New Test Track [Archive] - VinylNation Forums

mbo516

01-25-2012, 09:03 AM

I'm surprised I couldn't find a thread about this. Anyway, if you haven't heard there will be a refurbished, all new test track experience coming to EPCOT in the fall. Refurbishment starts in April.
It's unfortunate for me because I am taking 2 first timers down to WDW in May, and they will miss test track.

To clear up any confusion about this...the ride will be relatively the same..it is not going to be "virtual" or anything. It will still be a similar track and what not but it's more interactive and Chevrolet branded.

Beginning this fall, Epcot guests will be able to enjoy a re-imagined version of the popular Future World attraction, Test Track presented by Chevrolet.

This new version of the attraction will transform the current testing workshop into the sleek “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot,” where guests can become immersed in the fun – and fast – world of automotive design. Here, guests will become automotive designers and create their own custom vehicles. Next, they’ll buckle into a six-person SimCar ride vehicle and test out their design on the challenging track of the Test Track course.
Afterward, guests can take a fascinating look into the future of transportation by viewing a collection of the latest Chevrolet vehicles in an all-new showroom.
This fun new experience is the result of a renewed, multi-year business relationship between Disney and General Motors, companies that have worked together for more than 30 years.

MsDisneyFan

01-25-2012, 09:49 AM

I'm really curious to see how the experience changes!

LindsayinNJ

01-25-2012, 11:19 AM

Hmm interesting! I've only been on Test Track twice. I know everyone really loves it and while I think it's overall cool, I find it boring until the very end. :)

My sister, who's 26, was so scared when we went on in Nov so I can't wait to tell her they're changing it probably to be more exciting aka "scary"! :lol:

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CreateAmations

01-25-2012, 12:16 PM

Original insider word I got on this months ago was that the ride would be seeing the addition of several new show scenes inside the relatively empty warehouse as we currently know it, making it more like a modern version of World of Motion. That being sad, indications since are that might have changed, as all talk *only* touches on the pre and post shows. Here's hoping there is something they're not telling us so far...

Vinyl Chaser

01-25-2012, 12:47 PM

CreateAmations

01-25-2012, 02:03 PM

i love test track, i really hope they dont change it for the worse... last time they messed with one of my favorite attractions they turned a blood dripping, scaly creature from the deepest depths of the worst parts of space... into stitch... it would be cool if they add a little more of the "tests" to it, maby spice up some old ones, it would be cool if they make a manuverability test in it where were go at high speeds dodging traffic =D

I don't mean any disrespect to you - but Test Track - in terms of a show - is essentially an empty, open warehouse building with a track through it. There's very little they could *subtract* from that. By contrast, World of Motion was an elaborately themed journey through countless, highly detailed sets rich with detail and filled with dozens of audio animatronics figures. Test Track *is* the Stitch's Great Escape of this story. I'm hopeful that this refurbishment gives it a little more attention than indicated.

BTW - HUGE Alien Encounter fan. I feel your pain on that one.

Aaralyn

01-25-2012, 02:16 PM

I am a fan of the current Test Track and apparently lots of other people are too given the waits for the ride. As long as the new ride still goes around the sloped track at the end, I'll be happy.

CreateAmations

01-25-2012, 02:20 PM

I am a fan of the current Test Track and apparently lots of other people are too given the waits for the ride. As long as the new ride still goes around the sloped track at the end, I'll be happy.

While people DO like Test Track - one thing a LOT of people don't get is that wait time does NOT accurately indicate a measure of popularity. In many cases, it can - but one must not lose sight of the fact that there are other factors which contribute to long lines - like the ride's capacity. Test Track (and Toy Story Midway Mania) - while both have their fans - are *not* indicitive of the most popular ride in the park because of their line lengths; their capacities are lower than other like-scaled attractions - thus forcing the lines to be longer on average simply because less people can get on the ride every hour.

Aaralyn

01-25-2012, 02:27 PM

While people DO like Test Track - one thing a LOT of people don't get is that wait time does NOT accurately indicate a measure of popularity. In many cases, it can - but one must not lose sight of the fact that there are other factors which contribute to long lines - like the ride's capacity. Test Track (and Toy Story Midway Mania) - while both have their fans - are *not* indicitive of the most popular ride in the park because of their line lengths; their capacities are lower than other like-scaled attractions - thus forcing the lines to be longer on average simply because less people can get on the ride every hour.

That's a good point. We always take full advantage of the Fastpass system while in the parks. Standing in line for an hour isn't very much fun. Hopefully the newer Test Track will seat more people or somehow have more cars.

