Thanks to General Motors, we now have a better idea of what to expect when the new Test Track opens December 6. GM released several images that give a look at the new pre-show, ride interior and exit lobby experience.
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 give an authentic, inside-the-studio look at the actual automotive design process. The heavy emphasis on digital design tools reflects the current way that concept cars are brought to life.
Entry Queue and Pre-show
In the new pre-show, you will get to design your own ride vehicle – car, truck or crossover – with some helpful hints from the Chevrolet designers built into the process.
When creating your design, you’ll balance the concept car’s capability, efficiency, responsiveness and power – the categories against which your car will be tested during the actual ride experience. Disney will use RFID technology to keep you paired with your design throughout the ride.
The Ride
Next, you will “test drive” your vehicle design through 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.
Exit Lobby Post-Show
After you exit the attraction, you will have opportunities to play with your vehicle design in several interactive experiences. This is the area where Disney and Chevrolet are hoping to extend the experience by offering ways to share your vehicle design on social media.
The show room space will still be present with several Chevrolet cars on display. At opening, Chevrolet plans to have the EN-V and Miray, two of their concept vehicles, on display.
The interactive games include an area where you can race your vehicle over changing terrain and extreme conditions on a digital driving table. You can produce and share a TV commercial starring your custom vehicle. There will also be a place where you can pose for action shots in front of the concept car you designed.
The new Test Track Presented by Chevrolet opens on Dec. 6, 2012.
Concept art via Chevrolet and Disney
