Test Track refurb

[atp]

I don't really see the benefit or the need for Disney to tell guests that a ride will be closed a month or two in advance instead of right when they close it.

The vast majority of people plan their trip well in advance, I'm willing to bet almost no one plans 1-2 months before they go compared to the people who plan 6+ months before. So knowing a few weeks before that a ride will close would do most people no good as it's not that easy to change the entire trip, get different vacation dates. Or even cancel the whole thing. Though cancelling a trip over a ride seems extreme. Sure it's a pretty good ride, but it's just one ride.

I actually planned my trip for the fall because I heard the rumors that TT would close in April and likely be open by fall. I didn't pay for anything yet or even make a reservation, but even so, I'm not going to change my plans if they announce that TT won't be open by fall. I love the ride and would really love to ride the new version, or the old one at least, but there's more to Disney than a ride or two, no matter how good they are.

I'm not willing to cancel or postpone my trip even more over that. If it's open great, if not, oh well. I'll be sad, but there will be plenty to do there.

 

[mbrittb00]

I don't really see the benefit or the need for Disney to tell guests that a ride will be closed a month or two in advance instead of right when they close it.

The vast majority of people plan their trip well in advance, I'm willing to bet almost no one plans 1-2 months before they go compared to the people who plan 6+ months before. So knowing a few weeks before that a ride will close would do most people no good as it's not that easy to change the entire trip, get different vacation dates. Or even cancel the whole thing. Though cancelling a trip over a ride seems extreme. Sure it's a pretty good ride, but it's just one ride.

I actually planned my trip for the fall because I heard the rumors that TT would close in April and likely be open by fall. I didn't pay for anything yet or even make a reservation, but even so, I'm not going to change my plans if they announce that TT won't be open by fall. I love the ride and would really love to ride the new version, or the old one at least, but there's more to Disney than a ride or two, no matter how good they are.

I'm not willing to cancel or postpone my trip even more over that. If it's open great, if not, oh well. I'll be sad, but there will be plenty to do there.

I believe that your original premise is incorrect. While the majority of us here on the forums do in fact plan our vacations many months in advance, that simply is not true for a large percentage of people going to visit WDW. Many people do in fact plan their Disney vacations only a few months out.

TT is a MAJOR attraction. Easily in the top three at Epcot, and top 10 in WDW overall. If this was our families only trip (ever), or if we only went rarely, I would definitely give some serious thought to "hey maybe we should postpone our trip for a year, until after the Fantasyland AND BTM and now TT referbs are complete." Unfortunately, we are not being given the opportunity to make the decision. As a PPers said, this is not some local theme park there a family can go and spend $500 for their whole trip (lodging, food, park entrance). This is WDW where a family of four will spend several thousand dollars on a multi day vacation.

The simple fact remains, that Disney has in the past always posted referb schedules several months in advance, and even more so in the case of major referbs (which this TT referb does fall into that category). This allows their patrons the chance to adjust there schedule or delay their trip as necessary to get the most enjoyment for their money. So the question remains why not in this case? Then again maybe the lack of a posting on their website IS their official notice that they don't have a schedule for when TT will close for referb, meaning sometime several months from now. However, with all the rumors floating around, including some being perpetrated by their very own spokesperson, some sort of official info one way or another would be nice.

 

[ColtGurl]

We are going April 28 and I really hope TT is not closed. DF has never rode before. However with all of the hype I am anticipating it being closed.
BTW has anyone considered that Flower and Garden is going on until May which is also a big draw for Epcot. Or maybe there are kinks that need to be worked out in the design and plans before the official closure.
While I am sad it will be closed, there are plenty of other things to do and will enjoy my time at my home away from home.

 

[snoopy352]

Though cancelling a trip over a ride seems extreme. Sure it's a pretty good ride, but it's just one ride.

I disagree with this mindset. Epcot has two GREAT rides, and this is one of them. If my family is planning a trip to Epcot, and 50% of the great attractions are gone, that will impact our overall experience. (Not to mention the fact that the other great ride will now have even worse lines to deal with since TT would be out of commission.)

