Test Track to close April 16 for refurb

[Wizzard419]

I thought it had more to do with the track itself being wet (plus the oil from the tires) causing problems for the cars than anything else.

If that were the case, then Test Track wouldn't reopen until a few hours after the rain stopped. Heck running the attraction after a rainfall would help dry the track a little quicker.

If I recall, for a few hours after it rains, but stops with no return on the horizon, they do have the cars running at reduced speeds since there can be problems if they go over 55 on a wet track.

[MadEye]

I thought it had more to do with the track itself being wet (plus the oil from the tires) causing problems for the cars than anything else.

If that were the case, then Test Track wouldn't reopen until a few hours after the rain stopped. Heck running the attraction after a rainfall would help dry the track a little quicker.

If I recall, for a few hours after it rains, but stops with no return on the horizon, they do have the cars running at reduced speeds since there can be problems if they go over 55 on a wet track.

I'll ask my girlfriend. She was a trainer for Test Track so she should know the answer to that.

[Wizzard419]

Good to know, I wonder if the lacking rain here in So Cal will be a benefit or not for our version? On the plus side less downtime due to weather, on the negative, the first rain storm will really bring up all the tire residue.

[MadEye]

Good to know, I wonder if the lacking rain here in So Cal will be a benefit or not for our version? On the plus side less downtime due to weather, on the negative, the first rain storm will really bring up all the tire residue.

I do know that Test Track and Radiator Springs Racers use, somewhat, the same system (Test Track is [was?] version 1.5, Tokyo's Journey To The Center of The Earth is 2.0 and RSR is version 3.0) but I don't know if they use the same material for the track the cars run on or even if they use the same kind of tires (I do believe Test Track used racing tires, I could be wrong).

On a(n interesting) side note: Now that Test Track is down for refurb, they are shipping the maintenance crew from Track to California to help with Radiator Springs Racers for six months.

[Wizzard419]

Wow, that has to suck for them, hopefully they are being paid well for the temporary transfer.

One of the problems with using rubber tires outdoors (fully exposed as opposed to having a cover over the top of the track) is that hills, tilts, etc. become slick when it rains. The DLR version of the Peoplemover/RR and Alice had/have that problem which is also why you don't see their setups replicated. I am curious as to what happens at Journey when it rains. It only has a brief period outside, but it's on a hill.

[MadEye]

So, after asking my girlfriend, it is a combination of three things.

1) The speed and hard rain don't mix.
2) The cars and track (runs on a bus bar) are electric. Last thing Disney needs is an electrocuted guest.
3) Water, track, tires don't mix either.

[Len90]

So, after asking my girlfriend, it is a combination of three things.

1) The speed and hard rain don't mix.
2) The cars and track (runs on a bus bar) are electric. Last thing Disney needs is an electrocuted guest.
3) Water, track, tires don't mix either.

Wow very interesting that it is all three things.

What are they doing with the other CMs from TT? I know there is a lot of CMs stationed on that attraction at any given point. Are they all getting temporary positions at other places in the resort?

[MadEye]

What are they doing with the other CMs from TT? I know there is a lot of CMs stationed on that attraction at any given point. Are they all getting temporary positions at other places in the resort?

The CMs who were already trained somewhere else are scheduled there and the others are training have been trained somewhere else (Mission: Space, The Seas with Nemo, Spaceship Earth or Ellen's Energy Adventure). The ones with the most seniority (worked at WDW the longest) are positioned outside letting guests know it's closed.

[Amy]

What are they doing with the other CMs from TT? I know there is a lot of CMs stationed on that attraction at any given point. Are they all getting temporary positions at other places in the resort?

The CMs who were already trained somewhere else are scheduled there and the others are training have been trained somewhere else (Mission: Space, The Seas with Nemo, Spaceship Earth or Ellen's Energy Adventure). The ones with the most seniority (worked at WDW the longest) are positioned outside letting guests know it's closed.

That's curious that the CMs with the highest seniority are the ones positioned to let guests know the attraction is closed. I would think that would make for a boring day

[Wizzard419]

I always figured that the lowest rungs would be at that job. I also have a feeling they didn't hire as many seasonals this year if they are sending present workers off to other rides. Otherwise they would just be put on reduced hours.

[MadEye]

I always figured that the lowest rungs would be at that job. I also have a feeling they didn't hire as many seasonals this year if they are sending present workers off to other rides. Otherwise they would just be put on reduced hours.

No seasonal or CPs at all until next year but sending everyone out to other attractions that already have a lot of CMs on top of the Test Track CMs will lower a lot of hours for most. They were giving my girlfriend overtime (50 - 70 hours) the last few months before they closed Test Track knowing they wouldn't be able to give her the hours she needs to make up for the hours she is loosing.

[Wizzard419]

I wonder, with the ones they are sending here, if DLR has some corporate apartments or give them older rooms at the hotel or something? It would suck if they were told "here is your stipened, good luck!"

[dstrawn9889]

maybe a 'barracks' for them to stay at, like a military bases' 'BOQ'

[cousininmiami]

I was there last friday. There are some vehicles with new TRON looking 'skins' on them. I took a picture of one:

There was an older couple in line with us that said to look for the TRON vehicle, and that the referb is going to be based on that movie. I don't know how they knew or if they were just guessing but they said they are at WDW every day. Has anyone else seen these new vehicles or heard anything?

[dstrawn9889]

i think they have been talking w/ the Mears drivers as well... although the skin looks like the temp wall graphics...