Does Test Track Need Some Refurbishment?

[SoarinSoarin]

As a big fan of automobiles, one of my favorite attractions is Test Track. It's been my favorite since back when it opened in the 90s, but unfortunately, it still feels like it is from the 90s. I walk through the queue, enjoying the sights of car safety testing, and seeing some cool videos, but nothing seems to work any more. I remember when all of the crash dummy displays actually moved and worked, which they don't any more. I'm not sure if they were shut off for a specific reason, or if they have broken and haven't been fixed, but I miss seeing the dummies being slammed into things as I walked through the usually 60+ minute line. Then you get to the briefing area. Personally, I don't like it, because it adds a big chunk to the wait time, but even if it's required, it needs to be updated. There are tube televisions, which are among the few displays that haven't been updated to widescreen HD displays in all of WDW. That, and the script, the design of the set, and just the overall feel of the briefing video seems a decade old. Then you get onto the ride. The display screens in literally every car seem to be either off or frozen, which I used to like, but now cannot enjoy. Then you move forward to the uphill climb and rough road tests, which go by smoothly, (apart from the fact that the speed on the uphill climb doesn't seem to kick in until the very top of the hill) until you get to the ABS test. This test used to feature screens displaying the test instructors explaining what was about to happen, but recently broken or have been turned off. Then you get to the end of the ABS test, right before the heat test, where it shows you what your car looked like during the test to show you the difference between the two tests. Those screens never seem to work correctly any more. Then you move to the hairpin turns. They're great! I love the cornering, as it appeals to me as a car nut. Although it's enjoyable, it feels nothing like it does in a real car. Why? Well the rear wheels turn as well. Real cars don't do this. So the balance felt during real in-car cornering is absent on the ride. (I understand most people won't notice this, but it's just something I find annoying on the ride.) Then the high speed loops. They're amazing. The loops, along with the rough road and weather tests, seem to be the only part of the ride that go smoothly, as they did when the ride first opened.

These things, paired with the very 90s looking theming outside of the pavilion, make the ride less enjoyable for me. A bit of updating would be great. Fix the all the screens that do not function any more, and update some of the theming that has become dated. That, and add a Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1 into the post-ride, and it'd be a fresh update to one of the most popular attractions in Epcot.

(Am I the only one who feels this way, or is everyone okay with TT?)

[Amy]

I haven't been on TT since 2000 and everything functioned then. I can only speculate that the standy-by line displays were working properly as I always went single rider. That is sad that so many things are not working. The screens in the cars should be fixed for sure! Does the pavilion still have a sponsor? If not, that could explain some of the decline...no money.

[NaCler]

To tell the truth, I never go on Test Track anymore. It's one of those attractions for me that if you have done it, then you don't need to do it again. Kinda like Mission Space. Especially since it always has an outrageous wait time.

[SoarinSoarin]

Yes, TT is still sponsored by General Motors, as seen here.

[northernmousefan2007]

I think it at least may help GM's image if they get that jimmy and really ugly red Saturn out of the pre-show video. I have been on test track at least 100 times and I think the thermal image screen has been through all kinds of change. Started with a tube tv, then it was just a static pic, once there was no screen at all and in 2009 it was displaying a live image again. The same with the ABS results tv's. I do wish they would change it but not so bad I enjoy epcot any less.

[Amy]

Well there you go...can't really sink a lot of money into an amusement park attraction when you are already undergoing restructuring at the taxpayer's expense

[SoarinSoarin]

I think it at least may help GM's image if they get that jimmy and really ugly red Saturn out of the pre-show video. I have been on test track at least 100 times and I think the thermal image screen has been through all kinds of change. Started with a tube tv, then it was just a static pic, once there was no screen at all and in 2009 it was displaying a live image again. The same with the ABS results tv's. I do wish they would change it but not so bad I enjoy epcot any less.

I agree with you with it not taking away any enjoyment from Epcot, as I still love the ride as it is. Indeed, the Saturns need to be removed. I found it hilarious when the passengers behind me on my latest ride joked about the Saturn Vue in the crash scene is where all Saturns have ended up.

[northernmousefan2007]

As a large contributor to the government kitty I would like to see some GM/taxpayer money go into test track. epcot guests are a more targeted audience then a multi million dollar tv ad campaign can buy.

[MmeLeota]

Like Amy, I haven't been on TT since 2000...sad to hear that it's not kept current.

[DIAC1987]

Test Track has run its course (pun intended) and should become a Tron ride

In all seriousness, it does really need a massive Space Mountain-like refurbishment.

[Len90]

I honestly feel that Test Track is a few years past a refreshing. I have to agree with a lot of the statements that SoarinSoarin made. I do agree that the dummies in the queue could use some repairs. However, when I was there last July I didn't see it being too drastic. As for the preshow video, I am at the point where I can't watch it anymore. It is actually painful to see cars that are about 15 years old and are no longer produced. It really reminds me of the old Star Tours queue video which reeks of the 1980's. As for the cars, I have found the screens to be flakey even just a couple of years after the attraction opened up. I do understand that they are most likely being used far beyond their designed life span and maybe even original design, but we do have the technology to get working screens now??? I really enjoy the cornering tests too. I have always been a fan of cornering in cars but understand the turning back wheels. I honestly feel that it helps to cut down on wear and tear of the tires because they would most likely be blowing out the back tires daily with the cars running that track all day. I definitely agree with the post show additions. It would definitely cause me to stop and look at the cars if they put something interesting in the post show. My biggest complaint from last trip through was a lot of blown heat lamps, which in the middle of summer was not too big of a deal.

On the plus side, I have noticed some improvements come over my rides on it. The last time we rode it I was happy to see that the "crash wall" was completely closed by the time our vehicle rounded the corner. I was also happy to see it opened at the proper time and maintained that "we're going to crash" feel.

Overall, I make sure to hit it up at least once on every vacation. I don't want to see it go, but I would love to see it get brought up with the times and moved into the 21st century.

[boilerbabe]

Well said SoarinSoarin and Len. I noticed on our last trip (Dec. '09) that it was in need of some updating, well actually alot of updating! You would think if they can't afford to fix the entire attraction at this moment, can they at least update the pre-loading video?! It's a bit sad to see vehicles they do not even make anymore. As far as the actual ride, I still enjoy it. I've always felt though with TT, if I have to wait more than 20 mins. for it, I will pass. I don't feel it's worth a terribly long wait. Hopefully Disney will give this attraction a face lift soon!

We enjoyed the post show on our last visit, they had the new Camaro in the show room. I'm a Ford Mustang girl, but I had to check out the new muscle car. I sat in it and felt as if I had cheated on my Stang!

[Brian845]

We enjoyed the post show on our last visit, they had the new Camaro in the show room. I'm a Ford Mustang girl, but I had to check out the new muscle car. I sat in it and felt as if I had cheated on my Stang!

See, this is why Ford should sponsor Test Track. They're in the best position financially to do it, and that way I'd get to see new vehicles I might actually buy.

/Ford Man for no real reason, also drives a Mustang

[cousininmiami]

I still enjoy TT for what it is and what it was every time we visit. It always boils down to $$, something that GM doesn't seem to have much of these days! Maybe a quick update on the pre-show movie wouldn't cost too much... let's start a letter writing campaign!

[Amy]

I still enjoy TT for what it is and what it was every time we visit. It always boils down to $$, something that GM doesn't seem to have much of these days! Maybe a quick update on the pre-show movie wouldn't cost too much... let's start a letter writing campaign!

Heck, we can cast it on here and shoot our own pre-show video...FedEx it to the powers that be...and see what happens!