Test Track EPCOT: Speed, Creativity, and Disney Magic Combined!
Are you ready to put the pedal to the metal? Buckle up, because we’re taking a deep dive into Test Track—one of the most exhilarating rides in EPCOT and a staple for thrill-seekers visiting Walt Disney World.
Test Track is not just any ride; it’s a heady mix of speed, technology, and Disney magic that showcases innovation at every turn. If you’re curious about the Disney Test Track ride and looking for tips before heading out to experience it, you’re in the right place.
Let’s rev up our engines and explore what makes this ride truly one-of-a-kind!
A Brief History of Test Track at EPCOT
Before Test Track EPCOT became the high-speed thrill ride we know today, it was originally known as the World of Motion, an attraction that showcased technological advances in transportation. The pavilion, part of Future World (now known as World Celebration, Nature, and Discovery), focused on the evolution of vehicles, from horse-drawn carts to modern cars.
When World of Motion closed in 1996, Walt Disney Imagineering reimagined the pavilion into something that would give guests a hands-on, thrilling experience of the future of automobiles—enter Test Track!
The original Test Track opened in 1999 and was designed to let visitors experience what it was like to be a crash test dummy—speeding through hairpin turns, breaking maneuvers, and high-speed tests.
It got an overhaul in 2012, and the new version of Test Track embraced a sleek, futuristic theme, giving guests the opportunity to design their own custom car.
What is happening to Test Track at EPCOT? Test Track is currently closed for a reimagining that will introduce the 3.0 version of the ride. The new version of Test Track will open sometime next year at EPCOT, and as part of the update, the attraction is receiving a new, sleek entrance.
The Experience: Test Track Disney World Adventure
Disney World Test Track is all about speed, excitement, and customization. It’s a ride that lets your creativity take the wheel while delivering an unforgettable rush.
From the pre show to the roaring high-speed finale, the EPCOT Test Track ride takes you on a thrilling journey through automotive design, testing, and pure adrenaline.
Let’s break down what you can expect from each part of the attraction:
Pre Show & Queue Tips: The Test Track queue is a journey in itself, full of automotive inspiration. As you step inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sleek displays that talk about the latest advancements in-car technology.
This part of the queue also includes the Design Studio, where the magic really happens. Here, each group has the chance to design their own custom car—choosing features like aerodynamics, power, responsiveness, and efficiency.
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The custom car design ride Disney feature really lets you get creative, adding a personal touch to your upcoming ride experience.
A few Test Track queue tips:
- Wait times for Test Track can be 45 minutes or even longer during peak hours, but you can cut down on that by utilizing the single rider line if you don’t mind splitting up from your group.
- If you plan your day right, arriving first thing in the morning or later in the evening can reduce those wait times to around 30 minutes or less.
- Another tip is to grab a Lightning Lane pass as this will allow you to bypass the standby queue altogether.
Design Studio – Be the Creator: Once inside the Design Studio, it’s time to unleash your inner car designer. You’ll use touch screens to create your very own concept vehicle, making key decisions on speed, power, and eco-friendliness.
This interactive portion of the EPCOT Test Track ride is perfect for those who want to add a touch of personalization to their experience. You’ll even get to see how your design stacks up against others throughout the ride.
Show Scenes & The Thrill Ride: After you’ve designed your car, you move on to the actual ride. You’ll board a “SimCar” and get ready for a series of tests—just like what real automotive engineers use to test prototype vehicles.
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The show scenes include rigorous weather tests, tight handling courses, and a series of environmental simulations. You’ll feel the rush as your car maneuvers through hills, sudden turns, and even accelerate past digital obstacles.
But the grand finale is what makes this ride one of the top EPCOT thrill rides. You blast out of the indoor testing facility and hit a high-speed loop around the exterior track, reaching speeds of up to 65 mph—making Test Track the fastest attraction in Walt Disney World.
The wind whipping through your hair and the feeling of freedom is what makes the Test Track EPCOT ride such a hit with thrill-seekers. It’s not just a ride—it’s an experience that lets you see what it’s like to be on the edge of automotive innovation.
Family-Friendly Fun: Though it’s one of the more intense attractions at EPCOT, Test Track is still one of the best family-friendly rides EPCOT has for those brave enough to give it a try. It offers a great mix of interactive creativity and physical thrill, making it a versatile pick for a variety of age groups. While it might be a bit too much for smaller children, older kids and adults will love the high-speed excitement.
What to Know About Test Track Post-Show & Gift Shop
After the ride concludes, you’ll enter the post-show area, which features six distinct exhibits where you can learn more about automotive technology and even hop into some Chevrolet vehicles for a photo op. It’s a great way to decompress after the thrill of the ride while still enjoying some hands-on fun.
Don’t forget to check out the gift shop at the exit, where you’ll find plenty of Test Track-themed souvenirs to take home—the perfect reminder of your high-speed adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Test Track
How Does Test Track Compare to Other Epcot Attractions for Thrill-Seekers?
Test Track is arguably one of the most exciting high-speed Disney attractions at EPCOT, rivaling other rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. If you love speed and interactivity, Test Track is a must-ride.
How Long is the Wait Time for Test Track?
Wait times can vary, often ranging from 30 minutes during off-peak times to well over an hour on busy days. Utilize the single rider line if possible to shorten your wait.
The Legacy of the Original Pavilion
It’s worth noting how far this pavilion has come. The original pavilion was a slow-paced, educational attraction that took you through the history of transportation. Now, it’s all about showcasing technological advances through a hands-on, adrenaline-pumping experience—a true testament to the evolution of Disney attractions and the creativity of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Tips to Maximize Your Experience
Single Rider Line: As mentioned earlier, the single rider line can be a great way to get on Test Track quickly, especially if wait times are long.
Ride Twice for Different Perspectives: If you get the chance, ride Test Track twice—once focusing on designing the most powerful and fastest car possible, and another time trying to make the most eco-friendly and efficient car. You’ll get a different perspective and see how your designs affect your ride results.
Check the Weather: Since part of the ride is outdoors, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as Test Track closed notifications often happen during rainstorms or lightning.
Why You Should Add Test Track to Your EPCOT Must-Do List
Test Track puts you in the driver’s seat of innovation and creativity. It’s one of the premier EPCOT attractions for thrill-seekers, combining the elements of speed, control, and interactive technology.
If you love the feeling of the wind rushing past as you hit high speed on Disney World’s fastest attraction, then Test Track is an absolute must during your EPCOT visit.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or just someone looking for an exhilarating experience at Walt Disney World, Test Track delivers. So get ready to design, test, and take off on an adventure like no other. Who knew the future of transportation could be this fun?