Crew members remain ever-present as construction continues on the latest iteration of Test Track at EPCOT.
Test Track 3.0 Construction
Construction on the outer structure in early December 2024 after vertical supports went up around the ride’s exterior, connecting most of the outer supports and creating a rectangular entrance area. Later in December, scaffolding went up, which juts out from the show building below the ride track.
On a monorail ride early Sunday morning, we saw crew members at work around the scaffolding.
Based on the structure of the scaffolding, it looks like the front will be very similar to the concept art provided by Disney. Under the roof line are bright blue lights, a sign for Single Rider and Lightning Lane, and a sign for the standby queue.
Construction on the area that will house the new Test Track signage is also underway. While no sign has been installed, we do know that it has been ordered, and permits for installation have been filed.
Design Communications Ltd. is listed as the contractor for the project. This company specializes in custom signage and has been contracted by Walt Disney Imagineering in the past for a number of projects, dating back to at least 2014. The permit has no expiration date listed, and construction is ongoing outside the ride, so the signage could arrive and be installed at any time.
Although the concept art and current walls denote “presented by Chevrolet,” Disney is now referring to the ride as Test Track presented by General Motors, returning to its original name and sponsor.
To the right of the scaffolding behind the wall, other construction equipment including ladders, cinderblocks, and lighting equipment can be seen.
A boom lift can be seen just outside the doors of the Test Track SIMporium Gift Shop. More pieces of paneling from the exterior portion of the outdoor track have been removed and placed on the ground below.
The SIMporium located behind the walls under the track, was where guests could purchase merchandise including clothing, toy cars, pit crew caps, and more. No word on whether the store itself will be getting a revamp or name change along with the ride.
Work is also happening around the walkways in the area of the ride. There is caution tape around the trees and bushes, cinderblocks, and other construction equipment behind the walls.
Also seen from the ground-view, are blue tarps covering some of the construction happening on the canopy and underneath where the queue experience will begin.
The queue will feature six distinct exhibits. Each room will celebrate the vehicles and people that push the envelope and help move us to the next chapter in our motion journey.
This next version of Test Track will have new show scenes showcasing technological advances, and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone. These include scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization, and personalization. These are followed by a trip outdoors, reminding us all of the joys of driving.
Disney previously stated the reimagined Test Track will draw inspiration from World of Motion, the opening-day EPCOT attraction it replaced. The updated Test Track facade also harkens back to the original pavilion.
In November 2024, Imagineering shared a first look inside the ride which you can read about here.
Test Track is scheduled to reopen in the summer of this year.
Are you looking forward to riding Test Track 3.0? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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