Credit: DisneyIt was supposed to be a comeback. After over a year behind construction walls, Test Track finally reopened at EPCOT with fresh upgrades and a brand-new look. But now, just weeks later, something’s gone wrong. Really wrong. Guests expecting high-speed thrills have been met with downtime, frustration, and a sense of déjà vu instead.
Rumors are already swirling, and some fans wonder: Did Disney rush the ride back too soon? Is Test Track in trouble again? If you’ve tried to ride it lately, you’ve probably noticed—it’s not exactly running like a dream.
A Wave of Refurbishments Across the Parks
Before discussing what’s happening at Test Track, let’s examine some of the other major updates across Walt Disney World. It’s been a busy year for refurbishments, with some fan-favorite rides getting a much-needed refresh.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid recently returned with brighter scenes, smoother movement, and more vibrant lighting. Also, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in Magic Kingdom in January 2025 for refurbishment. Disney has not confirmed a reopening date, only offering that it will be sometime in 2026. And soon, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will go down for its own glow-up, with new vehicles, upgraded targets, and some spruced-up animatronics on the way. It will close on August 4, opening again sometime in 2026.
Disney’s trying to keep its classics fresh. But that brings us back to EPCOT, where one high-speed ride was supposed to lead the charge.
What’s New on Test Track 3.0?
When Test Track reopened on July 22, 2025, guests were welcomed into an updated experience that celebrated both the past and the future of transportation. Gone was the heavy Chevrolet branding. In its place, General Motors and Disney Imagineers introduced six redesigned queue exhibits, a new musical score, futuristic lighting effects, and sleeker interiors on the ride vehicles.
The storyline now leans into World of Motion nostalgia, with a sharper focus on innovation. Thousands of light points pulse throughout the attraction, simulating next-gen sensors and safety tech. It all looks fantastic—when it’s working.
And to streamline access, Test Track now uses Lightning Lane reservations instead of a virtual queue.
A Rough Return for EPCOT’s Fastest Ride
Unfortunately, all that tech hasn’t helped keep the ride online. On reopening day, Test Track saw a wait time of 150 minutes just after the park opened, but the real issue came later. The attraction suffered a major afternoon shutdown that lasted several hours, leaving frustrated guests staring at closed doors.
It didn’t stop there. Over the following days, the ride experienced multiple temporary closures—some short, some stretching for hours. It became a pattern: guests would queue up, only to be turned away or stuck waiting during unexpected downtimes.
From Comeback to Concern
It’s a disappointing turn for a ride that was supposed to lead EPCOT into the future. Instead, Test Track is already struggling to stay operational—and that’s raising serious questions about its long-term reliability. Could it be headed for more extended downtime?
While Disney hasn’t announced anything official, the early performance of Test Track 3.0 isn’t inspiring confidence. For now, it’s a gamble—get a Lightning Lane and cross your fingers. Because if this trend keeps up, guests might be waiting even longer… for it to reopen again.