CreateAmations

01-25-2012, 02:31 PM

That's a good point. We always take full advantage of the Fastpass system while in the parks. Standing in line for an hour isn't very much fun. Hopefully the newer Test Track will seat more people or somehow have more cars.

Unfortunately one thing that I CAN confirm without a doubt is that the ride is not getting new cars. They will continue to seat six people in the awkward (for a theme park) three across per row configuration. Nothing will change for the ride's capacity. Everything is strictly a show alteration and integration of new sponsorship ties.

timmay9162

02-05-2012, 06:38 PM

Unfortunately one thing that I CAN confirm without a doubt is that the ride is not getting new cars. They will continue to seat six people in the awkward (for a theme park) three across per row configuration. Nothing will change for the ride's capacity. Everything is strictly a show alteration and integration of new sponsorship ties.

When I was there in December some of the cars had new graphics on them. I asked a CM why they were different and she said those were the first cars to get refurbed for the ride when it reopens. She said they had to use them because so many other cars were broke down.

CreateAmations

02-05-2012, 08:56 PM

When I was there in December some of the cars had new graphics on them. I asked a CM why they were different and she said those were the first cars to get refurbed for the ride when it reopens. She said they had to use them because so many other cars were broke down.

Yeah - it basically is just a new graphic sticker (like a bus wrap) on the existing cars. Nothing new I'm afraid :(

timmay9162

02-05-2012, 09:02 PM

Yeah - it basically is just a new graphic sticker (like a bus wrap) on the existing cars. Nothing new I'm afraid :(

Which is disappointing because to me the cars need alot more work than a wrap.

CreateAmations

02-05-2012, 09:05 PM

Which is disappointing because to me the cars need alot more work than a wrap.

Like 4-across seating. That would do wonders for the ride's capacity. Generally speaking, many families travel in even numbers.

Though if I would wish for anything to be changed, it would be the awful, uncomfortable, jerky stop and go braking at the end of the ride!

timmay9162

02-05-2012, 09:19 PM

Like 4-across seating. That would do wonders for the ride's capacity. Generally speaking, many families travel in even numbers.

Though if I would wish for anything to be changed, it would be the awful, uncomfortable, jerky stop and go breaking at the end of the ride!

Yes 4 across seating would be awesome. Yeah the breaking at the end is horrible but I don't think it can be fixed or Disney probably would have already fixed it. It will be interesting to see if it does the same thing on Radiator Springs Racers.

CreateAmations

02-05-2012, 10:28 PM

Yes 4 across seating would be awesome. Yeah the breaking at the end is horrible but I don't think it can be fixed or Disney probably would have already fixed it. It will be interesting to see if it does the same thing on Radiator Springs Racers.

Haha, don't think it can be fixed? Does any other ride brake that way? Of course it can! Journey to the Center of the Earth isn't anything like that - and it's the same ride system. It's not the ride type; it's Test Track!

Radiator Springs Racers goes *much* slower. Top speed is around 40 miles per hour. Test Track is 65. Easier to slow something that is going 25 mph slower to begin with. That said - regardless - like I said Journey does not brake like that. I'm sure RSR won't either!

timmay9162

02-05-2012, 10:31 PM

Haha, don't think it can be fixed? Does any other ride brake that way? Of course it can! Journey to the Center of the Earth isn't anything like that - and it's the same ride system. It's not the ride type; it's Test Track!

Radiator Springs Racers goes *much* slower. Top speed is around 40 miles per hour. Test Track is 65. Easier to slow something that is going 25 mph slower to begin with. That said - regardless - like I said Journey does not brake like that. I'm sure RSR won't either!

That is true I forgot the Racers aren't going to be fast. The braking is kinds like ABS it pulses to a stop so it doesn't skid. Maybe it helps save the tires as well.

CreateAmations

02-05-2012, 11:24 PM

That is true I forgot the Racers aren't going to be fast. The braking is kinds like ABS it pulses to a stop so it doesn't skid. Maybe it helps save the tires as well.

Seriously - it is a design flaw - and it was corrected in Journey to the Center of the Earth. It's not *supposed* to be that way!

CrustyJuggler

02-06-2012, 02:11 PM

I think it would be really cool if they changed the whole concept of the Test Track ride into an actual Race Track ride. I've been invited a few times to BMW performance driving events at Gillette Stadium parking lot where they basically let you take a 3 series around a track (made of cones) as fast as you want with a driving instructor. The funnest parts of the Test Track ride (the mountain climb, straight-away, etc) could be easily incorporated into a racing experience. I know it will never happen since a huge change like this would cost tens of millions, but one can always hope!

