Soft openings - how do they work?

[dreamseeker9]

I'm heading to WDW in 2 weeks with the hopes of a soft opening for 7DMT.

Can someone explain how a soft opening works exactly?

When I went to WDW in November 2012, I was reading the threads to see when Test Track was going to reopen. After I returned, I read about some people being asked if they wanted to ride it as part of the soft opening. So is that how it works, it's not like the queue is open for anyone to enter, but a CM has to ask you if you want to ride it?

Can I walk by 7DMT with a shirt that says "ASK ME"?

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

I'm heading to WDW in 2 weeks with the hopes of a soft opening for 7DMT.

Can someone explain how a soft opening works exactly?

When I went to WDW in November 2012, I was reading the threads to see when Test Track was going to reopen. After I returned, I read about some people being asked if they wanted to ride it as part of the soft opening. So is that how it works, it's not like the queue is open for anyone to enter, but a CM has to ask you if you want to ride it?

Can I walk by 7DMT with a shirt that says "ASK ME"?

From my experience with the opening of New Fantasyland, there were CMs posted right outside of the entrance. We asked what was going on (even though we knew what was going on). The first time we were told they were only letting APs with reservations in and to try back later. The second time we walked by, again CMs were out front and when we approached we were welcomed in.

Basically it's a lot of stalking the area. Just go talk to the CMs by the attraction and ask what's going on. If they're doing soft openings, they'll either invite you in or tell you to try back later or the ride isn't open today.

Good luck!

 

[MelanieRI]

I learned about soft openings from reading these boards, too! I remember when Monster's was having soft openings at MK. So, I knew to look for people heading in or CM standing around the enterance. Sure enough, while most people were walking by a few were heading in so we joined to line to head in and got to see a soft opening. I totally would've walked by and not paid attention thinking the ride wasn't open if I hadn't known from these great boards about soft openings.

 

[RAPstar]

I remember one of my family trips, I had finally talk my stepmom into riding ToT with me. As we were walking out to meet my dad, we noticed a lot of people over by the RnRC building. There may have been a sign saying it was open or something, I can't remember. But it wasn't fully open, but me and my stepmom got to ride.

 

[purple figment]

I'm heading to WDW in 2 weeks with the hopes of a soft opening for 7DMT.

Can I walk by 7DMT with a shirt that says "ASK ME"?

If you see CMs at the entrance just go up to them and ask if they're letting guests ride. Sometimes it will be just for a specific group of people (e.g CMs or AP holders) and other times anyone who wants to will be able to ride.

 

[corinascot]

Agree with above posts. We were there for Soarin soft opening. Very hit or miss. Sometimes it was open during the week we were there, sometimes not. Once just for AP. Just look for the CMs outside the entrance.

 

[dreamseeker9]

Oh no, now I'm going to have to buy an AP.

 

[FLSarah]

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[thunderbug548]

I am SOOOO hoping that a Passholder Preview Day will pop up on the AP events page soon. I've been refreshing a few times a day.

 

[2012DisneyWorldBride]

I am SOOOO hoping that a Passholder Preview Day will pop up on the AP events page soon. I've been refreshing a few times a day.

Me too me too!!!

 

[ltl engine]

We were there when they did a soft opening of TTA after a re-furb. When we walked by the first time it was blocked off. Later in the day there were CMs by the entrance. We asked if it was open and they let us ride but when we got off it was closed again. During the whole trip we noticed it open and closed randomly. good luck

 

[Mr. Pig]

We were at Epcot when they did a soft opening for Mission Space a few days before official opening. No signs, no advertising, just walked past and it was open. I would guess that this was so a huge line wouldn't form. It probably wasn't open all day. 7DM will probably be tough to control since it is right in the middle of things.

 

[Elevationist]

The word you're looking for here is LUCK. I was fortunate enough to be at AK during soft opening for Expedition Everest. When we went by in the morning, they weren't letting anybody in. But late in the day we saw the train go whizzing by full of people, so we ran to the queue entrance and the CM let us go right on in!

 

[Networth]

As a Florida resident and AP holder I am crossing my fingers. Otherwise well just ride it in December.