Credit: Inside the MagicChange is racing across Walt Disney World Resort, and EPCOT’s World Discovery neighborhood is at the heart of the action. One of the park’s most recognizable attractions—Test Track presented by General Motors—is on the fast track toward a newly reimagined experience, launching July 22, 2025.
This exciting update isn’t just about high-speed thrills—it’s a journey that honors the legacy of EPCOT itself. Test Track will soon incorporate elements from World of Motion, the beloved original attraction that once occupied the space, creating a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
As part of the relaunch, Test Track will be included in the top tier of Lightning Lane selections, offering guests a chance to breeze past the standby line once the ride officially opens to the public. But for Annual Passholders, the open road began even sooner.
Disney recently confirmed a series of exclusive preview dates for Passholders: July 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19. (Curiously, July 17 is not among the listed dates.) Virtual queue details were also shared through the My Disney Experience app, stating:
“On July 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19, Annual Passholders can request to join the virtual queue for Annual Passholder previews of Test Track presented by General Motors® at 7:00 a.m. (a valid Annual Pass and a theme park reservation to EPCOT is required); or at 1:00 p.m. (a valid Annual Pass is required).”
As of now, EPCOT reservations for July 13 have already been claimed, reflecting just how eagerly fans are anticipating the attraction’s return. Annual Passholders’ reaction to the virtual queue process has proven that July 22—Test Track’s official public opening—will be an absolute nightmare. APs filled the 7 a.m. virtual queue offering in three seconds.
With no virtual queue for its public opening on July 22, guests will be forced to access the ride either by traditional standby line or by purchasing the Lightning Lane Multi Pass for EPCOT that day. From July 22, Test Track will be available in the top tier of experiences, replacing Soarin’ Around the World, with guests able to pick one option from that group and two from the lower tier.
The demand shown by Annual Passholders shows that the standby line will be long and the Lightning Lane passes will fly out quickly.
The journey toward this transformation began with an announcement at D23 Expo 2024, where Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a glimpse of the future for Disney parks worldwide. “Imagineers dream, create, design and build these stories into real places,” he said. “And we have Imagineers in place right now all around the world… Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving.”
And indeed, the plans are well underway. Earlier this year, during Women in Construction Week, fans were treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at the work happening behind EPCOT’s construction walls. In a video shared to Instagram, Project Engineer Carleigh walked viewers through an average day on site, showcasing stripped-down queue areas making way for a bold new design direction.
Shortly after, the excitement revved up again when Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled the attraction’s new marquee signage. Featuring a sleek, modern logo in illuminated letters, the sign perfectly complements the updated exterior architecture. “Installation of the new marquee at Test Track presented by @generalmotors has begun!” Imagineering shared on Instagram, highlighting the teamwork that’s bringing this ambitious project to life.
This refresh also marks the latest creative collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and General Motors. Together, they’re introducing what Disney describes as “an all-new storyline”—one that sets the stage for a completely refreshed ride experience built on the bones of a fan favorite.
Disney Parks Blog summed up the spirit of the reimagining with a simple call to adventure: “Get ready to feel the thrill of the open road, the wind in your hair, and nothing but adventure ahead!” Fans can look forward to a ride that captures the essence of forward motion while staying true to EPCOT’s roots in discovery and innovation.
Elsewhere in the resort, transformation is on the horizon. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed, while early landscape work has kicked off for the future “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, meanwhile, has begun development on a new land themed to Monsters, Inc., signaling more immersive storytelling to come.
With Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe now officially open just down the road, vacation planners are paying close attention to the timeline of Disney’s upcoming offerings—especially those like Test Track, which merge beloved history with cutting-edge thrills.
As new visuals, details, and updates continue to roll out, anticipation is building. From concept to construction to completion, each piece of the puzzle brings fans one step closer to rejoining the open road. Whether you’re a lifelong EPCOT enthusiast or a first-time rider, the next evolution of Test Track is ready to shift your imagination into high gear.
How do you feel about the new version of Test Track? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!