A review: Test Track 2.0 opens at Disney World

The revamped Test Track has re-opened in Epcot in Disney World — redressed, smoothed out and, it seemed, speeded up.

Gone from the queue is the rhythmic clanking and whooshing you might hear on an assembly line or in a test facility. Instead there are sleek touch screens which prompt you to design your “Sim Car.” After creating the car you upload it on to a card to take it to the next step. Each person in your party can create their own Sim Car, or you can use the same one for up to six people. Be aware that the Fast Pass line gives you fewer choices when making the car than the Stand By line.

Steven Liebman photo

Next, you head for the ride car. (Gone is the introductory film, and the lines to get to the car are a lot less hectic since no one is exiting pre-show theaters to clog up the lines.)

The cars have been updated, but are basically the same — six people in a car, two rows of three people. There is a video display in the center panel and, like the old ride, it may work and it may not. While you wait to enter the car, you take the card used from creating your sim vehicle and upload it to the ride car.

The ride itself has not been altered. The turns, the climbs and even the tractor-trailer almost hitting you remain. However, the acceleration feels faster and the braking and sudden turns are a lot smoother and less jarring.  

The set dress is reminiscent of the movie “Tron.” The blue iridescent lines throughout the ride lead you through track. Backgrounds are created in an Etch-a-Sketch way with white lines appearing as you pass.

Along the way, after each “test phase” you Sim Car is scored based on the physical test you just experienced. The final test is the one many get on the ride for in the first place, the 60 mph outside loop. Again, it’s a much smoother ride.

After the ride, you can use your card to make your own Chevrolet commercial for the car you designed, and you can even race your own car against others. While the racing idea is cool, it is a little confusing since you need to remember which car is yours.

All-in-all, this is a great update to the ride.  Even if you don’t like the story behind the ride, you’re getting a much smoother and what feels faster experience.