Difference between revisions of "Test Track"
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| − | ==Attraction History== | + | ===Attraction History== |
| + | Test Track began development in 1992, as a replacement for the World of Motion. General Motors had sponsored the World of Motion pavilion (which focused on the history of transportation) since 1982; however the pavilions popularity had been waning. When GM’s sponsorship ran up in 1992 the company was unsure whether or not to renew. After sponsoring the pavilion on a year to year basis, General Motors chose to renew their sponsorship, but with the understanding that a new attraction would need to be constructed. When developing a new attraction for the pavilion, General Motors gave Disney the instructions to narrow its focus to the automobile (as opposed to all of transportation). With this in mind, Disney Imagineers went back to an old idea. During the initial development of the World of Motion, WED Engineers had gone to a GM testing ground in order to get information on how cars were tested. Taking their inspiration from this trip, Imagineering pitched the idea of Test Track- an “E-ticket” attraction that would allow guests to experience the rigorous training that General Motors automobiles went through before they were brought to the public. | ||
| − | Test Track | + | 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. Unlike the World of Motion which took place completely inside of the pavilion, Test Track featured an indoor and outdoor track. While the majority of the attraction took place inside, the “speed lap” portion of the ride brought guests outside. The idea of an exterior track was originally planned for the Transportation pavilion as far back as 1977; however it never came to fruition. |
| − | + | On February 13, 1996 the "GM Test Track Preview Center" opened outside of the shuttered World of Motion pavilion. Here, guests could see concept art and models of the Test Track. At this time, a large mural painted by French artist Catherine Feff was also installed. Along with the 30 ft. tall 100 ft. wide mural, The GM Preview Center promised an opening day of May 1997 for Test Track. | |
| + | Construction on Test Track’s interior track began on March 4, 1996, with the exterior finished 25 days later. Although construction of was continuing on schedule, problems with the attraction’s tires (which could not withstand the rigor of the ride) and the computer system, led to major setbacks. Despite this, on October 28, 1996 a single car test run was held. On February 14, 1997 the show instillation was complete; however when May rolled around Test Track was still not open. In fact the only change that guests could see was that the "Opening in May 1997" sign was changed to "Opening Soon". | ||
| − | + | [[Image:Testtrackconcept.jpg|thumb|250px|Test Track concept art.]] | |
| + | |||
| + | By 1998 Test Track 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, as well as throughout the rest of Epcot. Finally, in December of 1998 the ride was complete. At this time, 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, this time to March of 1999. | ||
| + | After three years of construction, Test Track was officially dedicated on March 17, 1999. On hand for the event were NASCAR driver Richard Petty and supermodels Christine Brinkley, Angie Everhart, Carol Alt, and Frederique. Musical bands Earth, Wind and Fire and The Spinners played as fireworks flew over Epcot. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Following its opening, Test Track experienced a few minor changes. These changes included: | ||
| + | * In 1999 and 2001 the preshow was altered to include FASTPass and then Single Rider lines. | ||
| + | * The pyro effects in the Road Handling Test were disabled. | ||
| + | * The narration that talked about the robots in the Environmental Chamber Test was shortened. | ||
| + | * The narration was removed from the Road Handling Test. | ||
| + | * The first Barrier Test had its crashing car removed. | ||
| + | * In 2011 General Motors renewed their sponsorship. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Although Test Track remained essentially the same (apart from the minor changes listed above), this changed In February of 2012 when Disney announced that Test Track would be closing for a lengthy refurbishment on August 15. During the renovation, the premise of the attraction was changed, so that guests now designed their own Chevrolet car in the queue, and then tested their car on the attraction. Although the refurbishment was significant, the ride track and vehicles remained essentially the same. Test Track reopened on December 6, 2012 with its updated attraction and postshow. Following the reopening, Test Track was officially sponsored by Chevrolet (a subsidiary of General Motors). | ||
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| − | |||
| − | |||
==Attraction Plot== | ==Attraction Plot== | ||
| − | Test | + | ===Original Test Tack (1999-2012)=== |
| + | ====Queue and Preshow==== | ||
| − | + | The story that Test Track told began when guests entered the 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 thee Quality Zone, guests could see how General Motors used various technologies in their vehicles 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 could see various "Snap-On" tools and GM test machine, while television sets showed other tests being performed. | |
