Disney Fans Stunned as EPCOT Prepares for a Major Ride Makeover

If you’re a longtime fan of EPCOT, you know Test Track has been one of the go-to rides for thrill seekers since it opened in 1999. It’s that perfect blend of speed and technology that makes it such a standout.

But Disney being Disney, they’re always looking to push the envelope, and now we’re gearing up for Test Track 3.0! Yep, it’s time for another major overhaul, and honestly, I’m really excited to see what they’ve got planned.

So, let’s take a little stroll down memory lane first. The original version of Test Track was all about simulating how cars are tested in real-world conditions. General Motors (later Chevrolet) sponsored the attraction, and you got to experience everything from brake tests to environmental chambers, all before hitting that high-speed finale on the outdoor track.

It felt like you were a crash test dummy in the best way possible! Back in 2012, Disney revamped the ride into Test Track 2.0, giving it a more futuristic vibe. They let you design your own car in the queue, which you’d then “test” on the track. It was cool to see how your design held up against the various tests, but now… it’s time for the next chapter.

What’s New for Test Track 3.0?

From what we’ve heard so far, this next iteration is going to be a mashup of nostalgia and innovation. Disney has been dropping hints that this new version will take inspiration from World of Motion, the classic EPCOT attraction that Test Track replaced.

If you’re an old-school EPCOT fan, you know World of Motion was a whimsical journey through the history of transportation. It was more about the storytelling and less about the thrills, so it’s interesting that Disney is looking to merge the two concepts.

The new ride is expected to feature more natural environments. We’re talking about zooming through scenic outdoor areas, something quite different from the industrial look of the current Test Track.

I’ve seen some concept art floating around, and it looks like we’ll be seeing lush, wooded landscapes—so, basically, Test Track is trading its steel and concrete aesthetic for something more organic and visually stunning.

Construction Updates: What’s Going On Right Now

So, if you’ve been keeping up with the latest from Bioreconstruct (they’ve been posting some killer aerial shots on X), you probably know that the construction is in full swing.

Current construction outside of Test Track. pic.twitter.com/XVZocoAu0l

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 28, 2024

One of the most noticeable changes is the demolition of the ride’s entrance. The old canopy has been torn down, and it looks like Disney is building a new overhang that’s rounder and sleeker. We’re seeing new steel supports going up around the track too, so it seems like there’s a lot happening behind those construction walls.

There’s also been some talk of permits being filed to install “set elements.” What does that mean exactly? Well, it’s still pretty vague, but it sounds like there could be some exciting new additions to the ride’s interior scenes. I’m betting we’ll get some updated show scenes that focus on the future of transportation, tying into the World of Motion vibe while still keeping that high-speed excitement we love from Test Track.

Let’s not forget that all of this is part of EPCOT’s broader transformation. Over the past few years, the park has seen a ton of changes, from new rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to reimagined areas like Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Disney is really leaning into this idea of blending the past with the future, and I think Test Track’s reimagining fits right into that theme.

EPCOT’s Future World has been rebranded into different “neighborhoods”—World Discovery, World Nature, and World Celebration. Test Track is going to be a major part of World Discovery, which focuses on technology and space exploration. It’s cool to see EPCOT evolving, but still holding on to some of its classic attractions and ideals.

Final Thoughts

I know some people are nervous about what these changes might mean for Test Track, but personally, I think Disney is on the right track (no pun intended). The ride has always been about pushing boundaries, and with this mix of nostalgia and new tech, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting reimaginations in the park’s history. Keep an eye out for more updates, because this ride is going to be something special when it reopens in 2025!