EPCOTNews

Disney Retools Lightning Lane Again One Year After Cancelling Genie+

Today marks a new chapter in EPCOT’s ongoing transformation as the newly reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors officially opens to guests on July 22, 2025. Nestled in World Discovery, this isn’t just a ride update—it’s a tribute to the park’s rich legacy, blending high-speed thrills with a heartfelt nod to its roots.

The exterior of Test Track in EPCOT
Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

With this grand opening comes a shift in how guests experience the attraction. Test Track has now taken its place among EPCOT’s top-tier Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections, replacing Soarin’ Around the World. Guests booking Lightning Lane access may now select one top-tier experience—from Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, or the new Test Track—alongside two additional attractions from a wider tier that includes Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, Turtle Talk with Crush, and more.

The new Test Track takes cues from EPCOT’s storied past, especially from the original World of Motion experience that once occupied the same footprint. The refreshed ride honors that legacy by combining retro-futuristic design elements with forward-thinking energy, creating a journey that resonates with longtime EPCOT fans and curious newcomers alike.

Spaceship Earth as visible from Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Anticipation has been building steadily in recent weeks. Annual Passholders were treated to special previews ahead of the grand opening on July 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19. Access was initially granted via the My Disney Experience app’s virtual queue at 7:00 a.m. (with park reservations) and 1:00 p.m. (without), but demand was sky-high. On July 13, the 7:00 a.m. queue filled within just three seconds.

However, flexibility soon followed. By July 18, Disney began allowing Passholders to enter by simply confirming their credentials at the attraction’s entrance, bypassing the virtual queue system entirely. This adjustment helped more guests enjoy the ride before previews concluded.

Soft openings quietly began on July 20, when cast members invited all guests to ride through the standby line. The soft opening continued through July 21, leading directly into the official launch day.

Concept art for Test Track at Disney World
Credit: Disney

It’s worth noting that EPCOT’s Lightning Lane tiered system was introduced on July 24, 2024, during the transition from the original Genie+ system to the current Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Test Track wasn’t available in the initial rollout due to its refurbishment, which began June 17. Now, with its return, guests have a new thrill to prioritize in their daily planning.

And EPCOT isn’t the only park welcoming something new. Over at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade officially debuted on July 20 following two days of previews. This new nighttime spectacular performs twice nightly at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., adding even more magic to the Walt Disney World Resort experience.

Whether you're drawn in by the sleek redesign or captivated by echoes of EPCOT’s past, this refreshed version of Test Track is ready to race you into the future.

Have you had the chance to ride yet? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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