EPCOT Test Track to be reimagined

[HauntedPirate]

Now that the goal posts have been moved yet again… let’s move on from the amateur talk and get back to actual intelligent discussion.

I really hope this new version is a slam dunk and objectively the best version of the ride, if anything so some people might finally shut up about the original. It was the first (and sadly not last) of the poor fits for Future World. Nothing about it inspired hope or confidence in the future, the entire attraction focused on one segment of the present of an industry. 2.0 was essentially an aesthetic refresh that made it a Future World attraction and fixed many of its issues, yet for whatever reason a lot of the fandom seems to passionately prefer the empty rooms with bright lights over the empty rooms with lasers and blacklights. Those hot and cold rooms must have really been something.

Anywho, it's good that they're constantly refreshing this pavilion. Seems like this one will have some more substance than the last one.

Can’t really disagree. It never fit the original intent of EPCOT Center, outside of the edutainment aspect.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I really hope this new version is a slam dunk and objectively the best version of the ride, if anything so some people might finally shut up about the original. It was the first (and sadly not last) of the poor fits for Future World. Nothing about it inspired hope or confidence in the future, the entire attraction focused on one segment of the present of an industry. 2.0 was essentially an aesthetic refresh that made it a Future World attraction and fixed many of its issues, yet for whatever reason a lot of the fandom seems to passionately prefer the empty rooms with bright lights over the empty rooms with lasers and blacklights. Those hot and cold rooms must have really been something.

Anywho, it's good that they're constantly refreshing this pavilion. Seems like this one will have some more substance than the last one.

Precisely. The new version was an upgrade in every way to the 90s industrial look of the empty warehouse with heavy metal music blasting throughout.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

#BringBackBillMcKim #ButEspeciallyTheVillainousSherryWhoWantsToKillUs

 

[UNCgolf]

Kinda crazy that you reply to almost every post i make when i have you on ignore, i look from time to time and sure enough there you are. It looked like an empty warehouse with highway signs and metals thrown about but if that’s peak EPCOT nostalgia for you then you’re welcome to it. I’ll take 2.0 anyday.

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The cars in the preshow and on ride screamed 90s. It was laughably dated by 2009.

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Well yeah, of course the preshow and some specific car models were dated. I just meant the general aesthetic and the interior theming of the ride wasn't really dated for the most part; it looked pretty much the way similar things look today.

I think it was a better themed attraction than 2.0, which was... not very good in terms of the actual on-ride experience.

Regardless, 3.0 will hopefully do something different/better than both because I don't think either were anything great.

 

[UNCgolf]

I really hope this new version is a slam dunk and objectively the best version of the ride, if anything so some people might finally shut up about the original. It was the first (and sadly not last) of the poor fits for Future World. Nothing about it inspired hope or confidence in the future, the entire attraction focused on one segment of the present of an industry. 2.0 was essentially an aesthetic refresh that made it a Future World attraction and fixed many of its issues, yet for whatever reason a lot of the fandom seems to passionately prefer the empty rooms with bright lights over the empty rooms with lasers and blacklights. Those hot and cold rooms must have really been something.

Anywho, it's good that they're constantly refreshing this pavilion. Seems like this one will have some more substance than the last one.

I agree with the general critiques of 1.0 regarding the fit in EPCOT, and I do not mourn its loss, but in a vacuum it was a better themed ride than 2.0.

Regardless, neither version was at all a good replacement for World of Motion or close to its quality. Hopefully 3.0 is better than either prior iteration.

 

[osian]

Yep, the 1.0 video is dated, however the industrial look and the warehouse and testing facility etc... it's meant to look like that, it's called theming! That bit isn't particularly dated, it's actually been very well done and another example of where Disney excels.

I've often admired the PA announcements after you come round the corner after the lorry encounter and just before the crash barrier tests. They have that reverb and echo on and you can't really work out what it's saying. It sounds just like a loudspeaker in a large warehouse and almost makes you feel like you shouldn't be there because it's a restricted area. That didn't happen by accident. The audio has been put through processing to achieve that effect.

[It actually reminded me of the summer open days at the aircraft factory where my Dad worked, exploring the factory and its main, massive warehouse with Drivmatic machines assembling Airbus wings, metal shavings all over the floor, the smell, the hangar with fully-built aircraft, yes the echo and reverb...perhaps it invoked nostalgia for me!]

Things can sometimes be too realistic maybe, especially when it comes to industrial theming. I remember standing in line with someone for Thirteen (Alton Towers) and the comment was "it doesn't look finished, looks like a building site. Ladders and scaffolding everywhere". Yes, they put a lot of effort into that! Theming is theming.

The open warehouse though was still there in 2.0 and will be in 3.0 unless they decide to conceal by making separate rooms and putting walls everywhere. I've menbtioned before, the space was purposely designed for the 1.0 theme and any re-theme that happens afterwards usually doesn't fit as well as the new theme.

 

[muddyrivers]

I really hope this new version is a slam dunk and objectively the best version of the ride, if anything so some people might finally shut up about the original. It was the first (and sadly not last) of the poor fits for Future World. Nothing about it inspired hope or confidence in the future, the entire attraction focused on one segment of the present of an industry. 2.0 was essentially an aesthetic refresh that made it a Future World attraction and fixed many of its issues, yet for whatever reason a lot of the fandom seems to passionately prefer the empty rooms with bright lights over the empty rooms with lasers and blacklights. Those hot and cold rooms must have really been something.

