It has just been revealed that the Walt Disney World Resort plans to close one of EPCOT’s most iconic attractions.
Credit: Becky Burkett
Disney World is an ever-growing, ever-evolving magical behemoth. Some say the only thing that’s a guarantee about the rides, attractions, live entertainment, and other offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort is that they’re always ripe for renewals, reimagined features, and refurbishment.
It’s a wonderful thing, as those refurbishments and reimaginings are responsible for keeping Disney World’s most popular experiences available for guests to enjoy year after year.
But it’s not such a wonderful thing when those changes come to your favorite experience at Disney World–and especially when those changes render your favorite attraction unavailable during your visit to the Central Florida theme parks.
So, if you happen to be a huge fan of the offerings at EPCOT, this message is for you–especially if you’re visiting after July 2024.
Credit: Disney
It was revealed on Tuesday that EPCOT’s Test Track attraction, sponsored by General Motors, is slated for a long closure beginning in July 2024. Disney World has yet to announce an official closing date.
The latest information from cast members who reportedly work at the Test Track attraction at EPCOT suggests that the closure, which will take place to allow for construction to be carried out in an effort to reimagine and refresh the guest-favorite attraction, will last up to an entire year and cost as much at $100 million.
Credit: Disney Parks
In the fall of 2023, during Disney’s Destination D23 event held at Disney World, Imagineer Chris Beatty joined Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks Chairman, alongside teams from Chevrolet to talk about the potential for going back in history to draw inspiration from EPCOT’s original World of Motion pavilion. That inspiration will reportedly be used in developing the next version of Test Track.
Cruise over to the gleaming Chevrolet Design Center to create your own virtual concept car. When you’re done, buckle up in a 6-passenger “SIM Car” and take it for an exhilarating spin on the test track.
Rev through rough terrain and obstacles along the winding circuit. Accelerate through straightaways, maneuver switchbacks through inclement weather, hug curves banked at 50-degree angles and scale hills up to three stories high.
Reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour as you put your car through its paces. After each test, check the scoreboard to see how your vehicle performed!
Credit: Disney
After the test, make and share a commercial for your design, race your car again on a miniature virtual test or pose for a picture with your vehicle against a dramatic backdrop for a souvenir of your supercharged day.
As this is a developing story, more information will be shared as it becomes available.
Rebekah grew up in Forney, Texas and lives just outside of Dallas. She’s been a Disney superfan since childhood, experiencing the magic at Walt Disney World for the first time at the age of 11. Journeys to Neverland are at least a yearly occurrence for her, her husband and her four children (the Fab Four). When they go to the parks, they stay in Florida for three weeks at a time. Rebekah loves exploring the history of the parks, the genius behind the Magic in the person of Walt Disney, and she is intrigued by all things Disney World and… More »
