FeaturedParks

You’ll Need to Wake Up at 7AM If You Want a Shot at This Special Disney Experience

Disney has officially brought back something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most experienced Annual Passholders: the virtual queue. That’s right. It’s back, and it’s going to make your morning a lot more stressful if you want to preview the new and improved Test Track before it opens to the public.

disney world annual pass passholder park reservations
Credit: Disney

Let’s be real—no one enjoys waking up at 6:55 a.m., fumbling for their phone, and refreshing the app like their life depends on it. But that’s exactly what you’ll need to do if you want a shot at this exclusive early access.

Test Track Preview Dates and the 7 a.m. Gauntlet

The new Test Track opens to everyone on July 22, but Disney is giving Annual Passholders a sneak peek from July 13–19. Just don’t plan on going July 17—it’s randomly blacked out, and Disney hasn’t said why. So if you’re an AP, you’ve got six days to try your luck. But here’s the kicker: you’ll need more than just a park ticket.

A blue car zips around a curved track with passengers, near where the Test Track recently closed. Two large geodesic domes rise in the background, framed by greenery under a clear sky. The scene's reflections shimmer on a glossy surface.
Credit: D23

At 7 a.m. sharp, the virtual queue will go live, and you’ll need a reservation for EPCOT that day to even try. These spots are expected to disappear fast—just like they did during the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure previews. Miss your window, and you’re likely out of luck.

The Recipe for Success (Maybe)

If you’re determined to make it in, you’ll need:

  • A valid Annual Pass

  • A park reservation for EPCOT on your chosen preview day

  • The My Disney Experience app loaded and ready

  • Lightning-fast fingers and some good Wi-Fi

And no, showing up at 7:05 won’t cut it. This is one of those “be-ready-the-second-it-hits” kind of moments. If you don’t have an EPCOT reservation, your next shot comes at 1 p.m., but even then, availability is super limited.

Why the Fuss?

Disney hasn’t completely changed the ride layout, but the new Test Track has gotten some serious upgrades. There are new visual effects, a fresh storyline, and a more futuristic look. The excitement is real, and previews like these are often seen as brag-worthy experiences among Annual Passholders.

People walk near the Test Track attraction entrance at Epcot, featuring a large sign with the Chevrolet logo and a blue car model above it under a metal canopy on a wet day.
Credit: MyFrozenLife Flickr

Don’t Snooze—Literally

If you want to be part of this, you’ll need to get your strategy locked in. That means setting an alarm (maybe two), making sure your app is up to date, and hoping for a little pixie dust. With how quickly boarding groups can vanish, every second counts.

So here’s your warning: if you’re not ready at 7:00 a.m. on the dot, you might miss your one chance to ride the reimagined Test Track before everyone else. Plan smart, and good luck—you’re going to need it.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles