Beloved Disney World ride reopening announced — and fans are overjoyed: ‘This is what I needed to hear'
Disney fans, start your engines!
A recent wave of closures, changes and cancellations at Disney World has drawn plenty of ire from longtime visitors, but the amusement park's latest announcement has given Disney devotees something to be excited about.
On Monday, June 16, Walt Disney World revealed that Test Track, a fan-favorite Epcot ride, is slated to reopen later this summer on July 22.
Advertisement
The ride was originally closed down in June 2024, much to the disappointment of park-going adrenaline junkies.
According to Walt Disney World News Today, the ride is expected to return as Test Track 3.0, and will boast several new features — a fresh musical score, revamped story, and new insights on futuristic technology, among others.
Advertisement
General Motors, which sponsored the original Test Track 1.0, has also been confirmed to return as the ride's backer for the revamp, ousting Chevrolet, which was responsible for Test Track 2.0.
Aside from its intriguing futuristic aesthetic that attracts car buffs and Epcot enthusiasts alike, Test Track is best known for its speed — it's the fastest attraction among all Disney Park rides, clocking in at a dizzying 65 miles per hour.
Overwhelmingly, fans responded to the announcement with excitement.
'Yay! I can't wait,' one fan gushed, while another said: 'I'm ready to speed.'
Advertisement
'This just made my son's day,' shared an enthusiastic fan, while another chimed in, 'This is what I needed to hear.'
3 Test Track 3.0 cars also boast an entirely new, futuristic look that mimics the sleek appearance of many contemporary vehicles.
Getty Images
Given that Test Track has been through several notable renovations — with some better received than others — several commenters were suspicious of the reopening news.
'Hopefully it's better than the previous iteration,' said one skeptical park-goer.
Advertisement
Refurbishments at Disney parks can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, and breakdowns are generally pretty rare, thanks to the meticulous inspection and repair process the park maintains.
3 Reviews from fans suggest that wait times at Test Track are typically upwards of 22 minutes, so planning ahead is advised for potential park-goers.
Getty Images
'We have a meter-based program,' Fredrick Cox Jr., the director of manufacturing at Walt Disney World's Central Shops, told Fox Business. 'Every coaster that we have does X number of laps around the track.
'We do a tear-down,' Cox continued. 'We tear it apart, and we inspect everything, everything on the ride. Bolts, bearings, bushings, panels, you name it.'
Typically, closures are scheduled ahead of time — the Test Track shutdown is proof of that — but the occasional malfunction does occur, much to the rage of Disney-goers. Cox says fixes usually take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or two to complete.
3 Test Track is among Epcot's most popular rides, so fans are eager for the fast-paced attraction to return.
Getty Images
As a result of other closures, some Disney fans began to fret that Test Track would be among the shuttered rides.
After all, beloved attractions like Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat were recently announced to be closing down to make way for Piston Peak National Park, a new area dedicated to Pixar's 'Cars' franchise.
Advertisement
Nostalgic park-goers have also commiserated over the long-felt loss — the area closed back in 2011 to make room for Fantasyland — of Mickey's Toontown, the whimsical, life-size village that mimicked some of the most famous Mickey Mouse-themed attractions.
Luckily for Test Track fans, the ride will be back later this summer, but dedicated Disney fans should keep an eye out for any other potential closures — and spend time on your favorite attractions before they're gone, as one fan advised in the comments of the park's Instagram announcement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
22 minutes ago
- New York Post
New baby shower trend avoids ‘I hate people watching me open gifts' awkwardness
In news that might make you want to do a little happy dance, expectant moms are changing up their approaches to gifts at baby showers. 'Display Showers' are growing in popularity; where hosts encourage guests to bring their presents unwrapped, with simply a tag identifying who it's from. The gifts are then 'displayed' in an arrangement where people can still see and talk about the products, but aren't held hostage to an hour of unwrapping, and pretend oohing over every item. What is a 'Display Shower'? Babylist, a registry site for parents-to-be, recently surveyed users to understand what's driving the trend. According to their research, skipping the public present opening takes the pressure off the mom-to-be, and gives guests more time to enjoy each other's company. 'I am pretty introverted and feel awkward opening so many gifts in front of everyone, but I know some people really love seeing all the baby stuff, so I thought this was a perfect way to please everyone,' a pregnant woman told the site. Additionally, many parents shared they valued decreasing waste, and the costs associated with wrapping. 3 The gifts are then 'displayed' in an arrangement where people can still see and talk about the products. pressmaster – Respondents' main tip when it came to hosting a Display Shower? Be super clear on the invitation about naming gifts, but keep track of who brought what, in case anyone didn't quite understand. According to the survey, most moms found that the Display Shower was embraced by others, but a few encountered some resistance. 'All of the pushback was from older generations. I just explained why I was doing it and sometimes had to simply say because I didn't want to,' one commented. 'Nice to not sit through an hour of gift unwrapping' 3 According to the survey, most moms found that the Display Shower was embraced by others, but a few encountered some resistance. Pixel-Shot – In parenting groups on social media, we found that most are big fans of the display shower and recommend others follow suit. 'I went to one of these recently and it was actually really nice not having to sit through two hours of gift opening,' read one comment for example. Another mom, who had recently hosted a Display Shower, shared the wording on her invitations: 3 'I went to one of these recently and it was actually really nice not having to sit through two hours of gift opening,' read one comment. Getty Images/iStockphoto 'Please bring your gift without paper or bag, a bow is enough, along with this gift tag. Unwrapped presents are just as sweet, plus it gives us more time to mingle and eat. 'We'll display your gifts for all to see, and enjoy celebrating the mommy-to-be!' Some did suggest that the name – Display Shower – could come across strangely, so opted for something different like 'no-wrap shower.'