Joker35

07-04-2012, 09:25 PM

i cant wait to see the new track. i was down there in may and was sad the exhibit was closed. but i cant to see what has changed.

Vargas

07-05-2012, 08:23 AM

I guess I will skip Epcot this trip.

vinylmiss

07-06-2012, 08:38 PM

Vargas... You can't skip Epcot... You'll miss out on all the delicious Arancini at Via Napoli !! ^__^

SorcererAdam

07-15-2012, 12:08 AM

They should get the guys from Top Gear to narrate the pre-show. They used Jeremy Clarkson as Lightning McQueen's agent (instead of Jeremy Piven) in the UK version of cars.

niftyk13

07-15-2012, 06:04 PM

I agree with everyone talking about the 4 person across car that would make life so much easier. It always leaves someone from my family awkwardly sitting by people we don't know. I hope the ride is a little longer inside, maybe more 'experiements'? I think it's a fun ride, but it could be longer, but then again that would make wait times even longer so I wouldn't want that.

BrittLee

07-15-2012, 06:19 PM

I guess I will skip Epcot this trip.

We went without Test Track and though some lines were longer (pretty much just Soarin', honestly) it was still great.

Depending on who comes on the trip, four across would actually create the situation everyone is trying to avoid for my family (sometimes we're a five, sometimes a four!) but it would definitely help with the capacity issue!

jrogue

07-15-2012, 09:49 PM

CreateAmations

07-15-2012, 10:23 PM

I'm super excited that they're doing something to spruce this up! The ride lost its awe to me when I realized the cars were driving at 60mph. I was like "hey ... I've driven faster than that! Well, now this is lame!"

But you have to understand - the premise of Test Track was to test cars that you'd be driving on normal roads - *not* race cars. Test Track's top speed is 65mph because the majority of highways around the US use that as their standard speed limit. It was quite intentional - not just "how fast it ended up going."

Also - if your gripe about Test Track was the top speed, please understand that this will *not* be changing. Test Track's speed will still max out at 65mph when it re-opens this fall.

jrogue

07-16-2012, 03:58 PM

But you have to understand - the premise of Test Track was to test cars that you'd be driving on normal roads - *not* race cars. Test Track's top speed is 65mph because the majority of highways around the US use that as their standard speed limit. It was quite intentional - not just "how fast it ended up going."

Also - if your gripe about Test Track was the top speed, please understand that this will *not* be changing. Test Track's speed will still max out at 65mph when it re-opens this fall.

No no, I never expected it to be a race car. I meant my gripe with the ride had nothing to do with the speed, just that it lost its awe to me. It was more fun when I was younger because I looked forward to the "fast part at the end" but then as I got older I started wanting something more from the ride. I figured the max speed was intentional since it happened every time I was on the ride :lol:

I'm excited that they're sprucing it up a bit and see what they do with it.

CreateAmations

07-16-2012, 04:45 PM

No no, I never expected it to be a race car. I meant my gripe with the ride had nothing to do with the speed, just that it lost its awe to me. It was more fun when I was younger because I looked forward to the "fast part at the end" but then as I got older I started wanting something more from the ride. I figured the max speed was intentional since it happened every time I was on the ride

I'm excited that they're sprucing it up a bit and see what they do with it.

"Wanting something more" is the understatement of the year. I never understood how Test Track was so popular - it's a neat ride system, but unless you are an "empty warehouse enthusiast" I don't see what Test Track has in the show departement to be appealing. I honestly fear it will be much of the same "NOW IN NEW COLORS" when it reopens, but we'll see. Fingers crossed!

YoungGun

08-11-2012, 08:08 PM

Last week when I was at EPCOT is was depressing not to be able to go on test track, but sitting inside the supercharged camaro out front of it was nice except that they wouldn't let me bring it home..hehehe.

psu4glory

08-13-2012, 03:19 PM

"Wanting something more" is the understatement of the year. I never understood how Test Track was so popular - it's a neat ride system, but unless you are an "empty warehouse enthusiast" I don't see what Test Track has in the show departement to be appealing. I honestly fear it will be much of the same "NOW IN NEW COLORS" when it reopens, but we'll see. Fingers crossed!

consider what epcot has to offer from a 'thrill ride' perspective, and it's not that hard to see why Test Track has been so popular since its opening. i mean, there's Soarin'...and there's Test Track...and there's Mission Space....and there's....there's....there's....

i've always enjoyed Test Track. wouldn't rank it in my top 5, or maybe even top 10 WDW rides. but i'm looking forward to seeing what the Imagineers have in store for it. i don't anticipate it getting 'worse' than it was...so even if it maintains status quo, i'm sure i'll still enjoy it! :)

DisneyMike&Kelly

08-23-2012, 08:05 PM

Will the new test tack be open in October?

crazybones27

08-23-2012, 08:15 PM

Will the new test tack be open in October?

