Test Track could receive a Tron overlay?

[DizCaptain]

Test Track is no longer a must do for us anymore because its so glitchy, breaking down. The deal was sealed when the last time I went on it (3 trips ago) my sister and I were trapped in an over-crowded briefing room in the dark for 45 minutes. This is no exaggeration. I am in huge favor with those thinking there should be a big update to the tech it involves. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm in the minority, but a gut should be in order for how bad it is now... They could take it with not just the testing perspective, but also the manufacturing process, or even just re-doing the layout with re-arranged tests. Honestly anything to prevent a 45 minute entrapment... please.....

 

[Disneyman_10]

Since Tron was in theaters I have been thinking that a ride of some sort is needed. I also have been thinking that TT needs a refurbishment of some sort. HOWEVER...
The two don't go hand in hand. I can see trying to modernize TT, but a complete Tron overhaul sounds ridiculous.

 

[OKW Lover]

Was Tron that big a draw at the movies that people really expect to see an themed attraction at WDW? Really? Other than some "hard-core" Tron fans, does anybody even remember the movie?

 

[Disneyman_10]

Was Tron that big a draw at the movies that people really expect to see an themed attraction at WDW? Really? Other than some "hard-core" Tron fans, does anybody even remember the movie?

When searching on google, it comes up before the great Steelers safety Troy polamalu.

 

[OKW Lover]

When searching on google, it comes up before the great Steelers safety Troy polamalu.

Who?

 

[TexasErin]

The biggest change I would love to see is changing that derned video in the briefing room! It was okay the first time I saw it, but it really grates on my nerves now.....I still love other videos in preshows that I've seen a million times, but the TT video needs to be seriously scrapped!

And I would probably really freak out being trapped somewhere for 45 minutes. YIKES!

 

[skier_pete]

I don't but this rumor for one second. Not the refurb - which is quite possible, but the concept of a "Tron Overlay". How do you convert it to "Tron"? there really weren't many "cars" in Tron. And how would you rework the break test, the hot/cold rooms..etc. This would be really, really expensive (essentially strip the ride down to the track) and since the ride is still pretty popular it wouldn't really absorb capacity in the park. In addition, Tron isn't even all that popular. Though I enjoyed the movie, it wasn't a big hit or anything and seems marginal if it spawns sequels.

Now, an overhaul / spurce up of the ride I believe.

 

[ChrisFL]

Ok, to be clear, there will NOT be a TRON overlay, however there may be Tron-like things in the attraction, the same way there's a part like "The Matrix" in Spaceship Earth and an "InnerSpace" like story in the old Body Wars attraction.

 

[robertdangelo]

Yup and it's sad they let EPCOT get like this TT is a disaster the Soarin screen it terrible. They are scared to close either because EC would be a capacity nightmare.

Maybe if they didn't close a certain pavilion about the human body they wouldn't be in this mess.

I agree... they should've found a way to keep WOL open as an attraction. If they did some upgrades to Body wars as they did Star Tours... them they could justify refurbs of TT and Soarin'

 

[tjkraz]

Again for those who post without reading the thread, It IS broke. It needs fixing

>.>

Problem with Test Track is more original ride design than maintenance. Too many of the effects and ride features are prone to failure.

For instance, on-board video systems are tried-and-true in many modern cars. But most cars don't experience 12-15 hour operational days, 365 days per year. Car interiors aren't openly exposed to the Florida weather extremes. Cars aren't undergoing rapid acceleration and deceleration, German blocks, antilock break tests, etc.

Automotive design standards are a little more exacting compared to fabricating a couple dozen custom ride vehicles...vehicles which were designed 15 years ago.

I'm sure that an increase in maintenance budget would help in some regards. I won't pretend that Disney is investing all available resources, no matter the cost. But reality is many attraction effects could be repaired one night and non-functional by the next afternoon.

I don't buy the Tron rumors but some re-imagining in the works. Here's hoping they can strike a better balance between quality attraction and reliable tech.

 

[skiingfast]

As far as TRON, it's a dumb rumor. A similiar rumor exists for DLR. It's People Mover(TTA) closed almost 20 years ago. When TRON Legacy was announced, rumors of riding a Light Cycle on the old People Mover tracks appeared days later. The movie has come and gone and those tracks still sit idle over Tomorrowland.