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What it's like to cruise Disney with your whole family: The highs and lows
'Family Travel' is a six-part series showcasing the best experiences and destinations for young families looking for an escape. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form. I just got back from a weeklong sailing on the Disney Treasure with a group of ten people – ranging from toddlers to septuagenarians – and I've got thoughts on the magic at sea. If you're considering a Disney Cruise Line trip for your next big family vacation, here's what to expect, what surprised me, and what I wish we knew before we booked. A floating Disney bubble: What families can expect on Disney cruises Having been on multiple cruises on the major cruise lines serving American passengers, I would say Disney's Treasure had a strong food offering. No, the dishes weren't always piping hot, and the cocktails leaned a little too sweet for my taste, but the flavors were consistently strong. Each of the ship's three main restaurants rotates menus nightly, which helps when you're assigned to each twice or thrice. Across our group of ten, there wasn't a dish we didn't finish – and that's saying something with a couple of picky eaters. From carnitas at Plaza de Coco to beef tenderloin at 1923 to the chicken schnitzel at Worlds of Marvel, most dishes earned a solid 7 out of 10 from our crew. What made it better was the exceptional service. The waitstaff remembered our preferences and handled every request with warmth and care (shoutout to Thynelly and Duwi). We also tried the Treasure's two adults-only restaurants: Enchanté and Palo. Enchanté felt special – fine-dining level, easily a 9/10 for ambiance and service – and we only docked a point because our tastebuds weren't ready for the sophistication of the French menú. Palo, on the other hand, was a home run. Every dish, from the arugula salad to the chocolate soufflé, was a 10/10. If you're looking for one splurge-worthy dinner onboard, make it Palo. There's a reason 'Disney-quality' is the gold standard when people talk about live entertainment. Both "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney the Tale of Moana" were full-blown stage musicals with incredible production value. The set design, sound engineering and cast were all Broadway-caliber. My mom even leaned over mid-show to ask if they were lip-syncing – because the vocals were that pristine. Yes, the storytelling felt a little rushed if you know the movies by heart. But quick pacing is probably wise when your audience includes lots of5-year-olds. Our only complaint was that the shows in the Walt Disney Theatre were shown on one day of each voyage – which is their typical scheduling. However, due to an unexpected medical evacuation that delayed our stop at Castaway Cay, we had to choose between staying on the island or catching "Moana." We picked the show, but I'm still salty about missing Disney's private beach. Let's talk about what Disney Cruise Line doesn't include. For a seven-day Caribbean sailing in a stateroom with a porthole view, we paid about $5,000. That's in the range between premium and luxury pricing, but the perks didn't always match the cost. There's no drink package. Specialty coffees and alcoholic drinks are à la carte. Adult trivia? That was free, but get there early before the room fills up. Wine tasting? Extra cost. Beer tasting? Extra cost. Workout classes? Extra cost. Spa access? Extra cost. Technically, you could attend a presentation about diamonds or luxury watches, but we all know how those end. The truth is, most of the free activities were geared toward kids. Adults in our group had a harder time finding things to do besides eat, drink and hang by the crowded pools. I tried to be productive and hit the gym, but the fitness center was small and often full. Granted, every cruise line attracts a different type of gym goer. I was working out by myself in Aurora Expeditions while timing when to avoid rush hour on Virgin Voyages. DCL was surprisingly busy every day of the sailing for the size of the facilities. Typically, not a huge deal, but as mentioned above, when there's not much for adults to do other than eat and drink, it did stick out. (Grateful for those Peloton bikes, though.) Our party of 10 included six who were on their third DCL sailing and four newbies (myself included). It was great to watch the kids light up exploring the ship, attend character meet-and-greets, and retell their adventures each night at dinner. Disney does an excellent job catering to families with small children. The activities, the entertainment, the energy – it's built for young families. For adults without kids, grandparents or those hoping for more balance between grown-up fun and family time, you might find yourself wishing for more options – or at least fewer upcharges. Would I go again? Maybe with a smaller group, and with clearer expectations. Because when Disney says it's for families, they really mean families with little ones front and center. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is a Disney cruise worth it for big families? What I loved, and didn't
