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Credit: DisneyAfter opening at the end of July, guests visiting EPCOT recently were left disappointed due to its closure.
Test Track 3.0 Opens at EPCOT Theme Park
Guests visiting EPCOT this summer are stepping into the future with a nod to the past, thanks to the grand reopening of Test Track presented by General Motors, which officially welcomed guests on July 22, 2025.
The reimagined attraction is now thrilling visitors with a refreshed storyline, sleek new visuals, and a design that honors the spirit of progress EPCOT has long been known for.
This newest iteration doesn’t just introduce enhanced effects or futuristic aesthetics; it carries forward a legacy. Drawing meaningful inspiration from the classic World of Motion attraction, the updated Test Track blends the heart of EPCOT’s beginnings with a forward-looking ride experience.
Riders embark on a fast-paced adventure that celebrates motion, design, and innovation.
The anticipation began well before opening day. Annual Passholders had the unique opportunity to preview the attraction on July 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19, initially using the virtual queue system in the My Disney Experience app. Entry times were available at 7:00 a.m. with a park reservation, and again at 1:00 p.m. without one.
The demand was tremendous—on July 13, virtual queue spots were fully booked within three seconds, highlighting how eager guests were to experience EPCOT’s reimagined corner of World Discovery.
Later in the preview period, the process became even more seamless. By July 18, some Passholders noted that cast members were allowing direct entry at the attraction after verifying credentials, offering more flexibility during the limited-time previews.
The momentum didn’t stop there. On July 20 and 21, EPCOT quietly launched a soft opening of the attraction to all guests using the standby queue, offering even more fans an early look at Test Track’s new layout and storytelling enhancements.
Test Track’s Multi-Hour Opening Day Wait and Lightning Lane Change
Once the gates officially opened on July 22, excitement was in full gear. Just 15 minutes after EPCOT began admitting guests, the standby line surged to a 150-minute wait, stretching well past the attraction and winding toward Creations Shop. It was a clear sign that the next chapter of Test Track had officially arrived in style.
Operational changes followed closely behind. As part of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass tier system—launched in July 2024—Test Track has taken a top-tier position, replacing Soarin’ Around the World. Guests now have the option to experience it via standby or by selecting it as one of their three Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions.
Here’s how EPCOT’s current Lightning Lane tiers break down:
Select up to one experience from this group:
Frozen Ever After
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Test Track
Select the remaining two (or all three) from this group:
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Mission: SPACE
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Soarin’ Around the World
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk with Crush
The attraction’s inclusion in the top tier also marks its official return to EPCOT’s lineup following its temporary closure on June 17, 2024, during which it underwent this comprehensive transformation.
Test Track Closed During EPCOT’s After Hours
During the hard-ticketed Disney After Hours event at EPCOT theme park, where guests with tickets can access the park after it closes to regular visitors, the new Test Track attraction was closed. Photos of the signage, courtesy of Kenny the Pirate, show that Test Track was shut down to After Hours guests.
On July 31, 2025, “Guests attending the EPCOT After Hours were surprised and disappointed when they discovered that Test Track would not be operating for the entire event. A sign was out that stated, ‘Test Track Presented by General Motors will be available for limited hours tonight,'” the outlet wrote.
While guests may have presumed Test Track would be open during After Hours, especially considering other big draws like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are, the official Walt Disney World website does not list the attraction as being part of the event line-up.
Meanwhile, over at Magic Kingdom Park, another new experience is capturing hearts. The Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade officially debuted on July 20, following two preview nights.
The nighttime spectacular is now lighting up Main Street, U.S.A., with performances at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., adding extra enchantment to summer evenings across the resort.
From thrilling updates to beloved attractions to brand-new entertainment offerings, it’s a vibrant season for Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you’re a longtime fan of EPCOT’s history or simply ready for an exhilarating new ride, the updated Test Track invites you to fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride into tomorrow–just not at the After Hours events.
How do you feel about the absence of Test Track during the hard-ticketed Disney After Hours event at EPCOT? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!