Yes, I know there are many attractions and rides in Epcot, but that isn't the point. The point is I want to know well in advance if one of the top rides is not going to be open when I am going to be there.

 

[atp]

I agree that it would be nice if we were told well in advance which rides are going to be closed. But when has Disney announced well in advance that an attraction would be closing? And how could they be 100% sure of the dates way before it happens?

Anyway, all I was trying to say is that I understand why they don't make a point to announce dates well in advance, and that at this point it makes no difference.

Even when they confirmed the refurb rumors a few short months ago it was still pretty much "last minute". At least for me as I don't live in the US and unfortunately do not have the luxury of travelling to the US whenever I want to. With the exception of one time, all my trips have been planned and paid for at least 3 to 6 months in advance. And even if they announced it 3 months before the date it was scheduled to close, it would not have been enough time for me to reschedule or cancel or choose a different destination.

Maybe it's different in the US and you can get vacation time whenever you want with shorter notice? Maybe it's easier to change/cancel vacation plans if you live there. I was under the impression that it worked like it does in my country, judging by what I read on this and other boards, but I could be mistaken.

 

[Reddog1134]

I agree that it would be nice if we were told well in advance which rides are going to be closed. But when has Disney announced well in advance that an attraction would be closing? And how could they be 100% sure of the dates way before it happens?

Anyway, all I was trying to say is that I understand why they don't make a point to announce dates well in advance, and that at this point it makes no difference.

Even when they confirmed the refurb rumors a few short months ago it was still pretty much "last minute". At least for me as I don't live in the US and unfortunately do not have the luxury of travelling to the US whenever I want to. With the exception of one time, all my trips have been planned and paid for at least 3 to 6 months in advance. And even if they announced it 3 months before the date it was scheduled to close, it would not have been enough time for me to reschedule or cancel or choose a different destination.

Maybe it's different in the US and you can get vacation time whenever you want with shorter notice? Maybe it's easier to change/cancel vacation plans if you live there. I was under the impression that it worked like it does in my country, judging by what I read on this and other boards, but I could be mistaken.

It all depends on the employer. My job is pretty flexible. I could probably get a week off with at least a weeks notice as long as there weren't a lot of other scheduled vacations.

Most places I think would require a months notice. Of course, the more essential you are to your company, the more notice you would probably have to give.

 

[Love Tink]

I agree that it would be nice if we were told well in advance which rides are going to be closed. But when has Disney announced well in advance that an attraction would be closing?

Answer: Every single time.

Might I add: I consider two to three months "well in advance." Visiting WDW is a vacation, not a military campaign. We've gone many times where we only made the decision to visit four or six weeks in advance. I believe that is more normal than you think.

 

[DisneyAbsolutely]

I don't really see the benefit or the need for Disney to tell guests that a ride will be closed a month or two in advance instead of right when they close it.

The vast majority of people plan their trip well in advance, I'm willing to bet almost no one plans 1-2 months before they go compared to the people who plan 6+ months before. So knowing a few weeks before that a ride will close would do most people no good as it's not that easy to change the entire trip, get different vacation dates. Or even cancel the whole thing. Though cancelling a trip over a ride seems extreme. Sure it's a pretty good ride, but it's just one ride.

I actually planned my trip for the fall because I heard the rumors that TT would close in April and likely be open by fall. I didn't pay for anything yet or even make a reservation, but even so, I'm not going to change my plans if they announce that TT won't be open by fall. I love the ride and would really love to ride the new version, or the old one at least, but there's more to Disney than a ride or two, no matter how good they are.

I'm not willing to cancel or postpone my trip even more over that. If it's open great, if not, oh well. I'll be sad, but there will be plenty to do there.

Your point is valid. However, Disney apparently has had this information since January. Why not share it? What's the benefit of announcing some closures and not others? They may as well stop announcing closures altogether if it's going to be inconsistent. There's no reason for this type of miscommunication. It's not unreasonable for guests to expect a heads up.

