Explain the appeal of Test Track

[the-reason14]

For me, the appeal of test track is only there in the eye of the beholder. You either like it or not, and its not something you can thoroughly explain, because if you did, you would get a variety of different answers as to why TT is so appealing. I myself enjoy it, but its not something I will ever wait in line for, Ill either FPs it, Single ride it, or skip it. While other WDW attractions if these options dont exists, I then usually just tough it out.

 

[Pongo]

I've only ridden Test Track twice. The first time I didn't like it all that much, the second time I LOVED it. I don't know how it worked out that way, but it did.

Contrary to gcurling's beliefs, I happen to like the inside part of the ride best. I like the different testin methods. Speed doesn't necessarily get me worked up, I like the creativeness of the different tests inside the building.

 

[mousermerf]

If you managed to get into a Test Track vehicle that is "fresh-on-the-track" from being backstage repaired/rehabbed you'd notice a considerable difference from most rides on it.

When the vehicles do everything they're supposed to, it's a very well executed ride with a creative use of found-space and a thrill element that's not too intense for most people.

However, most vehicles fail in properly preforming a manuever when going around the track due to the sheer complexity and strain on the vehicles involved - the tires have to grip properly, acceleration has to be correct, etc..

In perspective, Star Tours vehicles very slowly overtime begin to move out of synchronization with the film and need to be reset (the worst of this being "seizures" or vibration during movements). Guest satisfaction drops considerably when this occurs (increased complaints, fewer re-rides etc).

So, at any given time Test Track has the whole spectrum of vehicles going around the track ranging from cars which are really far off, and cars which are in near perfect condition.

I think this often contributes to people's not-so-good experiences but is sorta unavoidable with such a complex ride.

 

[josh_e_washie]

Well I think it is a couple of things:
The first is that it employs some classic Disney design traits: for example: 'The Wienie"- it's a type of visual draw from a distance that lures in guests. Magic Kingdom's 'weinie' is Cinderella Castle, the opening at the top of Splash Mountain where guests emerge and then dissapear, the circling planets at the end of the road in Tomorrowland, and seeing Cinderella's Golden Caroussel through the opening of Cinderella Castle. For TT, it's hearing the sound and seeing the zooms of the 65 mph cars...
Another thing it employs that makes it favorable is the pure entertainment value. Although a vast majority of riders aren't Disney design lovers (like ourselves! ) they take enjoyment in the queue line's tests, the speed of the attraction and the fun of going in and out of environmental chambers.
Possibly the main reason it appeals to such a large crowd is because it is a thrill ride, but that is pretty obvious.
For me in particular, although I don't see it as a "Disney Design Masterpiece", I enjoy the anticipation of waiting in line and absorbing that energy from the throngs of others. I love hearing side conversations in line about the building excitement and the happiness of people who just exited the ride. It's just plain fun!!!!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

1) 60+MPH in a convertable is fun
2) Banked turns at high speed are fun
3) Fun stories and clever tongue and cheek jokes throughout the testing make the inside runs interesting on a number of different levels
4) Driving in cars is fun, especially for non drivers...look at the popularity of the race track in MK.
5) Exit through lame GM commercial...well, I'll quit while I'm ahead

 

[Thelazer]

I'd have to agree. Why they can't get Test Track to be a bit more on the "Show Quality" side of things is beyond me. Half the time the in-car audio is not working, or the video Display. Or the video Displays at the "Anti-Lock Breaks" do not work. Last time, the audio from the "Evasive" section was MIA....sigh.

I don't get it.

 

[Thorphin]

I think that the most depressing thing about Test Track is being able to look around during the road tests and seeing all the empty warehouse space that used to house such a complete and engaging attraction that was World of Motion.... so many audio-animatronics... so many stories... Test Track seems to pale by comparison. I worry about being one of those people who can't let go of the past, though, and I do enjoy Test Track. I miss World of Motion and Horizons and am not interested in super-thrill rides like Mission Space. I'd much rather engage my mind and artistic side than adrenaline. That said however, Test Track is a balance between the two - a thrill ride that isn't so insane to be too thrilling or intense to enjoy.

 

[DigitalDisney]

Test Track is one of my favorite rides of all time

No, it's not always fast and exciting (and I love fast and exciting rides). No, you don't do countless loops on the outside track (and I wish you did =) )

I like the detailed aspect of the ride. There is a lot to look at and take in during the course of the ride. The postshow area is a lot of fun too...

I like the novelty of the ride. It's pretty unique, and the ride system will probably be extended to other uses at some point.

Most importantly, I like the technology behind the ride. There are many cars navigating the course, and they all know where every other car is at any given moment. Should something happen, they can react accordingly. Not only that, but they can do it at any point in the ride, including the high speed loops.

Test Track - It's big, it's expensive, and it's fun!

 

[bsandersjr]

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy test track. BUT, I refuse though to wait in a line longer than 5 minutes to ride something I can do myself in my own vehicle for the most part.
I do agree that it is a good "thrill" for those of you out there who refuse to ride rollercoasters, but I just can't seem to comprehend the long wait times. At this point, I kinda wish World of motion was still there.

 

[OmegaKnight]

As someone who works at Test Track (in the merchandise shop,) I can tell you that guests absolutely adore this ride. True it may not have much of a story to it and thats fine. Its "story" is that it is supposed to replicate various tests found on an automotive proving ground. Guests don't really pay attention to that aspect though, they mostly care about the ending with the high speed loop. During the holidays, the queue for this ride will get close to 4 hours long (no joke on that.) It may not everyone's cup of tea but its extremely popular and the majority of guests love it.

