Disney Updates Timeline for Reimagined Test Track at EPCOT

Dec 03, 2024 in "Test Track"

Gallery / 5 Photos
New Test Track concept art

Posted: Tuesday December 3, 2024 7:10am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has provided a fresh update on the reopening timeline for the reimagining of Test Track at EPCOT. In a newly released press statement, the company confirmed that the attraction is now scheduled to reopen in late summer 2025.

NOTE: Disney issued a timeline correction on December 3 at 10:10 am, updating the opening from late 2025 to late summer 2025. The previous version of this article listed late 2025.

New Test Track concept art

According to Disney, the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors will offer guests a thrilling experience that celebrates over a century of mobility advancements. The updated attraction aims to explore the past, present, and future of transportation, blending storytelling and innovation to create a unique journey through the evolution of mobility.

The reimagining process is being led by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with General Motors. The attraction will highlight more than 100 years of progress in automotive technology while pushing forward into the future with an emphasis on personalization, onboard technology, and sustainability.

Concept art of new Test Track marquee and entrance

Work on this next-generation Test Track is already underway, and updates have included permits for new set installations and enhancements to the show building. Disney has also teased new scenes and exhibits in the queue that will offer a deeper dive into the ingenuity behind automotive innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses toward the late 2025 reopening.

Concept rendering of the exterior track section

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jpeden2 days ago

But was her PPE sufficiently used and dirty enough for this group? That's the real question.

Incomudro3 days ago

I actually enjoy all of that. I just don't like when they destroy a great ride and replace it with a lesser attraction.

Jayspency4 days ago

a bit off topic but since we're talking about eras of Imagineering: I noticed that every generation of Imagineering has had its own unique flair to it. The early greats of Imagineering (HM, SSE, Horizons, POTC, SM, etc) Had a very nostalgic but whimsical tone to them with highly populated sets and simple but effective techniques (Ex: Peppers Ghost). The Eisner era Imagineering (TOT, TT 1.0, ST, IJA, CTX, SM, etc) were more story based and focused on the thrill aspect, while maintaining that "Disney difference" with their innovation. Modern day Imagineering really likes to create immersive attractions and lands based on popular movies, with new and innovative tech being implemented into these projects, which make them feel very shiny. While being ambitious with what they want to do, most of their projects tend to get scaled back (Budget cuts?). Its something I noticed and why I love having rides from different eras of Imagineering in the parks together. They create a blend of old and new that gives each ride their own uniqueness to them.

lazyboy97o4 days ago

That last video is made to very much be a bit of the opposite of stuff like The Imagineering Story. It’s supposed to be showing a broader range of people and not just a few talking heads with a huge dose of misinformation.

JD804 days ago

I mean the last video had the young woman reporting to a project or construction manager. Most of the work they were doing was very typical for younger engineers.

TheMaxRebo4 days ago

At least for these videos I think part of the point is to highlight younger imagineers and especially her female imagineers (international women's week, etc) and show that it isn't just old guys that do the work. I don't think the implications is that these young folks are running the show or anything

FiestaFunKid4 days ago

I agree and it's not their fault, I started my comment by saying I'm about to be unfair. Perhaps the glory days of Imaginneering is an impossible comparison and a standard that the company will never reach again. Personally, I'd rather hear more from their top minds vs the 25 yo entry level folks - but I get they think they are doing social media right. Ultimately, their output will be the best barometer, for attractions like Test Track and the wider parks direction in general. There have certainly been some recent bumps in the road using this measuring stick, but we all hope for the best.

dmc4934 days ago

I’ve made this comment before when they make social media posts and use younger charismatic people to star in them. Roast and judge the leadership who have the power and make the critical creative decisions and influence the direction of projects. Don’t judge these people who are willing to be put in front of a video and get to talk about their role on a project. These jobs take dozens if not hundreds of people to accomplish and you shouldn’t expect every single one of them to be pros with 30 years of experience. Side note I would argue there’s ways to accomplish WIC posts like this without making it a teaser for the attraction itself. There’s too much scrutiny by people (us lol) and takes away what they’re actually trying to achieve by posting. But that’s the social media team (fair game when it comes to roasting in my opinion)

FiestaFunKid4 days ago

and I'm totally fine with this group taking over those responsibilities until they reach Baxter level idea generation.

Mike S4 days ago

I get the sentiment, but there was a time when all Tony Baxter did for Disney was sell popcorn and scoop ice cream.

FiestaFunKid4 days ago

It is unfair for me to judge the level of talent in Imagineerring by these social media videos - but there seems to be a larger number of younger, less-experienced (presumably lower-paid/resourced by Disney) people within the group. Obviously, I know very little from the outside, but they do not inspire as much confidence as the innovative and more seasoned designers featured in The Imagineerng Story throughout the years.

Mike S5 days ago

If there’s even ONE scene with Marc Davis style animatronics it’s a win.

Cmdr_Crimson5 days ago

If it's just still images from the past being projected on a wall I will not be A happy person...

Scamp5 days ago

I wish they would show us more concept art, all we've seen is two images and a logo... :rolleyes:. Still I am curious what the world of motion influence will be...