According to a new parks blog post two days ago it won't re-open till late fall. I'm guessing closer towards November, but it could open in October :shrug:.

Disney Parks Blog live Chat August 27 with Disney Imagineer on Test Track (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/08/join-us-for-a-live-chat-on-august-27-about-the-reimagined-test-track-at-walt-disney-world-resort/) :)

SorcererAdam

08-23-2012, 08:42 PM

Test Track - Closed For Refurbishment [ Wednesday, August 01 - Friday, November 30 ]

According to Disney Parks online (under Park Hours tab).

FireMickey216

08-23-2012, 08:53 PM

I can't wait for this it sounds super awesome.

crazybones27

08-23-2012, 09:05 PM

Test Track - Closed For Refurbishment [ Wednesday, August 01 - Friday, November 30 ]

According to Disney Parks online (under Park Hours tab).

I think their start date is a little off :lol:.

vinylmiss

08-25-2012, 12:00 AM

I read somewhere that it was getting re-themed into Tron.. is that true?

mbo516

08-25-2012, 12:10 AM

I read somewhere that it was getting re-themed into Tron.. is that true?

No I think that what you may be referring to is that the renderings look like Tron. Test Track meets Tron is the best way to put it. It wont be Tron themed though.

Anders Limpar

08-25-2012, 09:35 PM

"Wanting something more" is the understatement of the year. I never understood how Test Track was so popular - it's a neat ride system, but unless you are an "empty warehouse enthusiast" I don't see what Test Track has in the show departement to be appealing. I honestly fear it will be much of the same "NOW IN NEW COLORS" when it reopens, but we'll see. Fingers crossed!

I agree with much of what you say here. The majority of this ride is essentially a dark ride and I don't find it incredibly exciting. The second half while a bit more thrilling still isn't that great.

I also understand that EPCOT doesn't have much in the way of thrill rides. While I wouldn't call Soarin' a thrill ride at least it is unique. I don't know about anybody else but tomorrow I will be driving 65 mph on the highway but I won't be hang gliding.

JTChief82

08-27-2012, 11:38 AM

Don't forget the Live Chat today at 1:15 EST anout the new Test Track :thumbsup:

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/08/chat-live-with-walt-disney-imagineer-melissa-jeselnick-today-at-115-p-m-est/

crazybones27

08-27-2012, 12:20 PM

The live chat is now rolling on the parks blog :)

Caiter

09-16-2012, 10:02 PM

This ride has always interested me, I just never wanted to get on it due to the line, now with the reopening a bigger line woo ! Oh but I'll go on like a school day or something one of these days on get on it.. Cant wait to ride this ride :]

crazybones27

10-09-2012, 11:56 AM

Dang it we're gonna miss it by a month :(. Test Track to reopen Dec 6, 2012.

Test Track to reopen (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/test-track-to-reopen-at-epcot-december-6/)

Allotes

10-09-2012, 01:52 PM

Dang it we're gonna miss it by a month :(. Test Track to reopen Dec 6, 2012.

Test Track to reopen (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/test-track-to-reopen-at-epcot-december-6/)

:happy: We get to see everything in December

mshalloween

10-09-2012, 02:14 PM

Bugga

10-09-2012, 02:28 PM

Can't wait to see the 'new' ride!

Silvered

10-09-2012, 03:40 PM

Does anybody else thinks it's interesting that it's reopening the same day as New Fantasyland?

Eeyore1324

10-09-2012, 04:52 PM

Does anybody else thinks it's interesting that it's reopening the same day as New Fantasyland?

Hmmm wonder why they chose to do that?

crazybones27

10-09-2012, 05:37 PM

Does anybody else thinks it's interesting that it's reopening the same day as New Fantasyland?