 

[imagineersrock]

Test Track's appeal is that it's fast without being too thrilling like looping roller coasters. That's basically it. It would be way more attractive with a different theme though.

I personally hate the idea behind Test Track, it just doesn't fit in with EPCOT and it's just one big blatant Ad for GM.

I completely agree with you.

I've said it before, I'll say it again; I really do enjoy TT (When it is working properly, which is about 1 in 10 rides... if that.)

However, this ride absolutely does not fit into Epcot's Future World.

-The Land
-The Seas
-The Body
-Imagination
-Communication
-Energy
-Space Exploration

-annnnd..... What tests GM puts its new vehicles through.

See what I'm saying? It just... does not work with the rest of the park. Period.

 

[Huck]

reply

I guess there are a lot of good points written in here...

-The 1st time I went on TT was during Soft openings and the ride, of course, went down right when I entered the loop... major let down on your first ride. Maybe I haven't ever been able to shake that let down.
-I also have never waited on line since that first ride... always use FP which, off topic, really disappoints me... I miss lines (did I just say that?)
-As far as some cars being "tuned" better than others, I think I've ridden it enough times now for the law of averages to allow me a "good" experience, but maybe I just expect it to be a let down, and therefore fulfill a preconceived notion without ever giving it a shot.

I want to like it. I wish I could be as excited as some of you.
I'll go in with an open mind next week. (Then again, traveling with infants, I probably won't even get anywhere near Epcot, let alone TT)
Thanks for the replies!

 

[brich]

I don't think it's that out of place in Epcot. It has it's educational aspect in showing how a car is tested prior to production. Ya, it's heavy GM but sponsorship is a hardship we endure in Epcot.

I have always enjoyed TT. Ya I like the "fast" part but I also enjoyed all the different tests, aside from the bumpy road with a full bladder from waiting in line for so long... :lookaroun But these days TT is one of my favorites because my 6 year old LOVES it. I will go on it over and over just to watch my little guy do "no hands" with a beaming smile for the whole ride. Then again, this is what Disney is for me these days.

TT is not an outter body experience. It's simply a ride. In comparision to ALL rides in Disney, I give it an 8. Compared to any ride I've been on in any theme park, I have to give it a 10. :sohappy:

 

[joel_maxwell]

I enjoy Test Track thoroughly. It is highly detailed and took an immense amount of work to get it as realistic as it is, I mean we aren't riding in a roller coaster train on a steel track, those cars and tires get worn down. The queue is very well themed, and the post area is interesting.

Although Test Track is not my favorite attraction at WDW, I appreciate the effort it took to complete it, and find it to be one of the most original attractions WDI has ever come up with...... Appreciate the surroundings and what it adds to an overall tame ride.

couldnt have said it better.......... i think most of the experience for me is the whole "wow, this is a very high tech attraction etc etc with a thrilling attitude to it"

i give it a rating of "must ride at least 2-3 times per visit"

as long as it is a slow day in the park.

 

[MichelleBelle]

I think TT would be much better if they got it to the point where there was less down time. You end up waiting a long time for something that doesn't quite make up for it.

But I love the ride regardless. I do think they could have made it a little more exciting. They could have made it a little more futuristic too, but no complaints - I'll take it as is.

 

[Magic Nut]

I know that when TT first opened it was down a lot (understatment) but I am a FL resident and goto Epcot once a month at least and the last 12-15 times I have been there it has been up 100% of the time. I think it is still suffering from both a late opening and excess downtime when it finally did open. TT isn't my fav ride, but far from my least fav...although I do miss WoM!

 

[clarkstallings]

The Test Track concept should have been shelved until they had the technology to do the ride well. I'll concede that there are a couple of thrilling moments, but it still seems lacking. The cars still have that car on a ridetrack feel. They don't feel or move like normal automobiles. Disney should have waited until the ride could have been done sans a track. This would give the ride a fluidity that would make it 100% better.

 

[Lauriebar]

My reason for loving Test Track is simple...I'm a big chicken, nervous and overly cautious driver. The freedom that I feel on the final leg of the attraction is overpowering. Some of you have made the point that you could go faster in your own car so what's the point? The point for me is that I would never feel safe enough to drive really fast on the Interstate in a convertable but, when I experience TT I can give up control and not have to worry about safety issues and just enjoy the wind in my hair.

 

[shoppingnut]

However, this ride absolutely does not fit into Epcot's Future World.

-The Land
-The Seas
-The Body
-Imagination
-Communication
-Energy
-Space Exploration

-annnnd..... What tests GM puts its new vehicles through.

See what I'm saying? It just... does not work with the rest of the park. Period.

How about Transportation. I love TT because it isn't a wild thrill ride. I don't go on M:S, SM or ToT because I end up getting sick, but TT is a perfect thrill ride for me. Every ride doesn't need to be a heart stopping thrill ride, Disney has definitely the right balance thrill and not too thrilling rides that everyone can enjoy. If you're looking to have every ride a thrill ride you should be over at IOA.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

RRnC reaches a top speed of 58 mph

Which is why it says on the back of my T-Shirt
"0-60 in 2.8 seconds" :hammer: