The countdown is officially over: Disney has confirmed that Test Track will reopen at EPCOT on July 22. After months behind construction walls and plenty of speculation, the reimagined attraction is almost ready to welcome guests once again—and it’s coming back with some big changes both inside and out.

New Sign, New Vibe

If you’ve passed by the former Test Track entrance recently (or peeked from the monorail), you probably noticed something very different from what used to greet guests. The old sign is long gone, and in its place stands a bold new design that’s already stirring up conversation. Set in a circular area a few yards in front of the attraction’s show building, the sign is surrounded by sand-colored rocks in a variety of shapes and sizes—giving the area a more stylized, almost futuristic landscape.

While many were expecting the design featured in the concept art, it’s not a one-to-one match. That’s not unusual for Disney projects, of course, but some fans have pointed out specific differences—like the missing “Presented by Chevrolet” tagline. That’s because the attraction is officially shifting back to a General Motors sponsorship. The rock additions weren’t part of the original concept, but they’ve become one of the more talked-about changes, sparking a full-on debate on social media. Some say the setup looks sleek and clean. Others? Let’s just say the phrase “budget-cut fountain” got thrown around.

Stanchions, Touchpoints, and Queue Prep

Beyond the signage, there’s action happening closer to the entrance too. Underneath the attraction’s large roof overhang, workers have been busy adding new stanchions. These appear to be the typical metal poles and silver chains that have been used before, but their placement could hint at how the new ride will manage its queue system. There are even early signs of MagicBand+ touchpoints being installed, suggesting that guests will continue using their bands or ticket media to tap into the attraction when it reopens.

The exterior of Test Track in EPCOT
Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

All of this points to a ride that’s nearly ready to welcome guests once more. The stanchions suggest queue management is being finalized, and those MagicBand+ setups don’t usually go in until operations are prepping for test runs or soft openings.

A Nod to the Past with a Ride for the Future

While the outside is getting plenty of attention, the real star of the show will be the updated ride experience itself. Disney previously announced that this Test Track reimagining is meant to bring in more inspiration from World of Motion, the beloved opening day EPCOT attraction that Test Track originally replaced.

Rather than focusing on high-tech car design like its most recent iteration, the new Test Track will reportedly explore the broader evolution of transportation. This aligns with EPCOT’s overall shift toward blending nostalgia and progress, especially as other pavilions are undergoing similar thematic changes.

A night scene showing the back view of a family wearing Mickey Mouse hats, gazing at the illuminated Spaceship Earth at EPCOT.
Credit: Disney

In April, Disney gave us a sneak peek at the reimagined ride vehicles—and yes, they look sleek. Testing has already begun, and cars have been spotted zooming along the familiar outdoor portion of the track. That’s a huge step forward and a good sign that Disney is entering the final stages of getting everything ready.

So, When Is Test Track Reopening?

That’s still the million-dollar question. Disney has only said the ride will reopen on July 22, and while the changes to the exterior suggest that things are wrapping up on the outside, there may still be some interior work left to finish. But between vehicle testing, updated signage, and queue setup, all signs point to sooner rather than later.

If we had to guess? A soft opening or preview in July wouldn’t be out of the question, with a full reopening following shortly after. Of course, Disney could surprise us any day with an official announcement.

Why This Matters for Your Next Trip

If you’re planning a visit to EPCOT this summer or fall, the return of Test Track is going to be a big deal. It’s one of the park’s most iconic thrill rides and often a top pick for Lightning Lane selections and early morning rope-drop runs. Its reopening will also help balance crowd flow across the park, especially with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind still pulling big lines.

Guests riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind through space
Credit: Disney

But beyond logistics, it’s about legacy. Test Track has always represented innovation and speed at EPCOT. With this refreshed version, Disney is promising a ride that honors the past while delivering something entirely new—and fans are ready to buckle up.

Stay tuned, because once that reopening date drops, you can bet it’s going to race to the top of everyone’s must-do list.

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