Disney World brings back iconic ride in new format | Official Website of Louis Velazquez, entrepreneur, finance guy and tech innovator

Epcot is perhaps best known for its World Showcase, which allows park visitors to stroll around different “countries” and experience local food and culture firsthand.

The popular Disney theme park also offers special events throughout the year that bring in millions of visitors. These events include things like the International Food and Wine Festival, which runs from August through November, as well as the International Flower and Garden Festival and the Festival of the Arts.

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Beyond these seasonal events and cultural experiences, though, Epcot also has a number of beloved and iconic rides that bring people back year after year. Since most people have their favorites, the closure of any of these rides, even on a temporary basis, can be upsetting to park fans.

Unfortunately, ride closures for updates are a part of life at Disney, and one especially beloved ride has been closed for over a year. The good news, however, is that the iconic ride will soon be reopening, albeit in a new format that represents some pretty major changes.

A revamped ride at Epcot will reopen soon.

Image source&colon; Daniel Kline/TheStreet

Opening date announced for beloved Epcot ride

One of Epcot’s most favored rides shut its doors over a year ago. On June 17, 2024, Test Track closed for a major revision. This was a big deal to many park visitors, as Test Track has a long history in the Epcot theme park.

The first version of the ride opened in 1999 and was focused on testing real-world vehicles. However, it was redesigned in 2012 to give the ride a more modern flair and let users design and “test” their own vehicles in a digital facility.

Now, however, Test Track is going to re-launch in its third iteration, and Disney has finally announced the date for the long-awaited event.

Test Track will be officially reopen on July 22, 2025, although certain groups will be allowed to ride prior to the official launch.

Cast Member previews of the new ride are already underway, while Disney Vacation Club guests have a member preview scheduled on July 12, 2025.

Annual passholders can go for their preview rides from July 13 to July 16 and from July 18 to July 19, while Club 33 Members and Golden Oak Residents can ride on July 11, 2025.

Those taking advantage of the previews will need to register.

Test Track 3.0 brings major changes

Although most people haven’t yet gotten a chance to take a ride, it’s already clear that the new Test Track is going to look very different.

In a move likely to disappoint some fans, the new Test Track no longer offers you the opportunity to design your own car, which the old ride did. Instead, you’ll now go through a queue with futuristic vehicle models before hopping into a ride vehicle that’s similar to the old ones but with some fresher designs.

Once the ride gets underway, you’ll notice that there’s new music as well as new elements that celebrate advances in transportation and modern vehicle technologies. There’s also new scenery featuring natural elements, towering trees, and unique lighting effects to create an atmosphere reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest.

Fortunately, the exterior part of the ride remains largely unchanged, and Test Track remains the fastest ride in any Disney Park, as your car will still pick up speed to travel a whopping 65 miles per hour. One notable upgrade outdoors allows you to see that speed firsthand, as there is a new sign showing how fast you’re traveling.

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For those eager to experience these changes, the July 22 date is fast approaching. Test track will not be using a virtual queue once it’s officially open to the public, and it will be part of the Lightning Lane multi-pass, where it will be a top-tier attraction along with Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Guests who wish to ride without a long wait may want to opt for the Lightning Lane pass if they’re heading to the park soon after opening day.