Future World Era Test Track?

[NoLineOntheHorizon]

I love all the rumors posted and am very excited about the possible updates to all the rides and new lands all around WDW, but was curious as to why there was no mention of an update to Test Track. Test Track, although a fun ride, in it's current form sticks out to me as out of place in Future World. With all of the new dreamers thinking beyond our current mode of land travel, wondered if there were any ideas being kicked around to update Test Track and make it fit with Future World?
has anyone else thought about this, too?

 

[Faldred]

I've been saying for some time that Future World is misnamed and needs to be reconsidered as three separate sub-areas:

1) Technology (e.g., Spaceship Earth, Mission: Space, Test Track)

2) Natural Sciences (e.g., The Land, The Seas)

3) Imagination (e.g., Figment, Innoventions)

 

[Big]

EPCOT has always been a "for show" park which I think Test Track does very well. The ride itself is bland, yes, but the technology is the que line showing how all the stuff is done (which could use updating).

Being an adult, my favorite part of the ride is sitting in all the cars on the showroom afterward, which will always be current technology.

 

[skier_pete]

Test Track has only been running about 12 years - no way they do a refurb. There is way too much in FW (Imagination, Energy, Wonders of Life) that could use an update before Test Track.

And to Faldred....that's how the park is designed...on the left (as you enter) is the tech sciences (energy, space exploration, the human body {OK - not open}, automotive), on the right is the more "natural sciences" (earth/agriculture, oceans, imagination). Future world has ALWAYS been a misnomer, since the earliest rides typically demonstrated the past, present and possible future of the technology they were discussing.

SkierPete

 

[johnGorski]

I love all the rumors posted and am very excited about the possible updates to all the rides and new lands all around WDW, but was curious as to why there was no mention of an update to Test Track. Test Track, although a fun ride, in it's current form sticks out to me as out of place in Future World. With all of the new dreamers thinking beyond our current mode of land travel, wondered if there were any ideas being kicked around to update Test Track and make it fit with Future World?
has anyone else thought about this, too?

TT not at all. It would be nice if they redo the pre-show. If I was a GM exec. and walked into that pre show seeing 97 sunfire driving around and a Jimmy tearing corners, i would be embarressed and budget a new show to show off GM's new line up. This is a good advertising avenue for GM. Plus add updated models in the que.

 

[NoLineOntheHorizon]

Test Track has only been running about 12 years - no way they do a refurb. There is way too much in FW (Imagination, Energy, Wonders of Life) that could use an update before Test Track.

And to Faldred....that's how the park is designed...on the left (as you enter) is the tech sciences (energy, space exploration, the human body {OK - not open}, automotive), on the right is the more "natural sciences" (earth/agriculture, oceans, imagination). Future world has ALWAYS been a misnomer, since the earliest rides typically demonstrated the past, present and possible future of the technology they were discussing.

SkierPete

I agree with you that the others need a refurb first...but the projected timeline was over a period of 10-15 years. I could see TT needing a refurb to update to current tech. by the time it is 20-25 years old. Maybe not now, but in the foreseeable future as we are already talking about moving beyond the oil and gas mentality. World of Motion hinted at some of those ideas as well from what I can remember.

 

[NoLineOntheHorizon]

TT not at all. It would be nice if they redo the pre-show. If I was a GM exec. and walked into that pre show seeing 97 sunfire driving around and a Jimmy tearing corners, i would be embarressed and budget a new show to show off GM's new line up. This is a good advertising avenue for GM. Plus add updated models in the que.

Yes, the pre-show....granted, it's been a few years since I have been on the ride...with a little one with us and looooong lines (hence it's popularity) haven't been able to experience it in a while. But, from what I remember, yes, the pre-show could use an update to future world status.

 

[Figment632]

TT while a good ride is everything that is wrong with Epcot today because a GM test facility the tests and in the end shows current cars in no way shape or form fits in Future world.

TT can be fixed in two ways on more simple than the other.

1. Change the story and preshow to make it GM new facility for testing the car of the Future. Make the tests futuristic and in the post show only have concept cars.

2. And IMO the better option make it have a World of Motion type story. Look at the history of transportation where each test brings you to a new break through in transportation WOM with thrills.