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Dave Ramsey warns Americans on buying a car
Buying a new car involves multiple major decisions for most Americans, beginning with the process of determining whether one's existing vehicle is due for a replacement. After that, budget constraints and financial priorities come into play, adding pressure to make a smart selection. Financial expert and radio personality Dave Ramsey provides guidance - and offers a warning - with a goal of helping car buyers navigate this process wisely and confidently. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Ramsey encourages car buyers to let go of the idea that there's a flawless, dream vehicle out there waiting to be discovered. Instead, he stresses the importance of choosing a car that suits one's real-world needs and financial situation. That starts with asking yourself practical questions - such as whether a car or a truck makes more sense for your lifestyle, how many passengers you typically transport, what kind of fuel efficiency you want, and how much space you need for cargo. Related: Dave Ramsey has blunt words on spending money to keep a dog alive Ramsey points out the fact that no single vehicle will fulfill every desire. The key is to be honest about what's truly necessary versus what's simply a nice-to-have, and to think ahead about how the car will serve you over time. He also advises taking your time with the search - exploring both traditional dealerships and online listings to get a full view of your options. Most importantly, don't rush into the first deal that looks good, Ramsey advises. There may be better choices just around the corner. But there is one unfortunate car-buying fact about which Ramsey has a warning - and a suggestion to make it work in your favor. Image source: Getty Images Dave Ramsey urges car buyers to start with a dose of realism: Vehicles lose value rapidly - up to 60% within the first five years. Because of this steep depreciation, he cautions against viewing a car purchase as any sort of investment. In his view, buying a brand-new car is something only those with significant disposable income should even consider. He advises buyers to begin by finding a quality used car they can genuinely afford. That involves a big early commitment, Ramsey says, that focuses on the amount of cash one is able to pay up front rather than relying on loans or leases, which he considers poor financial decisions. More on personal finance: Dave Ramsey offers urgent thoughts about MedicareJean Chatzky shares major statement on Social SecurityTony Robbins has blunt words on IRAs,401(k)s "Remember, leasing or financing a car will not help you build wealth," Ramsey wrote. "It's much easier to save around $500 a month (the average car payment) for 10 months and buy a used car with no strings attached." In general, when it comes to the common debate over leasing or financing, Ramsey is clear: Neither route supports long-term financial health. He argues it makes far more sense to put aside the equivalent of an average car payment for several months and purchase a quality used vehicle outright - free of debt, interest, and multi-year obligations. Related: Jean Chatzky sends strong message on buying vs. leasing a car Ramsey advises prospective car buyers to conduct a hands-on inspection - even without mechanical expertise - before making a purchase. He suggests paying attention to simple but telling details such as fluid levels, including oil, coolant, transmission, and brake fluid. On the vehicle's exterior, he recommends examining the paint, tire wear, lights, and doors for signs of damage or neglect. Inside, Ramsey recommends checking for wear on the seats, steering wheel, and pedals, along with making sure all doors lock properly. Functional heating and air conditioning are also important to test, and the temperature gauge should be observed while the car idles to catch any overheating issues. He embraces the step of taking the vehicle for a test drive to assess how it handles both smooth and uneven roads. Pay attention to how the engine sounds during acceleration and listen for any unusual noises when braking, he urges. Before finalizing any deal, Ramsey advises bringing in a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection - either at a garage or with a mobile service. Lastly, Ramsey underscores the importance of negotiating the price with confidence. Paying in cash, he notes, offers the leverage needed to secure a better deal with less pressure. Related: Tony Robbins sends strong message to Americans on 401(k)s The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
