The Epcot attraction Test Track is getting a facelift and will reopen this fall as a futuristic automotive design center. Earlier today, Disney Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick held an online Q&A where she shared some additional details about what is in store.
Test Track officially opened in March 1999 and, with speeds of 65 mph, is one of the fastest Disney theme park attractions ever built. When the ride reopens, it will follow the exact same track and will include the same high speed finale. However, all of the props seen in the pre-show queue, on the attraction, and in the exit will receive a face lift.
The new ride concept will show how digital design tools are bringing vehicles to life. Previously, the attraction focused on the physical testing process with test dummies and road condition challenges.
“The new attraction and the artwork represent the digital age,” said Jeselnick. “I think the world of digital design is exciting to our Imagineers as designers and storytellers, so I hope our guests come away with some insight into what that process entails, and maybe it will excite some future generations of Imagineers to join us.”
The Queue
According to Jeselnick, the queue will “introduce guests to Chevrolet’s Automotive Design process – how it starts with a line and ends with the cars you can buy on the showroom floor.” With this new concept, the testing dummies formerly in the queue will be replaced with sketches, cars, models from Chevrolet.
While in the “design studio” portion of the line, you will have an opportunity to customize your own test vehicle. There are still some questions about how this will actually work, but Disney did provide some insights today.
Jeselnick said:
It’s an interactive design kiosk, so in the full experience you can start from a line, then shape your vehicle and add attributes – pick the colors, the tires, and make it truly your dream vehicle.
Everybody in the vehicle will have their ride design, whether they designed individually or as a group. As you move through the four groups, you’ll see how the design stacked up against the sim car design.
The design follows you into the ride, which is still the same physical ride that our guests know and love. You’ll ride in our sim car. As you move through the space, your custom design will be scored in areas such as Capability, Efficiency, Responsiveness and Speed.
The Ride
The attraction will follow the same physical track, but the look and feel of the show scenes will receive a Tron-esque update. The ride will have four show scenes.
- Capability is where your car is tested for rough road and weather conditions.
- Efficiency tests your car design’s environmental footprint.
- The Responsiveness phase tests maneuverability
- Speed takes you through the outdoor circle and the high speed portion of the attraction
The futuristic redesign also includes a new soundtrack and sound effects for the attraction.
Post-Show
After you exit the attraction, you will have opportunities to play with your vehicle design in several interactive experiences. The show room space will still be present with several Chevrolet cars on display. Chevy also will have a few concept vehicles available for photo opportunities.
Late-fall 2012 reopening
Disney likes to keep things a surprise, so we likely will not learn much more before the late-fall reopening. But from what we’ve heard thus far, it sounds like Disney is giving a great new coat of paint to one of the best attractions in Epcot. We can’t wait to take the updated attraction for a spin.
Photos via Disney
[…] a first look at the updated ride vehicles for Test Track, which will reopen this fall. Disney added a sample “SimCar” to the Cool Wash Station that is located near the Test […]