If you’ve been to EPCOT recently, you might’ve noticed something unusual—something that hasn’t happened in nearly two decades. For a park that’s spent the past few years remodeling itself with high-tech thrills and franchise-heavy attractions, this week brought a nostalgic surprise that feels ripped from the 2000s.
Let’s rewind a bit. EPCOT has been on a major glow-up streak. With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, the debut of CommuniCore Hall, and Journey of Water inspired by Moana, the front of the park has transformed into a legit all-day experience. No longer just the gateway to World Showcase, World Celebration now demands your attention.
But it’s not the shiny new stuff grabbing headlines. It’s a small but meaningful revival tucked inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends.
Divers Make a Splash—Literally
On July 22, Disney brought back the Diver Lock-Out Chamber Demonstration, and longtime fans nearly lost it. This isn’t a new ride or some IP crossover—it’s a live demonstration showing how Disney divers enter the park’s massive aquarium. And more than that, it’s the kind of educational, science-forward moment that used to define EPCOT before Marvel and Star Wars arrived on the scene.
Guests actually gathered. Kids sat cross-legged on the floor. Grown-ups watched in awe. For once, The Seas didn’t just serve as a cool shortcut or quick photo op—it was the main event.
Meanwhile, Test Track Came Roaring Back
On the other side of Future World (or what’s left of that name), Test Track reopened with a sleek new look, updated storyline, and new effects that feel way more futuristic. Disney hasn’t officially labeled it “Test Track 3.0,” but that’s what guests are calling it—and they’re loving it.
The wait time? Within minutes of opening, it hit 150 minutes. That’s some pre-pandemic, pre-Lightning Lane energy.
So here we are, with two of EPCOT’s most classic pavilions suddenly becoming the biggest draws in the park again. It feels like 2007 all over again.
Just a Flash in the Pan?
Of course, this could just be a brief spike—a perfect storm of curiosity and reopening buzz. But even if it doesn’t last, it’s a reminder that EPCOT’s original charm isn’t gone. People still show up for science. For learning. For that special kind of wonder that doesn’t require a drop track or a Marvel tie-in.
For one magical moment, EPCOT felt like its old self. And honestly? It felt pretty great.
