Disney Imagineering Files New Permit for EPCOT's Test Track Reimagining

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Gallery / 5 Photos
Construction Walls Up at Test Track - June 17 2024

Posted: Thursday July 18, 2024 11:07am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new permit for the reimagining of EPCOT's Test Track at Walt Disney World.

The permit is assigned to long-time Disney vendor Jon Richards Company FL, Inc., who worked with Disney on Cars Land at Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The permit carries the usual vague description of "Install Set Elements." Notably, the permit does not extend the default 12-month expiration date.

In recent weeks, set pieces from the previous version of Track Track have been removed from the building.

Test Track refurbishment - Jully 12 2024

Test Track closed at the end of operations on Sunday June 16, and walls are up to block the entrance to the pavilion. GM vehicles that were previously displayed in the post-show are now on display in front of the building.

Test Track refurbishment - Jully 12 2024

Disney has not yet announced a reopening date for the next-generation Test Track attraction, but best estimates suggest that it will be closed for at least a year.

Concept art showing the new exterior of the reimagined Test Track

In this piece of concept art for Test Track 3.0, we see the new entrance marquee revealing a more sleek arrival area.

Concept rendering of the exterior track section

Concept art of new Test Track marquee and entrance

Disney previously announced that Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction at EPCOT.

New Test Track concept art

Version 2.0 of Test Track opened in December 2012, and as part of Chevrolet's sponsorship deal with Disney, the attraction became due for a refresh.

Construction Walls Up at Test Track - June 17 2024

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

OptimusPrime15 hours ago

I think we’re past the point of TT ever becoming Cars

Cmdr_Crimson16 hours ago

Looking at you 1.0 with your not included version of One little Spark ..

Moth16 hours ago

People were parroting $100 million. But I don't think that's going entirely towards the ride itself, I think the ride vehicles need general upkeep/updates since I think they're reaching the end of their expected lifespan? So it might be going all-in to keep Test Track well, on TRACK for the next two decades.

FigmentFan8216 hours ago

pelham30420 hours ago

As long as the sponsorship lasts it won’t become a CARS attraction

Quietmouse20 hours ago

What’s the budget for this update. That should probably give us an indication of how intricate the updates will be or lack thereof.

doctornick21 hours ago

Agreed. We'll probably get a bit of IFTBF playing but other than that I wouldn't expect too much call backs to WoM. I'd be happy if they simply add some sort of show scenes as opposed to how barren the indoor portion was for TT 2.0.

Moth21 hours ago

I expect a nod to the song in the script, maybe an instrumental. I feel confident in it being there in a capacity, I just don't know what capacity.

danlb_200022 hours ago

I fear people may be reading way to much into "inspired by World of Motion".

DreamfinderGuy23 hours ago

I wouldn't expect any of this, seems like an easy way to be let down. They've made no reference or even allusion to any of this being included. Fun to be Free seems highly likely though, I don't know how you would advertise something as World of Motion inspired and not include it.

jmuboy23 hours ago

100% Agree. There are so many humorous scenes from WoM that would still be ironic and funny today. And if just a couple of those old scenes were recreated and added into the new TT3.0 (along with Its Fun to be Free) then I'd be a happy camper.