Changes

| image=TestrackTestrack3.jpg| caption='''The exterior of Test Track.sponsored by Chevrolet now features futuristic aesthetics'''

| fastpassduration=Yes5:34

| theme = Vehicle Test Facility| type= High speed car rideAutomobile Design

| sponsor= General Motors(1999-2012) <br> Chevrolet (2012-Present)

Test Track was built as When developing a replacement new attraction for the World of Motion pavilion which closed in 1996. The World of Motion opened with the park in 1982, and was sponsored by General Motors. The attraction was a dark ride which took guests through gave Disney Imagineers instructions to narrow the history focus of the pavilion to the automobile (as opposed to all of transportation) <ref name= "Martin"/>. When General Motors sponsorship ran up With this in 1992mind, the company was unsure if it wanted Disney Imagineers went back to renewan old idea. EventuallyDuring the initial development of the World of Motion, GM decided that if it was going in 1976, WED Engineers had gone to sign a new dealGM testing ground in Milford, Michigan. While on a new attraction would need tour of the grounds, they got to be constructedsee how prototype cars were tested<ref name= "Martin"/>. Disney agreedTaking their inspiration from this trip, and Imagineers quickly went to work Imagineering had originally planned on designing having a new secondary attraction. Since General Motors wanted in the attraction World of Motion pavilion that would have allowed guests to focus on "test" futuristic automobiles<ref name= "Martin"/>. Although this idea was eventually dropped by 1979, 25 years later, Disney resurrected the automotive industryconcept <ref name= "Martin"/>. To this end, Imagineers went back to an old Imagineering pitched the idea. They decided to create of Test Track- an “E-ticket” attraction based on that would allow guests to experience the rigorous testing training that vehicles must go went through before they are soldwere brought to the public. The idea actually originated before Initially, the ride vehicles that guests rode on Test Track were to be "sled-like" <ref name= "Martin"/>. As development continued however, Disney decided that guests should ride in cars instead. By doing this, the experience would be as similar to the General Motors testing process as possible <ref name= "Martin"/>. [[Image:Testtrackconcept2.jpg|thumb|400px|Test Track concept art.]]Although development on Test Track began in 1992, the World of Motion did not close until January 2, 1996. Following the closure, almost the entire pavilion was gutted and a new track was built<ref name= "Martin"/>. Unlike the World of Motion, but which took place completely inside of the pavilion, Test Track featured an indoor and outdoor track, with the “speed lap” portion of Test Track bringing guests outside. The idea of an exterior track was originally planned for the Transportation pavilion as far back as 1978; however it remained unusednever came to fruition<ref name= "Martin"/>. Finally, in order to facilitate Test Track, a third story was added to the pavilion <ref name= "Martin"/>.

Although the plan to construct Test Track began in 1992, the World of Motion did not close until Jan 2, 1996. The interior of the pavilion was almost completely gutted, and a new track was built, both inside and outside of the pavilion. On February 13, 1996 the "GM Test Track Preview Center" openedoutside of the shuttered World of Motion pavilion <ref name= "Lou"> http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_tt2.htm </ref>. Here , guests could see concept art and models of Epcot's newest thrill ride. An enormous mural was also painted on the outside of the buildingTest Track. The At this time, a large mural, which was painted by French artist Catherine Feff was also installed <ref name= "Lou"/>. Along with the 30 ft. tall and 100 feet wideft. A sign on the wide mural, The GM Preview Center promised that the an opening date day of Test Track would be in May of 1997for Test Track <ref name= "Lou"/>.

Construction on the Test Track’s interior track began on March 4, 1996<ref name= "intercot"> http://www.intercot.com/edc/Motion/facts.html </ref>, and with the exterior track was finished 25 days later<ref name= "Lou"/>. Although construction of was continuing on schedule, problems with the attractions attraction’s tires (which could not withstand the rigor of the ride) and the computer system, led to major setbacks<ref name= "Lou"/>. On Despite this, on October 28, 1996 , a single -car test run was held, although the attraction was nowhere near completion<ref name= "intercot"/>. Even though on On February 14, 1997 the show instillation was complete, ; however when May rolled around Test Track was still not open<ref name= "Lou"/>. In fact the only change that guests could seeat the time, was the removal of that the "Opening in May 1997" sign and the addition of a was changed to "Opening Soon" sign<ref name= "Lou"/>.

