The third iteration of Test Track at EPCOT is about to debut. Disney Parks gave us a first look (and ride) on this re-themed, returning attraction. With references to the 1998 Test Track and the 1982 World of Motion, this ride pulls from Disney’s past while also looking towards the “future of mobility.” The ride officially opens July 22, with Passholder Previews beginning July 13.
Test Track 3.0 ride and queue POV
Spoilers ahead, obviously. While the rest of this article will talk about opinions and the ride’s story, nothing gives you a better reference point than just seeing it for yourself. Drew The Disney Dude was able to experience this attraction and get video of his ride. Seeing a ride video isn’t the same as riding the attraction in real life, but for those curious, this is a good POV to give you an understanding of what Test Track 3.0 is.
The good Test Track ride changes
Less screens, more dark ride elements. While almost every new theme park will have screens in some form, this attraction utilizes them in an as-needed way. Fans of the old school dark ride scenes, that EPCOT is famous for, will love driving through a contemporary home as edutainment showcases what may be coming in the future. After a home tour, the attraction continues for a leisurely drive through “a forest” with a scenic overlook before the finale. These two areas specifically felt so “EPCOT.”
The attraction’s queue begins with a look at how we used to think of automobile design and moves forward to what we think of today. In the very first room is a window, looking into the ride track where we can see vehicles moving by. This adds immediate excitement and energy to the room. Yes, you can hear the vehicles whooshing by as you enter, but seeing the vehicles isn’t always possible. For many, this could be a first look at what’s to come.
Another great element is the flow of the experience. Throughout the entire experience the rooms change a lot, which could be jarring. But it somehow isn’t. From a near-miss collision to a home tour to a forest drive, the scenes work as a natural step-by-step story. And, this version of Test Track feels a lot less like a blatant commercial than the 2.0 version did.
The things I wish were changed
The attraction has a lot of fun new scenes, but the ride starts off with a pretty simple hallway. Where the original Test Track allowed you to look around at the track and version 2.0 had fun visual effects, this hallway is pretty simple. It feels like the ride really begins at the top of the hill. To be fair, many could say that about roller coasters and their lift hills.
The ride’s exit is once again a showcase of cars, each with its own area to explore General Motors Vehicles. But, this new version feels like a downgrade compared to the 2.0 version. In the previous area, guests could get photos with the car and add fun virtual backdrops. Now the ride exit feels even more-so like an indoor dealership. I get it, thats the point. But at least the previous version tried to make it kid-friendly.
This next point will probably be divisive. I will miss customizing my own Test Track car. The effect didn’t always work and it could cause the line to clog up. But, if you are waiting in line anyway, this made for a nice distraction. This room was changed into more queue and now the Lightning Lane guests (those paying to skip the line) miss a majority of the themed queue. This is sure to help with flow better than the old method of the interactive rooms. But some may miss having this gamification aspect.
Test Track has a long and storied history
Test Track has now had three “lives” at EPCOT, all involving the same ride track. Since 1998 (when the ride’s soft opening first began) this ride has had the same rights, lefts, ups and downs. But, the queue and storyline have changed quite a bit. We can even go back further though, as the ride’s show building dates back to the 1982 attraction World of Motion.
World of Motion and Test Track 1.0 both have clear references in this new 3.0 version. The Test Track 2.0 version might be hidden in the ride’s story, but after three ride-throughs I was unable to find one. That being said, fans of the original version of Test Track will have a very cool moment.
Attractions Magazine has a really interesting look at Test Track through all three versions of its life. The turns stay the same, but the story and visuals have changed quite a lot. Do you have a favorite version of this attraction? Personally, my favorite is still the original, but I also have nostalgia bias.
Did you know there is a private lounge at the top of Test Track? I have known it since I was a very young child and I always dreamed of going up there. Thanks to this early ride media event, I finally achieved that dream. The General Motors Lounge offers one of the best views at EPCOT. GM employees can request access to the area, but it is mostly kept a secret from the public.
