Epcot gets the shaft yet again!

[LongLiveDisney1]

Which reliable source indicates that there are still firm plans for Test Track to close on April 16th and re-open in the fall?

The Epcot calendar at the official WDW website does not currently show anything under "Operational Updates" indicating that Test Track will be "closed for refurbishment" in April, May, or June.

In comparison, the Magic Kingdom calendar shows that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin have current or imminent closures "for refurbishment."

It could be that someone is just doing a bad job maintaining the official Epcot calendar.

However, the other thing that lends credibility to the rumor is that the official Disney media site no longer includes the January press release. Of course other sites republished the press release, so it can still be found -- but not at the official Disney media site.

Disney is wise not to list the refurbishment. They don't want folks postponing summer travel plans because of it so the longer the wait, the more folks that will be locked in to their trip plans.

There is also a rumor that Disney will only be refurbishing the exit area and thus, no ride closure. So Disney wouldn't need to list anything because the ride won't actually be closed.

However, I would plan on the ride closing on April 16th.

 

[doconeill]

It could be that someone is just doing a bad job maintaining the official Epcot calendar.

You say that like they normally do a good job of maintaining any of the calendars...

However, the other thing that lends credibility to the rumor is that the official Disney media site no longer includes the January press release. Of course other sites republished the press release, so it can still be found -- but not at the official Disney media site.

When I looked a couple days ago, the announcement was still on the DisneyParks blog, where they originally said, "April".

 

[mbrittb00]

You say that like they normally do a good job of maintaining any of the calendars...



When I looked a couple days ago, the announcement was still on the DisneyParks blog, where they originally said, "April".

Where on the DisneyParks blog did they say it was closing in April. All I've seen is the post back from January 6th, where they stated it would re-open in the Fall, but that one said nothing about the closing date.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Disney is wise not till list the refurbishment. They don't want folks postponing summer travel plans because of it so the longer the wait, the more folks that will be locked in to their trip plans.

There is also a rumor that Disney will only be refurbishing the exit area and thus, no ride closure. So Disney wouldn't need to list anything because the ride won't actually be closed.

However, I would plan on the ride closing on April 16th.

Then why wouldn't Disney also be "wise" not to list Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin? Normally, Disney lists planned closures, even for the most popular rides.

It's more than just "refurbishing the exit area." Back in January, the plan was to close the attraction in April (with no specific date given).

Here's the GM version of the press release at http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/che...content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Jan/0106_disney

Chevrolet Will Sponsor Modernized Test Track
GM and Disney renew long-term corporate alliance
2012-01-06

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – General Motors and Disney are renewing their long-term business relationship with a new multi-year corporate alliance that includes a modernization and single-brand focus on the interactive Test Track thrill ride at Walt Disney World Resort.

Chevrolet will be presenting sponsor while GM will work with Walt Disney Imagineering to develop a re-imagined, design-centric remake of the 13-year-old attraction. General Motors continues as the official vehicle sponsor of Walt Disney World Resort.

Plans call for closing the current GM Test Track in April 2012 with an anticipated reopening as the Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot in late 2012.

"As a global brand, Chevrolet is looking forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the re-imagined Test Track," said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “The best of Disney and the best of Chevrolet will come together to bring guests an immersive experience in the design process of the vehicles they see on the road today and will see in the future.”
​

 

[doconeill]

Where on the DisneyParks blog did they say it was closing in April. All I've seen is the post back from January 6th, where they stated it would re-open in the Fall, but that one said nothing about the closing date.

There were several official answers to questions in the comments - it was one of those.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

There were several official answers to questions in the comments - it was one of those.

There is no doubt that the plan back in January was to close in April. There are all sorts of reports still online that were posted back in January, based on the GM media site, the Walt Disney World media site, and the Disney Parks Blog.

The questions now are:

1. Is the project plan still on track for Test Track to close this month?

2. Or has there been a delay?

3. Or has the Chevy version been cancelled entirely?

I would put my money on number 2.

 

[LongLiveDisney1]

Then why wouldn't Disney also be "wise" not to list Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin? Normally, Disney lists planned closures, even for the most popular rides.

Because BTMRR is re-opening in May. That single ride won't affect the summer crowds. However if you combine that closure with Test Track (April to May) then that's a problem. Add in the fact that Epcot has only 2 main rides (Soarin and Test Track) and the summer crowds will worry about congestion.

It's more than just "refurbishing the exit area." Back in January, the plan was to close the attraction in April (with no specific date given).

Here's the GM version of the press release at http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/che...content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Jan/0106_disney

Chevrolet Will Sponsor Modernized Test Track
GM and Disney renew long-term corporate alliance
2012-01-06

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – General Motors and Disney are renewing their long-term business relationship with a new multi-year corporate alliance that includes a modernization and single-brand focus on the interactive Test Track thrill ride at Walt Disney World Resort.

Chevrolet will be presenting sponsor while GM will work with Walt Disney Imagineering to develop a re-imagined, design-centric remake of the 13-year-old attraction. General Motors continues as the official vehicle sponsor of Walt Disney World Resort.

Plans call for closing the current GM Test Track in April 2012 with an anticipated reopening as the Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot in late 2012.

