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Credit: DisneyEPCOT has been going through a massive transformation over the past few years, with Disney making big changes to bring new experiences to the park.
What was once Future World world celebration insidethemagic.net—World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature—each focusing on different aspects of exploration and storytelling.
The reimagining of EPCOT has included everything from the addition of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to the complete overhaul of the park’s central hub, but one of the most highly anticipated projects is the transformation of Test Track.
Since its debut in 1999, Test Track has been one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, giving guests the chance to design their own virtual car before putting it to the test on a high-speed track. The attraction has already undergone one major redesign in 2012, moving away from its original industrial crash-test theme and shifting to a sleek, futuristic SIM car experience sponsored by Chevrolet.
Now, it’s getting another significant overhaul, with Test Track 3.0 promising a ride that looks to the past while pushing into the future.
A Look at Test Track’s Transformation
Disney first announced the latest Test Track reimagining at Destination D23, with concept art showing a new take on the attraction that draws inspiration from World of Motion, the beloved dark ride that occupied the same pavilion before Test Track was introduced.
The goal? To blend nostalgia with innovation, giving guests a ride that celebrates automotive history, technological advancements, and the thrill of the open road.
According to Disney, the queue will be getting a major refresh, with six distinct exhibit areas showcasing both vehicles and the people behind them. The ride itself will continue to focus on customization, onboard technology, and the joy of driving, but it’s expected to have an updated visual and thematic experience.
One of the key changes is a shift in sponsorship branding—while the previous version was distinctly Chevrolet, the reimagined ride will be branded under General Motors, its parent company.
The exterior of Test Track has already seen some visible updates, with fresh paint being applied to the track and a new curved entrance being built to replace the old canopy. While the exact opening date hasn’t been set, Disney has stated that the ride will return in “Late Summer 2025,” though some reports suggest it could slip into the fall.
“The queue will feature six distinct exhibits, and within each room celebrate the vehicles – and people behind the vehicles – that push the envelope and help get people to our next chapter in our motion journey,” Disney shared.
Ride Testing Begins at EPCOT – What This Means
Despite the extensive changes being made inside and out, a big milestone has already been reached: ride vehicle testing has officially begun. This is a major step in the refurbishment process, as it suggests that at least some of the core ride systems are operational and being tested for reliability and efficiency.
Recent videos captured at EPCOT show Test Track vehicles running along the exterior portion of the track at night, marking the first time in months that movement has been spotted on the ride.
Normally, vehicle testing is one of the final phases of a refurbishment, which raises some interesting questions.
Does this mean Test Track is ahead of schedule? It’s possible, though it’s equally likely that Disney is simply testing new or refurbished vehicles while the ride’s show scenes and queue areas are still under construction. Given how ambitious this overhaul is expected to be, there’s still a lot of work to be done before guests will be racing through the redesigned course.
There’s also speculation about whether the new ride vehicles will differ from the previous SIM cars. While nothing official has been announced, it’s worth noting that Test Track’s vehicles were removed early in the refurbishment, suggesting that they may have received significant updates. Whether that means a new design, enhanced technology, or simply a fresh coat of paint remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Test Track?
With testing now underway, Disney is moving into the next phase of the attraction’s development. While the ride’s track remains unchanged, the updates to the queue, show scenes, and overall theme will likely continue to take shape in the coming months.
Concept art hints at a more immersive experience, potentially featuring projection mapping, interactive elements, and a greater focus on storytelling rather than just speed and thrills.
There’s also the question of when Test Track will officially reopen. While “Late Summer 2025” is the target, the definition of “late summer” is always a bit flexible in Disney terms. Some believe it could debut around July 4, making it a big summer draw for EPCOT, while others speculate that it may slip to early fall or even closer to October 1, which would align with past major EPCOT openings. That’s all speculation, though.
Regardless of the exact timing, the return of Test Track is going to be a major event. As one of the few thrill rides in EPCOT, its absence has been felt, with longer wait times at attractions like Soarin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When it finally reopens, it’s sure to be a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the future of automotive design—Disney-style.
For now, all eyes are on the continued construction and ride testing. As progress continues, we’ll be keeping a close watch on when Disney finally gives the green light for guests to buckle up and hit the road once again.