Question: DVC history of resort Soft Opening

[Dis507]

Ok, I’ve been doing some digging and coming up empty. So I will put out the group, how often does DVC/DVD do a soft opening of a new resort prior to the ‘official’ grand opening? Have they ever? I know a few folks in the hotel/hospitality industry and they all said they know their company does soft openings for new resorts to get the staff a chance to get up to speed on the resort and the systems they are supporting. It varies if it’s a public soft opening or a private. (Private being employees and other friendly patrons).

So I’m curious if any former CM’s or those in the know can share, do they plan soft openings?

 

[Mle8308]

I am a former CM (it's been about 15 years since I left Disney). But for resort soft openings, they definitely do have CM's stay. I did a few soft opening stays, these pre-opening stays give the CM's an opportunity to "practice" and for the resort to work out the kinks before paying/DVC guests arrive. Very early in my Disney career I did a test stay at Boardwalk, with the exploding toilets. Fortunately that got fixed before real guests arrived (my toilet was fine). We were also assigned restaurants we had to dine at as well, it was great and something we looked forward to doing. I also stayed at AKL, Pop, and a few others - I can't remember! Disney definitely does offer CM's test stays. It is more resort/DRC/DVC CM's because they are able to provide more feedback about the operational details, but other employees do stay. DRC and DVC CM's stay so they are aware of the resort and can offer feedback. Cast were selected different ways for different openings. For some there were sign ups, some it was random, sometimes specific CM's were asked. And it's a lot of executives staying, too. Same for the cruise line. DRC and DVC CM's do comp resort stays year round, not just for new properties, so they can be informed when dealing with members and potential members.

 

[Wedgeout]

Not sure how often but I know VDH Discovery Tower had it prior to its official September 28, 2023 ceremony.

 

[Sandisw]

Yes, they will give CMs a chance to try out the resort before the offical opening night.

 

[MICKIMINI]

December 6 is the date they start testing at Poly Tower.

 

[Dis507]

Thanks all. Good to know. I wondered if they did that, it would make sense but seeing how Disney likes to do things big I wondered if they would give the staff a chance to learn all the ins and outs of the new building, I figured the back of house staff would already be getting up to speed, but really was curious about the ‘on stage’ staff.