"As a global brand, Chevrolet is looking forward to welcoming guests from around the world to the re-imagined Test Track," said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “The best of Disney and the best of Chevrolet will come together to bring guests an immersive experience in the design process of the vehicles they see on the road today and will see in the future.”
​

That may have been what GM wanted but perhaps Disney had different ideas and they came to a meeting of the minds. I trust a GM press release as much as I do an Orlando Sentinel press release.

 

[LongLiveDisney1]

There is no doubt that the plan back in January was to close in April.

The question now is if that's still the plan.

Are you traveling between April and September? You seem to be hoping against hope that Test Track will be open during that time.

 

[doconeill]

There is no doubt that the plan back in January was to close in April.

The question now is if that's still the plan.

Right...but you mentioned them pulling the announcement from the media site...but they didn't pull it from the blog.

That may have been what GM wanted but perhaps Disney had different ideas and they came to a meeting of the minds. I trust a GM press release as much as I do an Orlando Sentinel press release.

It wouldn't be the first time Disney announced something decent, then not delivered.

I would be VERY upset if they just did the exit area. It's the queue area I want gone.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Are you traveling between April and September? You seem to be hoping against hope that Test Track will be open during that time.

Actually, I won't be at WDW again until late fall. I would love to see Chevy Design Center open by then. That means I would love to see Test Track close this month so the redesigned version will open before I get there.

Unfortunately, it now appears that's unlikely.

 

[LongLiveDisney1]

Actually, I won't be at WDW again until late fall. I would love to see Chevy Design Center open by then. That means I would love to see Test Track close this month so the redesigned version will open before I get there.

Unfortunately, it now appears that's unlikely.

It's either closes in April or it doesn't close at all this year. There is 0 chance the ride is closed during the Food & Wine Festival.

Again, until you provide some hard evidence, I think it's inappropriate to proclaim that the ride won't be closed in April as that what is being reported by 95% of media outlets.

 

[mbrittb00]

It's either closes in April or it doesn't close at all this year. There is 0 chance the ride is closed during the Food & Wine Festival.

Again, until you provide some hard evidence, I think it's inappropriate to proclaim that the ride won't be closed in April as that what is being reported by 95% of media outlets.

Isn't the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot kind of a big deal too? That is going on until May 20th. They could start working on the queuing and exit areas without and not actually close the ride until after May 20th. Still brings into question whey there hadn't been any official word from Disney.

 

[LongLiveDisney1]

Isn't the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot kind of a big deal too? That is going on until May 20th. They could start working on the queuing and exit areas without and not actually close the ride until after May 20th. Still brings into question whey there hadn't been any official word from Disney.

Flower and Garden doesn't even compare to the F&W Festival. That's a huge revenue generator for Disney and they need both signature rides to be open at that time.

I still think Disney doesn't want to put this news out about the Test Track closure. They don't want folks canceling or postponing summer travel plans.

 

[mbrittb00]

Flower and Garden doesn't even compare to the F&W Festival. That's a huge revenue generator for Disney and they need both signature rides to be open at that time.

I still think Disney doesn't want to put this news out about the Test Track closure. They don't want folks canceling or postponing summer travel plans.

If you are right then it is sad that Disney has become that kind of company. Disney has posted every major and most if not all minor referbs that I can think of several months in advance. Based on that track record not posting this closing (assuming it happens) is essentially a lie. Especially when they reply to people's inquiries as to if the ride is going to be open by telling them to look at the calendar on the website which does NOT list ANY reverb dates for TT. People are going to know for certain in 8 days. Why hold it back now.

 

[CamoMama]

According to TouringPlans it's definitely going to be closed April 16th.


http://blog.touringplans.com/

The closure is really “confirmed” now because operational schedules covering April 16 were posted for the cast working at Epcot today. They were informed that the Test Track attraction building would be off-limits as it would be under Imagineering’s jurisdiction for the redevelopment. Additionally, Guest Relations staff are scheduled to be stationed out front to answer questions that park guests may have about the closure.

 

[RunningGirl]

This is what's on the Disney World Park Hours page:

Test Track - Closed For Refurbishment [ Friday, June 01 - Tuesday, July 31 ]

Anyone know what the heck is up?

 

[doconeill]

This is what's on the Disney World Park Hours page:

Test Track - Closed For Refurbishment [ Friday, June 01 - Tuesday, July 31 ]

Anyone know what the heck is up?

I means that Disney still can't get their calendar straight.

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

It's closing tomorrow friend of mine in on the CP they took them for a final ride before they shut it down for who knows how long.

 

[RunningGirl]

I means that Disney still can't get their calendar straight.

It is amazing how much bad information is on their website. When we were there last the park hours on the website did not match the published hours on the printed material (which were the correct hours). It's very frustrating for an overly anal planner to not have the correct information when making plans! (And, although I'm glad TT is getting a refurb, I'm sad it will be closed while we're there.)

 

[skier_pete]

It is amazing how much bad information is on their website.

It's amazing how much bad information is on THIS website. This entire thread is devoted to how Epcot's getting the shaft because they cancelled the TT refurb. I guess we can still blame Disney for not updating their website - but really, they announced it back at the start of the year, and never said it WASN'T happening. Apparently if they don't mention something once a week, it means it's been canceled. (See all the dumb Avatarland rumors.)