[[Image:Testtrackconcept.jpg|thumb|200px|By 1998 Test Track was still not open, but the concept artand videos shown in the Test Track Preview Center were updated <ref name= "Lou"/>. Guests also began to see Test Track merchandise available both at a cart outside of the pavilion, as well as throughout the rest of Epcot<ref name= "Lou"/>. Finally, in December of 1998 the ride was complete<ref name= "Lou"/>. At this time, the large mural on the outside of the building was removed, and soft openings for guests and cast members began <ref name= "intercot"/>. Although complete, Test Track broke down frequently and took a long time to restart. This pushed back the opening of the attraction once again, this time to March of 1999 <ref name= "Lou"/>.]]

By 1998 the attraction was still not open, but the concept art and videos shown in the Test Track Preview Center were updated. Guests also began to see Test Track merchandise available at a cart outside of the pavilion. Finally, in December of 1998 the ride was complete. The large mural on the outside of the building was removed, and soft openings for guests and cast members began. Although complete, Test Track broke down frequently, and took a long time to restart. This pushed back the opening of the attraction once again to March of 1999. After three years of construction, Test Track was officially dedicated on March 17, 1999<ref name= "Martin"/>. On hand for the event was were NASCAR driver Richard Petty and supermodels Christine Brinkley, Angie Everhart, Carol Alt, and Frederique. Musical Also at the dedication, musical bands Earth, Wind and Fire and The Spinners played as fireworks flew over Epcot<ref name= "Lou"/>.

Since it's Following its opening, Test Track experienced a few minor changes. These changes included:* In 1999 and 2001 the attraction has preshow was altered to include FASTPass and then Single Rider lines<ref name= "Martin"/>. * The pyro effects in the Road Handling Test were disabled<ref name= "Martin"/>. * The narration that talked about the robots in the Environmental Chamber Test was shortened<ref name= "Martin"/>.  * The narration was removed from the Road Handling Test<ref name= "Martin"/>.[[Image:TesttrackGrandOpening.jpg|thumb|400px|Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations and Alan Batey General Motor's CMO at "Accelebration", Test Track 2.0's Grand Opening.]] * The first Barrier Test had its crashing car removed<ref name= "Martin"/>. Although Test Track remained essentially the same. However (apart from the minor changes listed above), things began to change when GM's sponsorship of the pavilion ended in February 2009 <ref name= "book"> Pedersen, R.A. The EPCOT Explorer's Encyclopedia:. United States: Epcyclopedia, 2011. Print. </ref>. Initially, GM agreed to continue sponsoring the pavilion on a yearly basis <ref name= "book"/>. In January of 2012however, Disney and GM agreed to a new sponsorship agreement that included a makeover of Test Track <ref name= "book"/>. Subsequently, on January 6, 2012 Disney announced that Test Track would be going under closing for a lengthy refurbishmenton April 15th of that year <ref> https://disneyparks. General Motors' Chevrolet disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/re-imagined-test-track-will assume sponsorship -put-guests-in-the-designers-seat-this-fall-at-epcot/ </ref>. During the renovation, the premise of the pavilionattraction was changed, and so that guests will now be able to design designed their own Chevrolet while car in the queue. After designing , and then tested their car guests will be see how their car endures through on the various testing procedures by boarding attraction. Although the "SimCars""refurbishment was significant, the ride track and vehicles remained essentially the same. When discussing the changes, Imagineer Melissa Jeselnick noted:{{Quotation|I think the new attraction and the artwork represent the digital age, and when people think about what the inside of a computer looks like, that's what you think of.... The post show is expected whole automotive design process has evolved since Test Track opened and things have moved into the digital realm, and the same has been true for WDI's design process. It updates the automotive story to allow guests to see new models reflect what is happening today <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/test-track/news/27aug2012-recap-of Chevrolets-the-test-track-2-imagineering-live-chat.htm </ref>.}}Test Track reopened on December 6, 2012 with its updated attraction and postshow <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/10/test-track-to-reopen-at-epcot-december-6</ref>. On hand for Accelebration (as well as future Test Track 2.0's Grand Opening was called) was Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, United States and France, and Alan Batey, CMO of General Motors. The band One Republic also played at the event <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/12/test-track-presented-by-chevrolet-celebrates-grand-opening-at-epcot/ </ref>. Following the reopening, Test Track was officially sponsored by Chevrolet products(a subsidiary of General Motors) <ref> http://www.autonews.com/article/20121109/BLOG06/121109854/chevy-supercharges-test-track-at-disney-world </ref>.