I noticed that also. Not really sure the thinking behind that. Maybe they are trying to give people another fun option on that day since MK will probably be packed :shrug:

tbishop

10-09-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote Originally Posted by Silvered View Post
Does anybody else thinks it's interesting that it's reopening the same day as New Fantasyland?
I noticed that also. Not really sure the thinking behind that. Maybe they are trying to give people another fun option on that day since MK will probably be packed

This is probably a move to divert some of the crowding at MK that day. A lot of times they extend hours or do something fun/lucrative at another park when the have a big event at one of the big four to split the crowd a bit.

Disneyclaire

10-11-2012, 08:00 AM

Can't believe we miss the opening of Test Track and Fantasyland by 19 days :(

crazybones27

10-11-2012, 10:07 AM

Can't believe we miss the opening of Test Track and Fantasyland by 19 days :(

There's still a chance by the end of your trip they may do a soft opening :) :cross:. They have a tendency to do them a few days to a week or so before the official re-opening of the ride.

jeffztt

10-11-2012, 11:29 AM

There's still a chance by the end of your trip they may do a soft opening :) :cross:. They have a tendency to do them a few days to a week or so before the official re-opening of the ride.

I agree. And a tip on hitting the soft openings from my unsuccessful attempt to see the HM Interactive Queue at a soft opening: The soft openings are managed by WDI and not the park itself and tend to be done during normal business hours. This is really a test of the new attraction before WDI turns the attraction over to the park.

If it is opening early, before the official launch but not a test, it should be open normal park hours.

Oh, and for New Fantasyland, there is a limited DVC showing on 11/4 and 11/5, if you are DVC or know some members. I may be trying to get my family into the Sunday morning slot so we can see it before we drive home that day.

crazybones27

10-11-2012, 11:43 AM

I agree. And a tip on hitting the soft openings from my unsuccessful attempt to see the HM Interactive Queue at a soft opening: The soft openings are managed by WDI and not the park itself and tend to be done during normal business hours. This is really a test of the new attraction before WDI turns the attraction over to the park.

If it is opening early, before the official launch but not a test, it should be open normal park hours.

Oh, and for New Fantasyland, there is a limited DVC showing on 11/4 and 11/5, if you are DVC or know some members. I may be trying to get my family into the Sunday morning slot so we can see it before we drive home that day.

I didn't realize you were going to be down during the same time as us :). We just got the DVC email yesterday.

I'm hoping they do a soft opening of Test Track while we're there, but I'm not holding my breath for that one :o.

jeffztt

10-11-2012, 12:06 PM

I didn't realize you were going to be down during the same time as us :). We just got the DVC email yesterday.

I'm hoping they do a soft opening of Test Track while we're there, but I'm not holding my breath for that one :o.

Maybe we can have a mini-VN meetup? I'll miss the trading event since we'll be on a cruise, so we'll probably miss any meet-up, though.

About Test Track, I would be surprised if it isn't running some before the official opening. I think we may be too early, though.

Hellsatyr

10-15-2012, 02:51 AM

Megs is still upset that it won't be open during our vacation.
I can't wait to see the new changes though.

Anders Limpar

02-15-2013, 06:12 PM

I was never a huge fan of the old test track. I rode the new version back in January and enjoyed it quite a bit. The World of Motion nods were pretty sweet as well.

Tooie

02-15-2013, 10:16 PM

im really looking forward to seeing the new changes that they have made, i havent been there since 09

CarnivalofAnimals

02-19-2013, 02:22 PM

mshalloween

02-20-2013, 05:28 AM

Hope the new test track goes slower or else my lombago won't be able to handle it. Also the real ride they should be updating is journey into imagination now that ride really needs some refurbishing. Test tracks a quality ride as is.

I don't think it goes any slower than the original.

I LOVED the new Test Track! It had a real "Tron" feel to me. I thought they did a really great job updating it and I actually enjoy it more than the original. The design studio part of the queue is a neat idea, however I find it to be a detriment to wait times. It's cool to try out once or twice because designing your own car is really cool, but I will be completely okay getting in the single rider line and skipping designing a car to cut 45 minutes out of my wait time.

Anders Limpar

02-22-2013, 01:51 PM

I don't think it goes any slower than the original.

I LOVED the new Test Track! It had a real "Tron" feel to me. I thought they did a really great job updating it and I actually enjoy it more than the original. The design studio part of the queue is a neat idea, however I find it to be a detriment to wait times. It's cool to try out once or twice because designing your own car is really cool, but I will be completely okay getting in the single rider line and skipping designing a car to cut 45 minutes out of my wait time.

I thought the old Test Track was pretty boring. I like the new version a lot better. Visually it is pretty sweet looking.