction before it is officially open for operation.

When will this attraction have its soft opening?

The only information that I have heard as of yet is mid- to late-2004. I will seach around and see if I can find an exact date to ease our curiousity.

 

[Hippychickali]

Ok. So it seems as though Stitch's Great Escape will be opening in early October. I've heard that rumour in a few places. So that means, it may have a soft opening at some point in late September, if it has a soft opening at all. I will let you know if I hear any more updates.

Ali

 

[lasmickey]

I just read this morning on another site that the "press event" for this attraction is possibly scheduled for October 1-3. (Of course this is completely "unofficial"!) They also stated that "soft openings" were scheduled for the last bit of September.

For my own personal sake, this would be great since we are planning to be in WDW from Sept. 29th - October 8th! However, I would only take this at face value, and if it happens - GREAT! And if not, there's always the next trip!

 

[buzzz1]

I have read on a couple of threads that it will be open on October 1st.....

Don't know that officially though !! I will be there the last week of Sept. thru Oct. 1st so I sure hope so ....

 

[westjones]

We will be there on Sept. 26th, so I do hope there is a soft opening at that time. One of my DDs just LOVES Stitch! She would be thrilled!

DJ

 

[bunnyfoo]

I will be there until Oct 8th so I'm hoping for soft opening in early October too

 

[newholiday]

think it may be open during MNSSHP?