There’s something in the air at EPCOT right now—and it’s not just that new pine-scented breeze. It’s that rare feeling among longtime Disney fans: hope.
Test Track 3.0 is finally here (officially reopening July 22), and by some miracle, Disney didn’t mess it up. In fact, they might’ve actually nailed it.
The ride—now backed once again by General Motors—has returned to its roots while charging full speed ahead into the future. And if you’re someone who remembers the golden age of 1990s EPCOT, you’re probably going to get a little misty-eyed walking through that queue.
A Bold Tribute to the Past Without Feeling Dated
Gone is the “design your own car” interactive screen. That part might sting for fans of Test Track 2.0, but what’s taken its place is sleeker, cleaner, and—dare we say—more EPCOT. The new queue feels like it came straight out of the World of Motion era, with exhibits focused on futuristic transportation, materials innovation, and a love letter to progress.
The cars themselves got a slick upgrade, too. They’re jet black now with glowing blue accents. Throw in the new on-ride photo that captures you zipping past a futuristic city skyline with flying cars? It just feels cool again.
Wait—Did Disney Just Use a Smell to Win Us Over?
In the middle of the ride, there’s a sequence that simulates alpine driving. The visuals are solid, but what really got people buzzing is the pine scent pumped into the air. That one tiny detail immediately sparked a wave of nostalgic joy for fans who remember the way EPCOT used to smell—whether on Soarin’ or Spaceship Earth.
Credit: Disney
And speaking of nostalgia, Disney didn’t stop at smells. The background music includes a soft instrumental of It’s Fun to Be Free, a subtle nod to the old World of Motion soundtrack. It’s the kind of quiet tribute that tells fans, “Hey, we remember too.”
It’s Not Just a Repaint—It’s a Reinvention
There’s no doubt the track layout is the same, but the experience is noticeably smoother, more cohesive, and way more immersive. The indoor projection scenes have been upgraded, and the futuristic narrative actually feels consistent from start to finish—something that was a bit lacking in the last version.
And yes, the outdoor loop is still there. Still fast. Still fun. Still worth it.
EPCOT Deserves More Moments Like This
It’s been a bumpy ride for fans of EPCOT over the past decade. Between controversial changes, budget cuts, and nostalgia being shoved aside in favor of IPs, it’s felt like the soul of the park was slowly fading. But this? Test Track 3.0 feels like a win.
And not just because it’s good—it’s good in the right ways. It embraces EPCOT’s original mission of progress and innovation while keeping the thrills that today’s audiences expect.
For once, the online crowd isn’t up in arms. The backlash is minimal. Most folks are just… happy. And that’s no small feat for Disney these days.
So if you’ve been one of those fans who’s drifted from EPCOT, this might be the thing that pulls you back. It’s not just a new version of a ride—it’s a glimpse of what EPCOT can still be when it remembers where it came from.