| − | + | After passing through the turnstiles, guests reached the preshow room. Here, guests 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. | |
| − | + | ====Main Ride==== | |
| + | On the original Test Track, guests went through various simulations that General Motors vehicles go through before being sold to the public. These included: | ||
| − | + | '''Hill Climb Test'''- After guests entered their cars, the vehicles began to go up a three story ascension. As they went up the incline their engine roared and tires squealed. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''Suspension Test'''- After reaching the top of the ascension, the cars descended down one floor over various surfaces including bricks and cobblestone. |
| − | ''' | + | '''Brake Test'''- The next tests that guests went through was the brake test. First, the cars anti-lock braking system was turned off, as the car tried to navigate through 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 course. After completing the second course, guests watched an instant replay of the tests to reinforce how important the anti-lock breaking system is. |
| − | + | [[Image:Testtrackspeed.jpg|thumb|250px|Guests on the "speed lap" portion of the original Test Track.]] | |
| − | + | '''Environmental Chambers'''- After going through the brake test, guests enter the Environmental Chambers. Here, they were exposed to extreme heat (110°F), extreme cold (10°F), and were even sprayed with a corrosion mist by robots. | |
| − | '''Environmental Chambers'''- After going through the brake test, guests enter the Environmental Chambers. Here, they | + | |
| − | '''Ride Handling Test'''- The next test that the guests | + | '''Ride Handling Test'''- The next test that the guests endured tested the car's handling. In the handling tests, the car climbed up a series of hills, while increasing its speed and making blind turns. At the top of the hill the car almost drove directly into an oncoming semi, before dodging it at the last second. |
| − | '''Barrier Test'''- After completing the handling test, guests | + | '''Barrier Test'''- After completing the handling test, guests experienced the test shown in the preshow film: the barrier test. At this time the car lined up with a barrier and began to accelerate towards it. Just before hitting the barrier however, a series of flashes occurred and the barrier flew out of the way. At this point guests picture were taken, which could later be purchased in the pavilion’s shop. |
| − | '''High Speed Lap'''- After the barrier | + | '''High Speed Lap'''- After the barrier moved away guests found themselves outside and moving at a much faster rate. As the car took a lap along the banked roadway, guests could reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. After the lap had ended, a thermal scan was taken of guests before they unload into the gift shop. |
| − | ===Postshow=== | + | ====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-ride photo, as well as Test Track and Epcot merchandise. | |
==Fun Facts and Trivia== | ==Fun Facts and Trivia== | ||
Revision as of 15:06, 21 May 2014
Test Track is an attraction located in Epcot. If your looking for the pavilion that houses the attraction see: Test Track (Pavilion).
Test Track 
| |
| |
| The exterior of Test Track. | |
| Epcot | |
| Land | Future World |
|---|---|
| Cost to build | Over 100 Million |
| Attraction type | High speed car ride |
| Theme | Vehicle Test Facility |
| Soft opening date | December 19, 1998 |
| Opening date | March 17, 1999 |
| Vehicle capacity | 6 |
| Ride duration | 5:34 minutes |
| Height requirements | 40" (102 cm) |
| Replaced | World of Motion |
| Sponsored by | General Motors |
| Fastpass Available | Yes |
|
| |
Contents
=Attraction History
Test Track began development in 1992, as a replacement for the World of Motion. General Motors had sponsored the World of Motion pavilion (which focused on the history of transportation) since 1982; however the pavilions popularity had been waning. When GM’s sponsorship ran up in 1992 the company was unsure whether or not to renew. After sponsoring the pavilion on a year to year basis, General Motors chose to renew their sponsorship, but with the understanding that a new attraction would need to be constructed. When developing a new attraction for the pavilion, General Motors gave Disney the instructions to narrow its focus to the automobile (as opposed to all of transportation). With this in mind, Disney Imagineers went back to an old idea. During the initial development of the World of Motion, WED Engineers had gone to a GM testing ground in order to get information on how cars were tested. Taking their inspiration from this trip, Imagineering pitched the idea of Test Track- an “E-ticket” attraction that would allow guests to experience the rigorous training that General Motors automobiles went through before they were brought to the public.
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. Unlike the World of Motion which took place completely inside of the pavilion, Test Track featured an indoor and outdoor track. While the majority of the attraction took place inside, the “speed lap” portion of the ride brought guests outside. The idea of an exterior track was originally planned for the Transportation pavilion as far back as 1977; however it never came to fruition.
