A major milestone has been reached in EPCOT’s ongoing transformation—ride vehicle testing has officially begun on one of the park’s most anticipated attraction overhauls.
The latest development signals that work is progressing behind construction walls, bringing the ride closer to reopening than ever before.
Disney had previously stated that the ride’s refurbishment would last until “Late Summer 2025,” but with vehicle testing now in motion, speculation is growing that it could be ready sooner than expected.
A Long Road to Reinvention
EPCOT has been undergoing a multi-year transformation, shifting away from its original Future World layout and into newly defined areas like World Celebration, World Discovery, and World Nature. This shift has brought major additions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the Moana-themed Journey of Water, and an updated nighttime spectacular.
While much of the park’s construction has been completed, one major project has remained behind walls: a total reimagining of one of EPCOT’s most thrilling attractions. This ride has already undergone a major transformation once before, but the latest iteration aims to blend nostalgic elements from the past with a sleek, futuristic experience.
Concept art suggests that Disney Imagineering is taking inspiration from World of Motion, the attraction that originally stood in this location before being replaced in the late 1990s. Test Track 3.0 will feature a redesigned queue with six themed areas celebrating innovation and transportation history while also incorporating new ride scenes and onboard technology.
What Ride Testing Means for the Timeline
Typically, when a Disney attraction reaches the ride testing phase, it means significant portions of the refurbishment have been completed—especially when it comes to ride systems and track functionality. However, the overall timeline remains uncertain.
While some fans are hoping for an earlier-than-expected opening, there’s still a lot of work left to be done inside the attraction. Much of the queue, show scenes, and exterior branding are still under construction, meaning that the ride’s official return could still be months away.
Disney’s “Late Summer 2025” timeframe could mean anything from July to early fall. If the attraction isn’t ready by mid-summer, some speculate that Disney may push its return to the busy holiday season to maximize its impact as a major new offering.
What to Expect from the Reimagined Ride
Although the ride’s overall format is expected to remain similar, it will likely feature significant updates to its visuals, ride vehicles, and storyline. Past refurbishments have transformed this attraction from a crash-test experience to a sleek, futuristic vehicle simulation, and this next iteration aims to take things even further.
One of the most interesting changes is the shift from Chevrolet branding to General Motors, signaling a broader partnership with the automaker. This could mean more emphasis on automotive history and technological advancements rather than a focus on specific car models.
The Future of EPCOT’s Ride Lineup
With this attraction’s closure, EPCOT has seen longer wait times for other thrill rides like Soarin’ and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Once this ride returns, it will help distribute crowds more evenly throughout the park, easing some of the pressure on other major attractions.
At the same time, Disney’s focus on this refurbishment means that other long-rumored EPCOT projects—like updates to Spaceship Earth and Journey into Imagination with Figment—may have been pushed back even further. With EPCOT’s transformation still in progress, it’s clear that the park’s lineup will continue to evolve in the coming years.
