EPCOT’s Test Track 3.0 was temporarily halted after a crash during a Disney cast member preview on June 30, injuring four guests. The incident occurred when a ride vehicle collided with foam doors that failed to open as expected near the end of the Walt Disney World Resort attraction. The special effect, which was designed to fling the doors open as the vehicle approached, was disabled after the accident.
Test Track 3.0, the latest iteration of the iconic EPCOT ride, began its cast member previews last month. Fans of the attraction have been sharing mostly positive feedback, noting that while the interactive car design stations have been removed, much of the ride’s nostalgic elements have returned. The ride vehicles have been given a fresh, futuristic paint job, and the scent of pine, a nod to vintage EPCOT, has made a comeback. The attraction is once again sponsored by General Motors (GM), which many fans are happy to see, as similar GM signage to the ride’s first iteration is also part of the new experience.
Unfortunately, Monday’s crash put a halt to the excitement. According to BlogMickey, a Test Track vehicle crashed into the foam doors, which were intended to open as the ride vehicle accelerated into the outdoor portion of the attraction. Four guests were treated for injuries at the scene, but fortunately, none of the injuries were severe enough to require hospitalization.
The foam doors, designed to be lightweight and break away upon impact, did their job by preventing more severe injuries. While the special effect malfunctioned, the backup safety mechanisms worked to protect the guests. Disney quickly removed the foam doors from the ride following the crash, although it’s unclear when or if they will return. It’s possible that the timing of the special effect will be adjusted to avoid another collision, but Disney has not yet made an official statement on that.
Despite the setback, Walt Disney World Resort continued with the Test Track previews, and cast members are able to experience the ride as planned. Test Track 3.0 is set to open to the public on July 22, 2025, and Annual Passholders will have the chance to preview the attraction starting on July 13.
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