Disney Imagineering Files Second Permit for EPCOT Test Track Revamp

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Friday July 26, 2024 3:45pm ET · "Test Track"
Disney Imagineering Files Second Permit for EPCOT Test Track Revamp

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a second permit for the reimagining of EPCOT's Test Track at Walt Disney World.

Similar to the first permit filed earlier this month, this latest permit is assigned to long-time Disney vendor Jon Richards Company FL, Inc.

The permit carries the description of "Install Set Elements," and does not opt to extend the standard 12-month expiration date.

In recent weeks, set pieces from the previous version of Track Track have been removed from the building.

Test Track closed at the end of operations on Sunday June 16, and walls are up to block the entrance to the pavilion. GM vehicles that were previously displayed in the post-show are now on display in front of the building.

Disney has not yet announced a reopening date for the next-generation Test Track attraction, but best estimates suggest that it will be closed for at least a year.

In this piece of concept art for Test Track 3.0, we see the new entrance marquee revealing a more sleek arrival area. 


Disney previously announced that Imagineers, along with teams from Chevrolet, are reaching back into history for inspiration – from the original World of Motion – and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction at EPCOT.


Version 2.0 of Test Track opened in December 2012, and as part of Chevrolet's sponsorship deal with Disney, the attraction became due for a refresh.

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MisterPenguinAug 01, 2026

I'm relieved those doors are back. I was wondering whether I'd renew my annual pass, but now, I will!!!

gorillaballJul 31, 2026

Point 1 above> I don’t disagree whatsoever. And when that feature is back working, can I not be happy? Point 2 above through the word “affected”> I don’t disagree whatsoever. Last 2 words of point 2 and point 3> what does one have to do with the other? Do you think the reason the doors took a year+ is because they told Ian the Imagineer to ignore the test track doors to work on trash cans?

Disgruntled WaltJul 31, 2026

There is no excuse for this effect being out of commission for over a year. Full stop. Solar powered trash compactors are nice, I guess, but I’d prefer they make sure show quality isn’t being affected by unnecessarily deferred maintenance. So yes, celebrate that the doors are working, but let’s call out the fact that they are bragging about garbage cans online while letting effects rot or sit unfixed.

flyerjabJul 31, 2026

If the same people were in the same roles for the last 20 years and only now started to fix things, I would understand the sentiment of certain forum members. I, however, am glad to see that the latest assembled Parks and Experiences people under D’Amaro (in his previous role and current role) have been embarking on a lengthy list of refurbishments. Am I setting up a private party this weekend to celebrate the fixing of the doors on Test Track? Nope. It’s nice to see it happening though. Strategically, especially in WDW, these moves make sense. There are about to be multiple new lands, attractions, dining spots, stores, shows, etc. that will be dominating certain sections of the parks. You can’t let some older attractions sit unattended to or capacity will be very uneven. As an example, with Cars and Villians, park attendance will be lopsided, with heavy visitation to the more north western sections. It makes sense to balance that with major updates to attractions like Buzz, CoP and potentially Space Mountain. Even updates to Country Bears and BTMRR are important to help balance out crowds more within Frontierland itself.

Br0ckfordJul 31, 2026

Probably wishful thinking, but maybe there will start being a focus on some more maintenance and broken show elements even if small can be noticed. Will the yeti get fixed anytime soon, probably not, but gotta start somewhere.

HMFJul 31, 2026

The jury is out in my opinion. There are good signs but most of the damage done will persist and will likely never be truly repaired, sadly.

doctornickJul 31, 2026

The faces in FEA, upgrades to Buzz, new stuff on BTMRR, updates to Zootopia, MFSR updates, etc. There’s definitely a trend of people actually caring to do updates more than in previous years.

MickeyMania26Jul 31, 2026

This could have been done solely because GM wanted it done and not Disney, but we will never know. I wouldn't take it to mean this is Disney starting to spend on fixing things like this all over the place, but one can hope we see more like this.

James AlucobondJul 31, 2026

If they dig up Dreamers Point + the Celebration planter and level CommuniCore Hall, I might start to believe.

doctornickJul 31, 2026

Another good example of there being an increase attention to “show” and a willingness to allocate money to improve things. Sure it’s little things and stuff that should be done but it definitely feels like a shift from the past decade or two.

DCLcruiserJul 30, 2026

Can't wait to ride this version for the first time. Sept here we come!

Captain BarbossaJul 30, 2026

Wow! It only took a whole year……..BRAVO! 👏

monothingieJul 30, 2026

HOORAY FOR MINIMAL MAINTENANCE STANDARDS!

phoenician22Jul 30, 2026