News Test Track to be reimagined

[PK2]

I think the Matterhorn bobsleds win that award

Hahahah very true, that one's finished me off for the day more than once!

Also, I absolutely love that the awning echoes the building design with the black segment. Gorgeous bit of design. Good work Disney.

 

[Earlie the Pearlie]

It’s been discussed. People don’t seem to think it’ll happen.

I have never been happier to eat my words.

Disney has shared a new rendering for the Test Track reimagining. Test track will close beginning June 17, 2024.

This is the best awning this building could possibly get. It's beautiful and preserves the design intention of the original pavilion instead of obstructing it like the current one. Love the black slice mirroring the windows. This does seem to confirm that some of the outdoor track will not be enclosed, maybe even none of it, because why enclose some but not all?

 

[Horizonsfan]

Looks great! Upon further inspection it also appears the 2012 entry “portal” will remain behind the exterior track and this new queue canopy:

 

[Jwhee]

Getting rid of the awning!

 

[zipadee999]

It's funny as the canopy has been there SO LONG I sort of got used to it...will be interesting to see it gone again. Don't get me wrong, I'll prefer it looking closer to World of Motion era, but just feels like it's been a canopy forever at this point. (1996-ish?)

That’s what I was thinking. The building during the WOM era looked like a legit, futuristic attraction. The canopy made it look like a strange permanent construction zone and had a very temporary feel. This new look will be the best it’s ever looked! Now we can actually see and appreciate the building with some modern upgrades. Very excited

 

[Sir_Cliff]

This does seem to confirm that some of the outdoor track will not be enclosed, maybe even none of it, because why enclose some but not all?

Yes, I don't quite understand why covering the track with the awning was ever necessary: they're only covering a small portion of it!

 

[DisneyRoy]

Well that stinks. Going mid-July and was hoping to get a ride in before it closes. If this AND Rock N Roller coaster are closed for our trip…I don’t know what my daughter will do.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

The late-1990s were really a bad time for the aesthetics of Epcot: they seemed intent on sticking random things all over and around the original buildings.

Industrial Ethos was an incredibly strong design aesthetic of the era, and EPCOT took the brunt of it. Concert rig trussing, inorganic, exaggerated fonts, harsh lighting in primary shades, and late-Memphis color palettes...

Glad to see the canopy go. It was a product of its time.

 

[Surferboy567]

Are they not enclosing the outside loop? Either way the new entrance looks awesome.

 

[ChrisFL]

Yes, I don't quite understand why covering the track with the awning was ever necessary: they're only covering a small portion of it!

It wasn't for the track but for the massive looooong lines that were going to be outside for ALL of the traffic the ride would get

 

[zipadee999]

Are they not enclosing the outside loop? Either way the new entrance looks awesome.

We don’t entirely know yet, but at least the portion that passes over the entrance won’t be enclosed. Still no direct word on the back portion that passed over the parking lot though

 

[Andrew25]

I'd imagine the customized car feature will be removed? Would prefer they just use that space for additional queuing space instead of putting people out in the sun.

 

[OSUPhantom]

Glad to see the awning will be going. It’ll greatly improve the aesthetics of that area

 

[Surferboy567]

I'd imagine the customized car feature will be removed? Would prefer they just use that space for additional queuing space instead of putting people out in the sun.

The logistics were probably annoying for cast members so I’d imagine they probably will remove it as well as any mention of the sim track as the story has changed.

 

[wdwmagic]

That exterior looks so much better - nicely done.

 

[mattpeto]

So much nicer!

The late-1990s were really a bad time for the aesthetics of Epcot: they seemed intent on sticking random things all over and around the original buildings.

Might not be bad to dress up the Guardians building though. I'd take some theming.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I'd imagine the customized car feature will be removed? Would prefer they just use that space for additional queuing space instead of putting people out in the sun.

I hope so. That concept never really worked well and was an odd fit for a ride in which everyone was going to be sitting in the same vehicle and having the same experience anyway.

 

[Vinnie Mac]

Disney has shared a new rendering for the Test Track reimagining. Test track will close beginning June 17, 2024.

Now this looks nice and sleek and modern! Very befitting of the Epcot style

 

[PREMiERdrum]

I hope so. That concept never really worked well and was an odd fit for a ride in which everyone was going to be sitting in the same vehicle and having the same experience anyway.

I was fortunate enough to be at the media party for New TestTrack (and new Fantasyland) and remember feeling that the "SimCar / SimTrack" story actually landed pretty well, but was undone by the absolutely cartoonish results of the design studio. The novelty of "designing" cars on giant iPads has long-since worn off.

I'd be shocked if the practice were to continue. Completely incongruent with the new story direction, best I can tell.

PS - the private One Republic concert under the canopy the night of the party was incredible. We were right up against the stage with maybe 100 other people watching. Peak 2012.

 

[Surferboy567]

The way they announced this is so understated