After Test Track’s Overhaul, Another EPCOT Ride Could Be Next in Line

If there’s one thing Disney World is famous for—beyond the fireworks, characters, and parades—it’s change. Rides close, lands transform, and new experiences spring to life in ways that keep fans on their toes. EPCOT, in particular, has been the center of some of Disney’s boldest moves over the last decade. The park has steadily evolved from World Showcase expansions to massive future world transformations.

And now, with Test Track officially overhauled into its 3.0 version, fans are already asking the big question: what’s next? Rumors and speculation have zeroed in on several EPCOT staples, and one attraction may be sitting closer to the chopping block than most people realize.

Concept art for Test Track at Disney World — Credit: Disney

The Evolution of Test Track

Test Track has always been one of EPCOT’s defining rides. Originally opening in 1999 as a General Motors partnership, it quickly became known for its high-speed finale, making it one of the park’s most thrilling attractions. But it wasn’t immune to Disney’s habit of reinvention. In 2012, Test Track received a major rebrand into the sleek, futuristic version many guests enjoyed over the past decade.

Fast-forward to today, and Test Track 3.0 has officially taken the stage. This latest update combines the nostalgia of the original ride with a forward-looking aesthetic, giving guests a sense of speed and storytelling that better aligns with EPCOT’s new vision. Disney has leaned into a design that blends cutting-edge tech with more immersive theming, ensuring the ride feels like a cohesive part of the park’s transformation.

But while Test Track has been given new life, the ride’s overhaul only shines a brighter spotlight on EPCOT’s other long-standing attractions. And some of them may not be so safe.

Six Guests grinning as a car drives them at top speed on Chevrolet Test Track - a Walt Disney World ride. — Credit: Disney

EPCOT’s Classics Under the Microscope

When people think of EPCOT, a few rides immediately come to mind: Spaceship Earth, Mission: SPACE, and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. These rides are beloved in their own ways, but they also share a common thread—they’re aging. As Disney continues positioning EPCOT as a park that celebrates innovation, storytelling, and international culture, these classics could be next for an update.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros — Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic

Spaceship Earth, the park’s icon, has already faced years of speculation about a potential closure and refresh. Gran Fiesta Tour, tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion, often finds itself in rumors of a retheme to the Pixar film Coco. And then there’s Mission: SPACE, the ambitious simulator that has always split guest opinions.

The reality is that not every attraction can stand still while the rest of the park evolves. Test Track’s new look makes Disney more likely to turn its attention to another of these rides. And Mission: SPACE might be the strongest candidate.

A monorail passes in front of a large, spherical structure lit up with a gradient of red, white, and blue lights at night, creating a futuristic atmosphere. The structure's geometric pattern is highlighted by the lighting. Trees are visible below the platform. — Credit: Disney

Why Mission: SPACE Stands Out

Mission: SPACE opened in 2003 with a bold promise: simulate the experience of training like an astronaut and blasting off to Mars. Partnered with NASA, the attraction used a centrifuge system to give riders the sensation of real G-forces. It was a technical marvel at the time and perfectly aligned with EPCOT’s futuristic identity.

But the years haven’t been kind. Many guests find the ride too intense, and it’s gained a reputation for making even thrill-seekers queasy. To address that, Disney added a “Green Mission” in 2006—an easier version that dials down the intensity. The “Orange Mission,” meanwhile, kept the original high-octane experience.

Still, despite these changes, Mission: SPACE has struggled to maintain the excitement it once inspired. Compared to newer attractions across Walt Disney World—like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which blends thrills with humor, characters, and an engaging story—Mission: SPACE feels dated. It’s not hard to imagine Disney looking at the ride and deciding it’s time for a reimagining.

The exterior of Mission: SPACE at EPCOT inside of Disney World on a bright, sunny day. — Credit: Disney

Possible Paths Forward

So, what could happen if Disney decides Mission: SPACE is next? There are a few possibilities, and each could drastically reshape the attraction’s future.

1. A Full Overhaul With a New Storyline – Disney could choose to keep the simulator system but reimagine the story. Instead of blasting off to Mars, guests might participate in a space rescue mission, defend Earth from an asteroid, or explore distant galaxies. A refreshed storyline could keep the ride’s unique technology alive while making it more accessible and exciting for today’s audiences.

A futuristic space-themed arcade with rows of brightly lit gaming stations and a large "Mission: Space Race" sign above, featuring neon lights and a rocket graphic. Multiple screens display space visuals. — Credit: Disney

2. An IP Retheme – In recent years, Disney has leaned heavily on recognizable intellectual properties (IPs) to anchor attractions. Just look at Frozen Ever After in Norway or Ratatouille in France. Mission: SPACE could follow this trend. A surprising candidate? Stitch.

The mischievous blue alien has long been tied to Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, even after Stitch’s Great Escape! closing, but EPCOT could offer a chance to give him new life. Imagine Stitch hijacking a “space training” mission, turning the ride into a chaotic but hilarious intergalactic adventure. It would instantly add humor, character appeal, and a family-friendly edge to a ride many currently skip.

Interior of former Stitch's Great Escape! — Credit: Inside the Magic

3. A Complete Replacement – Of course, Disney might decide Mission: SPACE has simply run its course. If so, they could tear down the attraction entirely and build something brand new. EPCOT’s transformation has already proven the company isn’t afraid of big moves, and the land occupied by Mission: SPACE could open doors to fresh ideas that align more closely with the park’s new philosophy.

Sign for "The Seas with Nemo & Friends" on rocks surrounded by greenery, near three seagull statues. Epcot's iconic Spaceship Earth dome and Mission: Space can be seen in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the Magic

The Bigger Picture

If Test Track’s overhaul proves anything, Disney is committed to keeping EPCOT fresh. But every update sets a precedent—if one classic ride can be transformed, why not another? Spaceship Earth, Gran Fiesta Tour, and Mission: SPACE are all waiting in the wings, and fans know it’s only a matter of time before one gets the call.

Mission: SPACE makes the most sense. Its technology is unique but underutilized, its storyline is stale, and it doesn’t generate the crowds Disney looks for in a headliner attraction. Change feels inevitable through a new storyline, an IP overlay, or a complete replacement.

Figment high-fiving a child guest at the Disney World park EPCOT, where dozens of Disney World rides live. — Credit: Disney

EPCOT’s Future

Disney World is a place built on evolution. Test Track 3.0 is the latest chapter in EPCOT’s ongoing story, but it won’t be the last. While no official announcements have been made, the writing on the wall points to another significant change coming soon—and Mission: SPACE could be first in line.

For fans, that means excitement, curiosity, and maybe a little anxiety. Will the next overhaul breathe new life into a struggling attraction, or will it replace a classic with something completely unexpected? One thing’s for sure: just like Test Track, EPCOT’s future is speeding toward us, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.