As the ongoing transformation of EPCOT rolls on, one of the most ambitious projects that Disney is working on is a re-imagining of the 25-year old Test Track attraction. First announced last year, this “Test Track 3.0” will look back at the history of the transportation for inspiration, pulling elements from the original World of Motion attraction for this updated ride.
Details are scarce as to what this means on a functional level, but thanks to some concept art we at least know a few things about what this updated attraction will be like when it reopens.
Expect a whole new design aesthetic with this updated attraction
Test Track 2.0, which was jokingly nicknamed “Tron Track” by some debuted in 2012, and used a neon sci-fi aesthetic to help guests feel like they were experiencing future of travel. However, perhaps somewhat ironically, this design choice has become very outdated, which is perhaps one reason why Disney has decided to go back to basics with the new-and-improved Test Track.
The lone piece of concept art released by Disney shows a redesigned entrance marquee reminiscent of the original World of Motion, which will likely be a design choice that will carry over into the interior of the attraction. In addition, the long-standing overhead canopy has been removed in the concept art, giving the entrance a cleaner look that better fits in with the updated EPCOT aesthetic.
Eagle-eyed fans of this attraction will also notice in the concept art that Test Track’s signature speedy outdoor track area will continue to be a key part of the ride, so if you like feeling of going fast with the top down, you can rest assured that this new, reimagined attraction will still feature this iconic finale.
The current version of Test Track will close forever on June 17, 2024
The current iteration of Test Track, which debuted over a decade ago, will be shutting down forever in just a few weeks on June 17. Though no official re-launch date has been set for the upcoming Test Track 3.0, we would guess that Disney is targeting a mid-2025 reopening date for this updated attraction. Because a lot of work will be going into reimagining this ride, we’d guess that construction will probably take at least a year, and with the summer closing date, it seems likely that Disney is hoping to have this re-opening ready for next summer.
Though details right now on this reimagining are scarce, Disney will undoubtedly share more about what we can expect when the attraction in its current form shuts down in June. They will also probably address the specific reopening timetable and share additional details this August at the D23 Expo during their Parks and Experiences panel, which is happening on Saturday, August 10.
Until then, we can just speculate about what Disney’s ultimate plans are for this updated ride, and dream about what could come next for this iconic EPCOT attraction following this ambitious refurbishment. What would you like to see done in this extensive reimagining of Test Track? Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