Anywho, it's good that they're constantly refreshing this pavilion. Seems like this one will have some more substance than the last one.

I'm really hoping for this version to be the best one yet, truly. But to respond to the other part of your post, I think the allure of 1.0 was how immersive it was. Like others said, when you rode that version, you felt like you were part of GM's testing of vehicles by going through the different rigors a new car would experience. It may seem like a stretch but I think the future part of that version was the tests were shaping the future design and technology of GM vehicles.

In 2.0 I never picked up on any FutureWorld theme because it all seemed like fantasy rather than reality. Here, go design some vehicle which looks nothing like any vehicles that will ever be made for one reason or another and then go look at the screens we put throughout the ride to see how your vehicle "performed." I think 2.0 could have been great but instead lots of physical effects and showpieces were removed and lots of lights and black lit facades were put in its place.

 

[Vinnie Mac]

Here, go design some vehicle which looks nothing like any vehicles that will ever be made for one reason or another

See, you say this but this was absolutely something my 8 year old brain would have concocted 10 years ago in line for Test Track

 

[OSUBMac555]

Honestly, what was wrong with 1.0???? I would be thrilled if if went back to the original version.

Because it no longer reflected how cars are designed and tested.

 

[Timothy_Q]

The original Test Track's "it's meant to look like a warehouse" is equivalent to Dinorama's "it's meant to look cheap"

Both succeeded in their intented themes
Both were extremely ugly and not worthy of a Disney park environment

 

[Chef idea Mickey`=]

For as much as they botched the advertising with Tiana and telling us mundane details of her business, I am glad they are keeping a lid on this project! Just surprise us

But TBA wanted to assure us that we was going on a real special journey!

 

[Chef idea Mickey`=]

You come round the corner after the lorry encounter and just before the crash barrier tests. They have that reverb and echo on and you can't really work out what it's saying. It sounds just like a loudspeaker in a large warehouse and almost makes you feel like you shouldn't be there because it's a restricted area. That didn't happen by accident. The audio has been put through processing to achieve that effect.

I've only experienced 2.0 but to me 1.0 appears as a very more intense attraction in experience than 2.0. The first time I confidently led myself to ride this yup at least I was prepared for the huge truck moment and 2.0 was in the dark and the truck all lit up with lights. Surprisingly the truck near miss section didn't come to scare me. When envisioning 1.0 it looked more harsh could it be the sounds, the facility environment being more louder. I honestly would took second thought if it was 1.0 for my first time. I am not a fan of Loud noises and always noted a Disney park guide book and the warning cloud with mickey avatar for Test Track covering his ears saying extremely loud or such.

 

[Vinnie Mac]

I've only experienced 2.0 but to me 1.0 appears as a very more intense attraction in experience than 2.0. The first time I confidently led myself to ride this yup at least I was prepared for the huge truck moment and 2.0 was in the dark and the truck all lit up with lights. Surprisingly the truck near miss section didn't come to scare me. When envisioning 1.0 it looked more harsh could it be the sounds, the facility environment being more louder. I honestly would took second thought if it was 1.0 for my first time. I am not a fan of Loud noises and always noted a Disney park guide book and the warning cloud with mickey avatar for Test Track covering his ears saying extremely loud or such.

I completely understand where you're coming from with that. Loud noises usually don't get to me too much but in dark or "thrilling" environments it can definitely start to bother me. Like the scene on Tower of Terror with the doors that slide open with that really loud noise? I hate that

 

[Chef idea Mickey`=]

Because it no longer reflected how cars are designed and tested.

So 3.0 since it's drawing inspiration and spirit off of World of Motion will describe you as a Disney Park Guest being inside an Original attraction "World of Motion" building backstage and your mission as a 90s content creator is to steal something from ride. You then are trying to escape the pavilion and the only salvagable way is to speed your way out by car. You then realize your escape wasn't a way to escape because that was the track that would soon to be Test Track. As you return to the building in no choice Disney security catches you and every guest are then escorted out and told "you are all now Banned from Disney"

 

[Chef idea Mickey`=]

I completely understand where you're coming from with that. Loud noises usually don't get to me too much but in dark or "thrilling" environments it can definitely start to bother me. Like the scene on Tower of Terror with the doors that slide open with that really loud noise? I hate that.

I heard that Fantasmic there's this one cannon within the show that bursts out of nowhere and can be heard for miles.. heck no!

 

[osian]

Both were extremely ugly and not worthy of a Disney park environment

Wow.

I think you've jumped the shark a bit there.

Test Track v1.0 was not worthy of a Disney theme park environment. Okay....

I hope v3.0 satisifes you and is far enough from real R&D that it doesn't feel too realistic.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Maybe it will allow us to step far into the future (the year 2030) where we are invited to fall asleep in a self-driving car. How immersive!

 

[MisterPenguin]

Maybe it will allow us to step far into the future (the year 2030) where we are invited to fall asleep in a self-driving car. How immersive!

I say bring back leaded gas engines!

 

[DisneyCane]

Because it no longer reflected how cars are designed and tested.

How are they tested now?

 

[Moth]

How are they tested now?

That's the neat part, they aren't!