EPCOTNews

Disney World Guests Locked Out From Park as New Ride Prepares To Open

Why Are Guests Blocked From Entering and Does This Affect You?

Walt Disney World fans were left stunned and scrambling as the first day of Annual Passholder previews for Test Track vanished in the blink of an eye. What just happened—and what does it mean for guests who still want in?

Test track at EPCOT.
Credit: D23

Disney World Test Track: A Day Many Were Waiting For… Gone in Seconds

Imagine waking up, coffee in hand, ready to book your Passholder preview for EPCOT’s reimagined Test Track—only to discover it’s already too late.

That’s exactly what happened on Monday morning when Disney officially opened reservations for Annual Passholder previews of the all-new Test Track. Within hours, EPCOT Park Pass availability for Sunday, July 13 was completely gone, and by mid-morning, fans were already taking to social media with disbelief.

How could something vanish so fast? And is there still a way to secure a seat on the newly redesigned attraction?

Test Track Exterior
Credit: Disney

Why This Really Matters for Disney’s Most Loyal Fans

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a date on a calendar. The sudden unavailability reflects a bigger conversation around the Park Pass reservation system and how it affects even Disney’s most loyal fanbase—Annual Passholders.

The fact that the very first preview opportunity is already full has left many guests feeling shut out from an experience specifically marketed to them. And with Test Track having been closed for over a year, excitement is understandably high.

This marks the second major reimagining of the high-speed attraction since it opened in 1999. With updated theming, visuals, and a storyline expected to lean more into EPCOT’s “World Discovery” aesthetic, the ride’s new chapter is drawing intense interest across the Disney fanbase.

walt disney world ride space mountain test track expedition everest rock n roller coaster spaceship earth magic kingdom epcot animal kingdom hollywood studios average stall time to reopen
Credit: Disney

EPCOT Park Passes: Sold Out… But Not the End?

If you’re a Passholder who missed out on an EPCOT Park Pass for July 13—don’t panic just yet.

While the reservation calendar currently shows EPCOT is fully booked, there is still a chance for availability to open up. Park Passes can become available again if other guests cancel theirs, so keep checking the calendar leading up to the preview date.

Even better, Disney’s virtual queue system provides a possible workaround.

Test Track wdw
Credit: Disney

How to Ride Without a Reservation (Yes, It’s Possible)

Here’s the trick: the virtual queue for Test Track will open at 7 a.m. for guests with an EPCOT Park Pass. But at 1 p.m., all Passholders can try to join the virtual queue—even without an EPCOT Park Pass—as long as they’ve entered any Disney World theme park earlier in the day.

That means you could start your day at Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios and hop over to EPCOT in the afternoon for your shot at the preview.

This strategy might just be the lifeline disappointed Passholders are looking for.

Goofy dances with young kids at EPCOT
Credit: Disney

What Else We Know About the Test Track Preview Rollout

Disney confirmed that Annual Passholder previews will run on July 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19, with the ride officially reopening to all guests on July 22. Disney Vacation Club Members also received exclusive preview opportunities, and Cast Member previews are currently ongoing.

This updated version of Test Track is expected to focus more on futuristic innovation, likely blending storytelling with sleek design in a way that refreshes the ride’s identity without sacrificing its famous finale.

Mickey Mouse stands with open arms in front of the illuminated Epcot Spaceship Earth at night, showcasing a vibrant purple and orange glow at Disney World.
Credit: Disney Dining

Final Thoughts: More Than a Disney World Test Track Ride—It’s About Access

For many Passholders, moments like these are about more than thrills. They’re about feeling seen, valued, and prioritized by the Disney brand they’ve supported for years. When high-demand events like this book out in record time, it reignites ongoing frustrations about reservation systems, limited preview windows, and the challenges of planning Disney trips post-2020.

Still, Disney’s inclusion of Park Hopping and 1 p.m. virtual queue access provides a glimmer of hope—and a reminder that a little strategy can go a long way.

Just don’t wait. The countdown to July 13 has already started.

Source: WDWMagic 

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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