Credit: Inside the Magic, DisneyWork continues on one of Disney’s most fascinating new projects.
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In 2023, The Walt Disney Company announced that Test Track, one of EPCOT’s premier thrill rides, would close and undergo an extensive redesign.
Test Track replaced World of Motion, a slow-moving dark ride, and was Disney’s way of “beefing up” EPCOT’s selection of attractions. Prior to the opening of Test Track, the theme park did not feature anything in the way of thrills, though it’s been argued and debated whether this is something that’s even important for EPCOT in general.
Test Track would debut in 1999, ushering in a new chapter for EPCOT and Walt Disney World as a whole.
However, it became clear that Disney was not happy with Test Track, with the company opting to close the attraction and give it a makeover. The new version of the ride, simply called Test Track 2.0, opened in 2012, came equipped with an entirely new story, visuals, and themed elements, though this version would not last long.
With Test Track closing for its second major overhaul in 2024, it’s clear that Disney was still not completely satisfied with the ride.
Disney Makes Progress on Test Track 3.0
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Work has picked up significantly in the months since Test Track’s closure, with construction walls and scaffolding being visible to guests as they make their way through EPCOT.
Avid theme park photographer bioreconstruct recently snapped an aerial photo of EPCOT, which shows off some of the work being done at the attraction.
Test Track can be seen when looking closely at the bottom left portion of the photo.
Aerial overview of World Celebration. Canopy at Test Track is just a frame. Redo of the attraction is in progress.
Aerial overview of World Celebration.
Canopy at Test Track is just a frame. Redo of the attraction is in progress. pic.twitter.com/SQTBCG6FOU— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 20, 2024
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While it’s hard to make out exactly what’s going on, it’s clear something is being done to Test Track, both inside and out.
At the front, guests will notice the marquee sign has taken down. When looking at the back of the attraction, changes seem to be happening near the section where guests are launched outdoors.
This section is the final leg of Test Track, sending guests flying through sharp turns, reaching top speeds of up to 65 mph.
Over the last week, Test Track’s original canopy was completely demolished and removed as well, making for a rather stunning new look for the classic thrill ride.
Twitter/X user Mickey_Central shared the photo, which is linked below.
Test Track looks amazing without the awning!!!
Test Track looks amazing without the awning!!! pic.twitter.com/ti9uMEGVD1
— Mickey Central (@Mickey_Central) August 31, 2024
The new version of Test Track is expected to feature the same exact track and ride layout, though it will likely be equipped with tons of new scenery, effects, and an entirely new storyline.
During Disney’s D23 event in August, the company announced Test Track 3.0 is expected to open sometime in 2025, quicker than some fans may have thought.
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Since the opening of Test Track in 1999, EPCOT has received significant upgrades when it comes to thrill rides. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is perhaps the park’s most thrilling adventure, sending guests on a daring journey alongside Marvel’s lovable crew of misfits as they attempt to save the galaxy.
EPCOT is also home to Soarin’ Around the World, Mission: Space, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, all of which are thrilling in their own ways.
In other news, EPCOT is set to close several hours early this Fall due to a private event being held at the park. EPCOT will close to regular guests at 5 p.m. on October 22, 2024.
Are you excited for this new version of Test Track to open?