Summer ‘Soft Opening’ at Disneyland

Over at Disneyland, you might call it a stealth opening for Innoventions, a trade show-style display of new products in the revolving Tomorrowland building that once housed Carousel of Progress.

Innoventions has been open most of the summer--but it’s what Disney calls a “soft opening.” The idea is to see what works, what doesn’t and fine-tune attractions before the hoopla of an official announcement.

As it turns out, many of the audience participation games and exhibits at the heart of the Innoventions concept have been down more often than not. Indeed, company sources say a sizable team of Imagineers was back at the park last week trying to reassess Innoventions.

But problems or no, and without benefit of a formal opening, Disney has been advertising Innoventions in both print and broadcast media. After all, an imperfect attraction beats a nonworking one--and Rocket Rods, the thrill ride centerpiece when new Tomorrowland opened this summer, remains closed.