A popular thrill ride at Walt Disney World enters the next phase of its redesign, though specific details about the upcoming attraction remain unknown. This project comes as Disney wraps up several other projects at its EPCOT theme park in Florida, with the resort also getting ready to officially open a brand-new ride in Magic Kingdom.
Exciting Changes Ahead for EPCOT’s Iconic Test Track
Last year, The Walt Disney Company announced that Test Track would close at EPCOT for an extensive redesign. The attraction, originally redesigned in 2012 as Test Track 2.0, is undergoing its third major overhaul. Despite the previous redesign, both guests and Disney were not satisfied with the final product, prompting Walt Disney Imagineering to revisit the drawing board for this car-centric experience.
Earlier in June, Test Track officially closed to begin its transformation. Guests visiting EPCOT will now notice a large door propped open on the side of the Test Track building, with scaffolding being built to access the entrance. This access door is likely near the first section of the track, where the ride’s actual track travels up and down a large ramp.
Equipment Access Door Opened as Disney World Begins Reimagining of Test Track at EPCOT https://t.co/vcNDQnBpRh
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) June 20, 2024
Disney’s announcement at last year’s D23 Expo event revealed that Imagineers and Chevrolet teams are drawing inspiration from the original World of Motion to bring a new spirit of optimism to the next iteration of Test Track. Drew Smith, a leading expert on Walt Disney World attractions, expressed his excitement to cover Test Track’s overhaul, believing this new version will be “the best yet.”
Good evening from Test Track at EPCOT! I’m excited to share that I will be documenting and covering the entire development of the next iteration of Test Track. I firmly believe that this next iteration will be the best yet, and I can’t wait to see what Walt Disney Imagineering and Chevrolet is creating for us. I look forward to documenting the work that’s now underway, and most importantly, I am hoping that “It’s Fun to Be Free” returns to EPCOT.
History and Evolution of Test Track
The first iteration of Test Track opened at EPCOT in 1999, replacing the park’s iconic World of Motion attraction. Test Track offered guests an experience unlike anything ever seen before at a theme park, featuring a unique ride system and an impressive array of practical effects. The attraction’s story centered around testing cars for safety, specifically Chevrolet-made vehicles, as General Motors sponsored the ride. Test Track quickly became one of the more popular attractions at Walt Disney World and remained EPCOT’s only true thrill ride for many years.
In 2012, Disney announced that the attraction would be redesigned with new visuals, theming, and digital effects. Test Track 2.0 opened later that same year, featuring a modern aesthetic evocative of Disney’s Tron franchise. Despite its popularity, the new theming and setting were not universally appreciated. Some critics felt the renovation was rushed and lacked the original’s charm, while others criticized the ride vehicles and layout for being particularly rough.
The opening of Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure in 2012, which offered a smoother and more thrilling experience based on Pixar’s Cars franchise, further highlighted the need for improvements at Test Track.
Anticipation Builds for Test Track 3.0
Details about Test Track 3.0 remain scarce. The ride will reuse the same track from the original, but the theming is expected to be significantly different. There is speculation that the ride systems will also receive substantial upgrades. As Disney moves forward with this exciting project, fans eagerly await to see how the new iteration of Test Track will enhance the EPCOT experience.
Stay tuned for more updates on the transformation of this iconic Disney World attraction, as anticipation builds for the grand unveiling of Test Track 3.0.