 

[mesaboy2]

Your point is valid. However, Disney apparently has had this information since January. Why not share it? What's the benefit of announcing some closures and not others? They may as well stop announcing closures altogether if it's going to be inconsistent. There's no reason for this type of miscommunication. It's not unreasonable for guests to expect a heads up.

I'm guessing because something isn't going to January's plan. I just don't see this happening in 12 days.

 

[DisneyAbsolutely]

Well since I will be traveling in late September, I am selfishly hoping that the refurb goes through as planned!

We all have our hopes and wishes

I booked without looking at the refurb schedule. When I saw that Test Track was closing, I was super mad at myself for not checking first. But then it became very unclear whether it was really closing or not. Now I blame Disney. I can live without Test Track but I'm perplexed by Disney's lack of courtest for all visitors. I think it would be helpful to know so we can adjust our plans, like a previous poster said.

I don't know about y'all but I have made my itinerary already. I'd like to know how much time I can expect to spend in Epcot. Most of my time there is spent waiting in lines for Test Track and Soarin. Very long lines, in my experience! Without Test Track, I'll spend less total time at Epcot. But I'd like to know for sure before changing things around.

 

[disneygal55]

I just tried to look at the refurb schedule on the official WDW site and I can't find it anymore. It used to be at the bottom of each park schedule and it's gone.

 

[disneygal55]

Never mind....it's back now.

 

[mbrittb00]

T minus 11 days

 

[disneymayz]

This is like a count down to when the world is coming to an end.

 

[Avery&Todd]

This was in my "Magically Speaking" newsletter I recieved by email last night..


Park Events and Refurbishments


Epcot

Tutto Italia Ristorante at the Italy Pavilion will be closed from Jan. 8 - April 30. Updated

Innoventions House of Innoventions Exhibit is closed through April 22. Updated

Test Track will close April 16 for re-imagining and will re-open September 2012. Updated

DERN IT ALLL!!!

we'll be there June 8-14th!

oh well..

 

[Robo]

This was in my "Magically Speaking" newsletter I recieved by email last night..

Test Track will close April 16 for re-imagining and will re-open September 2012. Updated

The "Magically Speaking" newsletter is (by it's own admission)
"An unofficial Disney newsletter about Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, & Disneyland."



There has still been no "official word" from any Disney AUTHORITY about any specific closure date.


---------------------------------------------------------------------

My disclaimer:
Test Track could close at any time (April 16, or any other date.)

However, it makes little sense that there is no word from a legitimate Disney authority when we are now only about a dozen days out from the "expected" closure date.

If TT does close on April 16, we have to chalk that up to a failure of Disney to
communicate important information to guests via the expected and proper channels.


If Disney is closing TT on or about April 16, the advance CM work schedules should reflect that very soon.
We should hear from CM's who are being reassigned from TT to other attractions due to the pending refurb.

That would be a great source of reliable info 1-2 weeks in advance.

As always, stay tuned.

 

[Avery&Todd]

Never mind....it's back now.

I guess Im not seeing that - I can see where other rides/attractions that are down are listed, but I dont see TT at all..



perhaps I'll just be waiting until June...

and with my luck, it wont be under refurb while we're there, but it'll still be DOWN b/c its broken.....

 

[Robo]

I guess Im not seeing that - I can see where other rides/attractions that are down are listed, but I dont see TT at all..

The (much-discussed) Test Track Refurb has never been listed on that site (Disney World site.)

That's one of the major reasons for the existence of this thread (and many others.)

Why, if they were going to close TT on April 16, would they not mention it on that site... when they DO mention other refurbs at the same (or even later) start- dates?

 

[DisneyAbsolutely]

I bet most folks have no idea it's closing. Aww... I feel bad for the first person that makes this discovery.

Disney Guest: Wow, no lines at Test Track!!! Woo hoo!

Slowly but surely that big fat CLOSED sign will come into focus. I can only imagine how much it would stink to be blindsided! I feel fortunate to at least *sort of* know what *might* happen.

 

[lcarter0922]

According to this it is closing April 16

http://www.epcyclopedia.com/2012/04...ne-16th-test-track-close-to-orlando-sentinel/