On February 13, 1996 the "GM Test Track Preview Center" opened outside of the shuttered World of Motion pavilion. Here, guests could see concept art and models of the Test Track. At this time, a large mural painted by French artist Catherine Feff was also installed. Along with the 30 ft. tall 100 ft. wide mural, The GM Preview Center promised an opening day of May 1997 for Test Track. Construction on Test Track’s interior track began on March 4, 1996, with the exterior finished 25 days later. Although construction of was continuing on schedule, problems with the attraction’s tires (which could not withstand the rigor of the ride) and the computer system, led to major setbacks. Despite this, on October 28, 1996 a single car test run was held. On February 14, 1997 the show instillation was complete; however when May rolled around Test Track was still not open. In fact the only change that guests could see was that the "Opening in May 1997" sign was changed to "Opening Soon".
By 1998 Test Track 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, as well as throughout the rest of Epcot. Finally, in December of 1998 the ride was complete. At this time, 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, this time to March of 1999. After three years of construction, Test Track was officially dedicated on March 17, 1999. On hand for the event were NASCAR driver Richard Petty and supermodels Christine Brinkley, Angie Everhart, Carol Alt, and Frederique. Musical bands Earth, Wind and Fire and The Spinners played as fireworks flew over Epcot.
Following its opening, Test Track experienced a few minor changes. These changes included:
- In 1999 and 2001 the preshow was altered to include FASTPass and then Single Rider lines.
- The pyro effects in the Road Handling Test were disabled.
- The narration that talked about the robots in the Environmental Chamber Test was shortened.
- The narration was removed from the Road Handling Test.
- The first Barrier Test had its crashing car removed.
- In 2011 General Motors renewed their sponsorship.
Although Test Track remained essentially the same (apart from the minor changes listed above), this changed In February of 2012 when Disney announced that Test Track would be closing for a lengthy refurbishment on August 15. During the renovation, the premise of the attraction was changed, so that guests now designed their own Chevrolet car in the queue, and then tested their car on the attraction. Although the refurbishment was significant, the ride track and vehicles remained essentially the same. Test Track reopened on December 6, 2012 with its updated attraction and postshow. Following the reopening, Test Track was officially sponsored by Chevrolet (a subsidiary of General Motors).
Attraction Plot
Original Test Tack (1999-2012)
Queue and Preshow
The story that Test Track told began when guests entered the 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 thee Quality Zone, guests could see how General Motors used various technologies in their vehicles 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 could see various "Snap-On" tools and GM test machine, while television sets showed other tests being performed.
After passing through the turnstiles, guests reached the preshow room. Here, guests 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.
Main Ride
On the original Test Track, guests went through various simulations that General Motors vehicles go through before being sold to the public. These included:
Hill Climb Test- After guests entered their cars, the vehicles began to go up a three story ascension. As they went up the incline their engine roared and tires squealed.
Suspension Test- After reaching the top of the ascension, the cars descended down one floor over various surfaces including bricks and cobblestone.
Brake Test- The next tests that guests went through was the brake test. First, the cars anti-lock braking system was turned off, as the car tried to navigate through 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 course. After completing the second course, guests watched an instant replay of the tests to reinforce how important the anti-lock breaking system is.
Environmental Chambers- After going through the brake test, guests enter the Environmental Chambers. Here, they were exposed to extreme heat (110°F), extreme cold (10°F), and were even sprayed with a corrosion mist by robots.
Ride Handling Test- The next test that the guests endured tested the car's handling. In the handling tests, the car climbed up a series of hills, while increasing its speed and making blind turns. At the top of the hill the car almost drove directly into an oncoming semi, before dodging it at the last second.
Barrier Test- After completing the handling test, guests experienced the test shown in the preshow film: the barrier test. At this time the car lined up with a barrier and began to accelerate towards it. Just before hitting the barrier however, a series of flashes occurred and the barrier flew out of the way. At this point guests picture were taken, which could later be purchased in the pavilion’s shop.
High Speed Lap- After the barrier moved away guests found themselves outside and moving at a much faster rate. As the car took a lap along the banked roadway, guests could reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. After the lap had ended, a thermal scan was taken of guests before they unload into the gift shop.
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-ride photo, as well as Test Track and Epcot merchandise.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Test Track holds the distinction of being the fastest attraction (reaching speeds up to 65 mph) in all of Walt Disney World.
- Test Track also features 5,246 foot track, the longest in Disney World.
- On average each ride vehicle travels 50,000 miles per year!
- The attraction also holds the record for longest construction time at approximately three years!
- The nozzles that spray guests with mist in the Environmental Chambers are actually Hidden Mickeys.
- The attractions host Bill McKim is played by actor John Michael Higgins.
- The score for the attraction is titled Test Track Medley and was composed by George Wilkins.
References
http://allears.net/tp/ep/e_tt.htm
http://www.magicalmountain.net/Columns/disneytrivia/epcot-test-track-history.aspx