I think it would be more likely that they update the cars in TT to system being used in Radiator Spring Racers, the attraction opening this summer in DCA.

 

[DizCaptain]

I think it would be more likely that they update the cars in TT to system being used in Radiator Spring Racers, the attraction opening this summer in DCA.

Logic at its finest, thank you! This is far more likely, which goes back to the idea that it could just be gutted, and that's absolutely fine with me. They may very well attempt to make it "race". Yes, its unlikely since it would require them to widen the outdoor section specifically, which would require some work, but the skies the limit with the space they have. Using the DCA tech they could very well implement it into a brand new TT.

 

[Uncleromulus]

If it were up to me, they could bring back the entire World of Motion and scrap Test Track altogether---

 

[OKW Lover]

If it were up to me, they could bring back the entire World of Motion and scrap Test Track altogether---

Its fun to be free,
to be on the move,
to go anywhere you want to....

 

[Figment632]

It depends. Sometimes a major refurb will take so long it's going to cover at least one of the peak seasons. Big Thunder is going to be down for President's Week/Spring Break/Easter, for example, because it needs so much work.

Test Track could fall into that category as well -- a long-term refurb, because there is quite a bit wrong with it and they may re-theme it or alter it in some significant way in addition to the refurb work.

TT is supposed to take 6 months.

 

[Florida Dreamin']

Taken from Alektronic on WDWM

"Some tidbits I heard from friends working over there..

No more GM, not even a mention of it anymore, everything will be replaced by Chevrolet, sponsored by, presented by, all signage everything.

Queue, preshow, postshow, everything totally gutted. Everything will be a new design.

Postshow will close as early as March, ride closes after Easter.

All vehicles will get a new look, totally new graphics package, hasn't been decided on yet, just some test vehicles so far.

Queue and preshow will be talking about vehicle designs and customizing. Sounds like there will be lots and lots of computers so people can design or customize their own auto (Chevrolet, of course) and maybe somehow interact with it on the ride? Not a lot of details right now."

Nothing involving Tron specifically, but more so elements.

 

[Figment632]

This is the best description of what I think will happen.

Overstated in that the ride is really just going to be Test Track 2.0.
The story of the ride will still be about testing.
Granted, it will be more "interactive" than what it is now, but no great departure.
The biggest changes will be to the queue and postshow.

Any "Tron" elements will be extremely minor, and would be better described as "Tron-ish".

And before anyone asks, don't expect the scaffolding to go away.

Sorry to disappoint...but, hey....at least some more Epcot attractions are going to get Fastpass!
Isn't that exciting?
:lookaround:
No?

 

[skier_pete]

Just wanted to say another (pretty) good call from Figment632. He got the TT refurb correct, and even though the Tron part turned out false, he even indicated from the beginning that that portion was somewhat farfetched...

...so again, you continue to build good cred Figment632, at least with me!

Of course, that and $4.50 will buy you a Dole Whip.

SkierPete

 

[Cricket2]

...I think it would be more likely that they update the cars in TT to system being used in Radiator Spring Racers, the attraction opening this summer in DCA.

RSR crews were in high numbers (8-10 at once and they rotated & had obvious nametags without actual names/not in costume) at the Test Track load/unload area and the seatbelt check station up the staris the first week of December. They had PDA's not unlinke survey people but weren't allowed to talk to guests at all. They had a handler that inturruped me 3 times trying to talk to them and on the 3rd time she got sort of upset with me. I could find nothing of any real value but they were looking at how people were either dressed, the counts or how they acted while loading/unloading. They lost intrest once you got out of the car and didn't care about anything until you got into the car.

Nametags said "Radiator Springs Racing Team" or something like that.

 

[Figment632]

Just wanted to say another (pretty) good call from Figment632. He got the TT refurb correct, and even though the Tron part turned out false, he even indicated from the beginning that that portion was somewhat farfetched...

...so again, you continue to build good cred Figment632, at least with me!

Of course, that and $4.50 will buy you a Dole Whip.

SkierPete

I like Dole Whips!