===Original Test Tack (1999-2012)=======Queue and Preshow====The story that the original Test Track is a high speed attraction which shows told began when guests entered the rigors queue. Once in line, they entered an area that was themed to look like an industrial testing laboratory. In the laboratory, there were two different kinds of tests. First, in the Quality Zone, guests could see how General Motors used various technologies in their vehicles go through before and how these components were tested. The second part of the queue consisted of the Quality Zone, where guests could see how brakes, wheels, airbags, suspensions, seat belts and the windshield were all tested. As guests moved further into the queue they are soldcould see various "Snap-On" tools and GM's test machine, while television sets showed other tests being performed.

After passing through the turnstiles, guests reached the preshow room. Here, they would watch a video hosted by Bill McKim. Bill told a technician that he wanted to set up certain tests, as guests watched a short clip showing what each test would entail. Before guests boarded their cars, Bill told the technician that he wanted a "surprise test", which was accompanied by a clip of a car crashing into a barrier. After watching the video, guests proceed to the loading area, where they boarded their cars. ===Queue and Preshow=Main Ride====[[Image:Testtrackspeed.jpg|thumb|400px|Guests on the "speed lap" portion of the original Test Track.]]On the original Test Track, guests went through various simulations that General Motors vehicles go through before being sold to the public. These included:

The story that '''Hill Climb Test Track tells begins when '''- After guests enter the queue. The first area that they enter is themed to look like an industrial testing laboratory. Here entered their are two different types of tests. In cars, the Quality Zone, guests see how GM use various technologies in their vehicles, and how these are tested. The other part of the queue consists of the Quality Zone, here guests can see tests of the brakes, wheels, airbags, suspensions, seat belts and the windshieldbegan to go up a three story ascension. As guests move further into they rode up the queue, they can see various "snap-on" tools incline their engine roared and GM test machines. In this area, their are also televisions which show different teststires squealed.

'''Suspension Test'''- After passing through reaching the turnstiles, guests reach the preshow room. Here guests watch a video hosted by Bill McKim. Bill tells a technician what tests he wants to set up, as guests see a short clip top of what each test will entail. Before boarding their cars, Bill also tells the technician that he wants a "surprise test"ascension, which is accompanied by a clip of a car crashing into a barrier. After watching the video guests proceed to the loading area, where they board their carsdescended down one floor over various surfaces including bricks and cobblestone.

===Main Ride===On '''Brake Test Track, '''- The next test that guests go went through was the various simulations that General Motors vehicles go brake test. First, the car's anti-lock braking system was turned off, as the car tried to navigate through before being sold a cone course. With the system off, the car knocked over many cones. Next, the anti-lock braking was turned back on and the car was easily able to navigate the publiccourse. The tests that After completing the second course, guests will encounter on watched an instant replay of the ride are:tests to reinforce how important the anti-lock breaking system is.

'''Hill Climb TestEnvironmental Chambers'''- After guests enter their carsgoing through the brake test, the vehicles begin to go up a three story ascension. As the cars go upentered the Environmental Chambers. Here, their engine roars guests were exposed to extreme heat (110°F) and their tires squealextreme cold (10°F), before they were sprayed with a corrosion mist by robots.

'''Suspension Ride Handling Test'''- After reaching The next test that the top of guests endured tested the ascensioncar's handling. In the handling tests, the cars descend down one floor over various surfacescar climbed up a series of hills, while increasing its speed and making blind turns. Surfaces which At the cars drive over includetop of the hill the car almost drove directly into an oncoming semi-truck, bricks and cobblestonebefore dodging it at the last second.

'''Brake Barrier Test'''- The next tests that guests go through is After completing the brake handling test. First, guests experienced the cars antitest shown in the preshow film-lock braking system is turned off as the car tries to navigate through a cone coursebarrier test. With the system offAt this time, the car knocks over many cones. Next, the anti-lock braking is turned back on lined up with a barrier and the car is easily able began to navigate the courseaccelerate towards it. After completing Just before hitting the second coursebarrier however, guests watch an instant replay a series of flashes occurred and the barrier flew out of the testsway. At this point guest's picture were taken, to reinforce how important which could later be purchased in the anti-lock breaking system ispavilion’s shop.

[[Image:Testtrackspeed.jpg|thumb|200px|Guests on the "speed lap" portion of Test Track.]]'''Environmental ChambersHigh Speed Lap'''- After going through the brake testbarrier moved away, guests enter the Environmental Chambersfound themselves outside and moving at a much faster rate. HereAs the car took a lap along the banked roadway, they are exposed guests could reach speeds of up to extreme heat (110°F)65 miles per hour. After the lap had ended, extreme cold (10°F) and they are even sprayed with a corrosion mist by robotsthermal scan was taken of guests before they unloaded into the gift shop.