 

[MJMcBride]

They may tweak the pre-show, but there is little chance of a major overhaul anytime soon

the current version, however, is expensive to operate. if they could find a way to cheapen it, such as with improved tire technology or whatnot, they will. But its unlikely to change much for the visitor

 

[ChrisFL]

They may tweak the pre-show, but there is little chance of a major overhaul anytime soon

the current version, however, is expensive to operate. if they could find a way to cheapen it, such as with improved tire technology or whatnot, they will. But its unlikely to change much for the visitor

Do you know....is this something that is more expensive than the new Radiator Springs Racers at DCA? I mean, did they improve the technology much with that version (seeing as it's basically the same ride system)?

 

[KYMickey]

I thought that the GM sponsorship ended last year and that GM did not renew it. Have they renewed sponsorship after that? At that time there were a lot of rumors about other auto companies taking over TT such as Toyota or Honda.

 

[ChrisFL]

I thought that the GM sponsorship ended last year and that GM did not renew it. Have they renewed sponsorship after that? At that time there were a lot of rumors about other auto companies taking over TT such as Toyota or Honda.

I think they set up like a yearly contract or something for now

 

[CWO4DVC]

I thought that the GM sponsorship ended last year and that GM did not renew it. Have they renewed sponsorship after that? At that time there were a lot of rumors about other auto companies taking over TT such as Toyota or Honda.

Since the Federal Government now owns well over 50% of GM stock, maybe the mouse is getting some kind of tax break for keeping things the same for now.

 

[DisneyDad222]

How about changing it to the Cars test trax? Make the cars all look like McQueen and change the intro and waiting area to go along with the movie.

 

[Figment632]

How about changing it to the Cars test trax? Make the cars all look like McQueen and change the intro and waiting area to go along with the movie.

No offense but this is a terrible Idea how does Cars fit in Future World?? It's the same reason why Nemo was a terrible choice. Characters that don't have futuristic stories do not belong in FW.

 

[DizCaptain]

No offense but this is a terrible Idea how does Cars fit in Future World?? It's the same reason why Nemo was a terrible choice. Characters that don't have futuristic stories do not belong in FW.

Agreed. "Lets just slap some pixar in with that ride" is not a good plan, and never really was......I think TT is fine as is, sure its a little outdated "car wise" but honestly, I never really took the time to notice the years of the cars throughout, etc. The only thing I think they should do to it is increase efficiency and decrease down-time...I still have nightmares of being trapped in that hot pre-show room with 40 others for an hour.

 

[nytimez]

No offense but this is a terrible Idea how does Cars fit in Future World?? It's the same reason why Nemo was a terrible choice. Characters that don't have futuristic stories do not belong in FW.

I don't have a problem with Nemo at "The Living Seas." Seems like a natural fit. And when they debuted the tech at Turtle Talk, that was pretty futuristic to me.

 

[ASteelersMidget]

I don't have a problem with Nemo at "The Living Seas." Seems like a natural fit. And when they debuted the tech at Turtle Talk, that was pretty futuristic to me.

Yes but at least Nemo is a fish. Fish go in aquariums, to humans that makes sense.

Test Track based on cars is in no way an upgrade. Yes by my previous logic cars on a safety of car testing attraction makes sense, but consider this. Cars is about racing and a family friendly story. The only thing that TT and cars have in common is they both involve cars. Thats it! not to mention the cars in the movie cars are almost all Classic "old" cars.

 

[nytimez]

Yes but at least Nemo is a fish. Fish go in aquariums, to humans that makes sense.

Test Track based on cars is in no way an upgrade. Yes by my previous logic cars on a safety of car testing attraction makes sense, but consider this. Cars is about racing and a family friendly story. The only thing that TT and cars have in common is they both involve cars. Thats it! not to mention the cars in the movie cars are almost all Classic "old" cars.

No, I wasn't making a case for Cars at Test Track. I don't think it belongs there either.

I was only responding to the comment about Nemo not belonging at the Seas, no larger implication intended.

 

[skiingfast]

How about changing it to the Cars test trax? Make the cars all look like McQueen and change the intro and waiting area to go along with the movie.

The new track going into carsland may be a better ride system with less downtime. I'm cursious to see how it works out because Rock Springs Racers will have two lanes of cars. Unfortunatly less seating capacity per car so it's not double capacity. But still the lines are going to be hugs and I hope it doesn't break down like TT does.


Funny thing about Nascar, it's about as futuristic as one can accuratly get. Car racing is in essence the place where the newest technology is used. A huge leap over the once modern styling used in TT.