Well. I am not a TOTAL newb to these boards (or DLR), but can someone explain SOFT OPENINGS to me?

I get that its a ride opening up before its scheduled opening date, but... when they have a "soft opening" does that mean that the ride TOTALLY opens up and starts functioning, gung-ho, at full capacity? Or do they just allow a handful of people to try it out? Or what?

I guess what I am REALLY asking is this: when the Toy Story ride has its "soft opening"... what should we expect?

Thanks for the clarification! ...and your patience. :)

SF

A soft opening is a fully functional ride. But, they may be testing capacity, or tweaking a few things. That means the ride may end suddenly, and the ride may go up or down throughout the day. It's really a way for them to test the ride with "real" people, without the complaints on opening day.

They are usually also testing the queueing and training loading. It may open for only a couple hours and it can close at any time. It's not OFFICIALLY open.

I remember my first Soft Opening was for T2 at Universal Studios in LA. I remember it as a (possibly 3D) movie with some actors and props in the theater. Anyway I think we showed up on a soft opening day. We sat thru the first half of the movie (which was really exciting) and watched as it ramped up to the final showdown with a massive spider robot, and the screen went black, and they escorted us out of the theater telling us to come back in two months to see the rest of the show. Though, I don't think they can cut a dark ride short, so if you're lucky enough to ride the new Toy Story ride, you'll probably see the whole thing.
I'm heading out in late April myself and hope to see it in action, too.

Well. I am not a TOTAL newb to these boards (or DLR), but can someone explain SOFT OPENINGS to me?

I get that its a ride opening up before its scheduled opening date, but... when they have a "soft opening" does that mean that the ride TOTALLY opens up and starts functioning, gung-ho, at full capacity? Or do they just allow a handful of people to try it out? Or what?

I guess what I am REALLY asking is this: when the Toy Story ride has its "soft opening"... what should we expect?

The ride is up, functional, and ready to go.

BUT...

It's still in a break-in period, so they can close it at any time, even when you're in line and next to get on. They can open it at park opening, at noon, or right before the park closes.

They can stop it in mid-ride, turn on the work lights and walk everybody out.

What should you expect?

NOTHING.

--t