EPCOT's Test Track Transformation: Set Pieces Removed for Next-Generation Thrill Ride

Jul 16, 2024 in "Test Track"

Test Track refurbishment - Jully 12 2024
Posted: Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:17am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Crews continue to remove set pieces from Track Track as part of the attraction's reimagining into the next generation of the popular EPCOT thrill ride.


A large access door on the side of the ride building facing World Showcase is being used to remove set pieces. A scaffolding stairtower connects the service door to the backstage area.

Test Track closed at the end of operations on Sunday June 16, and walls are up to block the entrance to the pavilion. GM vehicles that were previously displayed in the post-show are now on display in front of the building.

Disney has not yet announced a reopening date for the next-generation Test Track attraction, but best estimates suggest that it will be closed for at least a year.

In this piece of concept art for Test Track 3.0, we see the new entrance marquee revealing a more sleek arrival area. 


Disney previously announced that Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction at EPCOT.


Version 2.0 of Test Track opened in December 2012, and as part of Chevrolet's sponsorship deal with Disney, the attraction became due for a refresh.

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communicorn961 day ago

No John Michael Higgins, no communicorn96.

PizzaPlanet1 day ago

It’s especially embarrassing considering what many people’s phones can do with filters and AI images

UNCgolf1 day ago

I'd be shocked if they didn't. It's been wildly outdated for at least a decade.

Brer Panther1 day ago

I've always loathed the "superimpose your photo onto a cartoon character" video they put in Spaceship Earth. If we ever actually get another refresh, I really hope they remove it.

Agent H1 day ago

Clark!

Agent H1 day ago

James Alucobond1 day ago

All too often, I forget to remove my hat and my face just looks like a mangled elephant ear pastry.

ToTBellHop1 day ago

Tired of my head getting sliced in half. Final Destination PTSD. It’s almost as bad as driving behind a logging truck.

UNCgolf1 day ago

You don't like the 20 year old JibJab screens?

ToTBellHop1 day ago

I’ve tried to spice up the descent for myself by counting all the beautiful triangles.

UNCgolf1 day ago

Yeah, the descent is bad, but basically everything leading up to it is great (scene wise, the narration is its own thing). Since it's so long, it can get away with a bad section that would be killer on a shorter attraction. It's still the best ride at EPCOT to me (nothing else is really even close, although I do love LwtL) even with the awful descent.

Centauri Space Station1 day ago

SSE is on its fourth iteration

Haymarket20081 day ago

Fully agree. I think it is a fine ride. Prior to 2.0's closure, it had quickly become a part of a small number of attractions that I don't hate but didn't feel the need to ride every trip (Star Tours being the other). The comparison between those two: the charm and quirk of them left after both received their respective overhauls. I only experienced World of Motion a handful of times, but man do I wish an experience like that was still in place. If they can instill a quirky, optimistic, futurist take WoM vibe on top of the Test Track ride layout....it'll be a win. Very much excited for 3.0.

Mireille1 day ago

To be honest, I've never understood the love for TT. It's fine, I'll ride it when I'm there, but every time I do I just wish World of Motion was still there instead. TT isn't really very thrilling; it's not really any different than riding in a convertible on the freeway (which I don't like with my hair whipping in my face and getting all tangled) except for the banked turn, and the inside part just feels kinda half-assed and slapdash. I kinda dig the Tron-y vibe but I'd rather see some AAs. I'm hoping that 3.0 brings something more interesting to it.