Test Track

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet is being reimagined and is currently closed. Please check back later for updates. The description below pertains to the former “Test Track 2.0” version.

Design a virtual concept vehicle and then go for a high-octane spin at this attraction that’s thrilling and creative.

“Let’s see how your designs hold up now.”

Believe it or not, even with all the roller coasters and intense attractions, Test Track is the fastest one in all of Walt Disney World. This “test simulation” of new vehicles contains multiple twists and turns with plenty of hills and sudden shudders and stops throughout the entire attraction, all supposedly showing different tests that auto manufacturers–in this case, Chevrolet specifically–put new prototypes through to determine their viability, safety features, and road handling during differing road and weather conditions.

In the pre-show area known as the Design Studio, guests are asked to use touch screens to create their own vehicle features: color, hood, tires, etc. Once locked in, this will be your car and all actions in the attraction will influence its overall performance and score ranking, which will be revealed at the ride’s finale. 

Most of the attraction takes place inside the show building and is enhanced by scenery highlighted by glowing lights and paint that have a distinct similarity to the 1982 sci-fi film, Tron. This can look striking in certain areas, while other sections seem diminished by the effects. Guests will race through the track, learning about braking control, steering capabilities, and the effects of varying types of weather. This all leads to the big moment when guests’ vehicles rocket out the back of the pavilion and make a large, banked turn into a straightaway where a top speed of 65 miles-per-hour and wrapping around the building before descending into the unload and exit zone.

Behind the Schemes:

Test Track sits in the former location of the World of Motion pavilion, which technically was mostly a ride with a showroom where General Motors could display current models as well as “futuristic” ideas (remember the three-wheeled car that looked like a space capsule?) and a gift shop. Most of the inside was gutted, and perhaps the everlasting sting that remains is the missing spiral track that took ride vehicles up to the second floor through an open portico that opened into the main show building.

The addition of the pre-show area happened in 2012 after General Motors had ended their sponsorship and Chevrolet took over. The touchscreens and “vehicle customization” will keep younger guests happy as it gives them something to do while waiting in a queue that can become interminably long during busy days. However, it’s one of the more glaring pre-shows and older guests will understand they’re being played to keep everyone cool inside and attentive to the possibilities that await.

The former pre-show (we’ll call it Test Track 1.0) featured a video with fictional characters Bill McKim and technician Sherrie who help program the tests that will happen (including the dreaded selection of “Number 7”), show video of crash test dummies taking the full brunt of a collision, and send guests on their merry way. The video was a bit lackluster and the new pre-show features interaction with technology, so even though the former characters are missed, Chevrolet made the right choice on this one.

The showroom remains pretty much the same as before: newer car models–and even prototypes (check out the Miray!)–are on display for guests to peruse, climb into, and check out all the vehicles’ statistics (and prices) right in front of their own eyes. Guests are also able to use their Photopass to purchase photos of them riding the attraction.

 Reality Check:

The former General Motors version of the pavilion contained a VIP lounge containing snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to employees of the company and their guests. 

The computer systems on the original version of Test Track contained more processing power than that found aboard the Space Shuttle. This caused massive problems with the tech department as one of the safety features would stop vehicles if one got too close to another during the high-speed section. It was not unusual to see cars stuck on the straightaway and banked turns until this bug was worked out.

The previously mentioned character, Bill McKim was played by John Michael Higgins, who viewers might recognize as the host of the game show America Says on Game Show Network. He also voiced the character Mini-Max on the television show, Big Hero 6: The Series which aired on Disney XD and the Disney Channel until 2021.

When in the pre-show area, it’s fun to tell younger guests that pink cars go faster. They’ll believe it.

Disney PhotoPass Service
Disney PhotoPass Service is available at this attraction to capture your picture. Learn more about Attraction Photos & Videos.