'''Ride Handling ====Postshow====Test'''Track’s original postshow featured a showroom which held past, present, and future GM cars. A gift shop was also located here, where guests could buy their on- The next test that ride photo, as well as Test Track and Epcot merchandise.===Current Version (2012-Present)=======Queue and Main Ride====[[Image:Testtrackdesigner.jpg|thumb|400px|Guests design their own cars in the Chevrolet Design Studios. Photo by marada.]]The new version of Test Track begins with guests must endure, tests entering the car's handlingChevrolet Design Studio. HereAfter passing by two prototype cars, guests see a model car being worked on while a Chevrolet employee explains how cars are designed. Moving past the model car climbs up , guests split into two lines where they wait, before entering into a series of hillsdesign studio. Within the studio, while increasing itguests have a period of time (which varies depending on the attraction's speed and making blind turnswait time) to design their own SimCar, which they will then test on the "SimTrack". At After designing their vehicle, guests enter a second queue where they wait to board the top of the hill attraction. Before getting into the ride vehicles, guests scan their RFID chip in order to upload their car almost drives directly into a oncoming semi, before dodging it at the last secondride.

'''Barrier Test'''- After completing NOTE: As opposed to designing their own car within the handling testdesign studio, guests experience the test shown in the preshow film: the barrier test. The car then lines up with a barrier FastPass + and begins Single Riders are given 30 seconds to accelerate towards it. Just before hitting the barrier however, choose a series of flashes occur and the barrier flies out of the way. At this point guests picture is taken, which can be purchased in the attractions gift shoppredesigned car.

'''High Speed Lap'''- After the barrier moves awayboarding their SimCars, guests find themselves outside and moving at a much faster ratefirst perform the capability test. As Here, the car takes a lap along the banked roadwayconnects to OnStar before accelerating past rain and snow, guests can reach speeds and skidding out of control. The car's path then disappears and the SimCar speeds up to 65 miles per houragain, before taking a sharp left as lightning strikes nearby. The SimCar then passes a futuristic city, completing the capability test. After the lap has endedtest, a thermal scan is take of guestscan see which car scored the highest, before they unload into the gift shopmove on.

In The third test that guests go through on Test Track's postshowis the responsiveness test. Here, the SimCar accelerates and takes sharp turns around laser trees, before entering a tunnel and narrowly missing crashing into a semi. After seeing their responsiveness scores, guests can buy attraction merchandise go through the power test. After momentarily stopping, the SimCar accelerates through a series of flashing purple arches and on ride photo's into a wall (which were taken just before has the high speed lapTest Track logo on it), that flies open. After passing through the wall, guests find themselves on the exterior track where the car continues to accelerate, taking a right turn, a wide left turn, and then finally one more long left turn. Following the power test guests arrive back at the loading area. ====Postshow====The new Test Track postshow also features several new interactive exhibits. One exhibit allows guests to drive a show room which holds pastminiature version of the car that they created, present and future GM around a digital track. Another exhibit allows guests to create a Chevy commercial featuring their car. In the postshow guests can also see how their car’s scores stacks up against other guests, as well as take photos with some of Chevy's prototype cars. It is expected that following Test Tracks refurbishment Finally, the postshow will feature future Chevroletsarea also allows features a Chevrolet Showroom and a gift shop.

* Test Track holds the distinction of being the fastest attraction (reaching speeds up to 65 mph) in all of Walt Disney World<ref> http://www.insidethemagic.net/2012/04/test-track-tribute-experience-the-fastest-walt-disney-world-ride-as-epcot-changes-its-gears-in-an-extreme-makeover/ </ref>. * Test Track also features 5,246 foot track, the longest in Disney World <ref name= "intercot"> http://www.intercot.com/edc/Motion/facts.html </ref>. * On average each of Test Track’s ride vehicles travel 50,000 miles per year <ref name= "intercot"/>.

* The attraction also holds the record for longest construction time at approximately three years!attractions host Bill McKim is played by actor John Michael Higgins <ref> http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0383422/otherworks </ref>.

* The nozzles that spray guests with mist in score for the Environmental Chambers are actually Hidden Mickeysoriginal Test Track is titled Test Track Medley and was composed by George Wilkins <ref> http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929260/ </ref>.

* The attractions host Bill McKim is played by actor John Michael HigginsAlbert Yu designed the original Test Track ride vehicles <ref name= "book"/>.