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Long Line Stretches Through EPCOT–Here’s Why

A favorite EPCOT thrill ride has raced back into the spotlight. On July 22, 2025, Test Track presented by General Motors officially reopened to the public, drawing immense crowds and setting the pace for a summer of innovation and excitement at Walt Disney World Resort.

Just minutes after the park gates opened, guests surged toward the newly reimagined attraction. According to WDWMagic, standby wait times soared to 150 minutes within the first 15 minutes, with the line snaking through World Discovery and stretching toward the Creations Shop. Clearly, EPCOT fans were eager to experience the high-speed transformation.

Test Track reimagined concept art
Credit: Disney

But the excitement didn’t begin on opening day. Leading up to the official debut, Annual Passholders had the opportunity to preview the attraction on July 13–16 and July 18–19. Using the My Disney Experience app, guests could join a virtual queue at 7:00 a.m. (with a park reservation) or 1:00 p.m. (without one). Demand was intense—on July 13, for example, all entry slots were claimed in just three seconds.

By July 18, operational tweaks made previews even more convenient. Guests began reporting that cast members were granting access at the ride entrance after confirming Annual Passholder status, easing the virtual queue rush and adding flexibility.

A Disney World monorail goes through EPCOT
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

Adding to the anticipation, EPCOT quietly conducted a soft opening of Test Track on July 20 and 21, offering access via the standby line for all guests. These surprise previews gave many a sneak peek at the enhanced attraction before the big launch.

What makes this version of Test Track so special? The ride draws deeply from EPCOT’s roots. Inspired by the original World of Motion, the updated Test Track is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a tribute to the park’s history, told through a modern lens. With streamlined visuals, fresh effects, and a thrilling sense of speed, this version strikes a meaningful balance between retro spirit and futuristic flair.

Now open to all guests, Test Track also plays a key role in the Lightning Lane Multi Pass structure. Following its closure on June 17, 2024, the attraction has returned as one of EPCOT’s top-tier Lightning Lane options, replacing Soarin’ Around the World in that category.

Aerial view of EPCOT theme park in Walt Disney World.
Credit: Greg Goebel, Flickr

Here’s the current breakdown of EPCOT Lightning Lane tiers:

Tier 1 – Choose one:

Frozen Ever After

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Test Track

The Elsa animatronic singing 'Let It Go' on Frozen Ever After at EPCOT.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Tier 2 – Choose up to three:

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

Journey into Imagination with Figment

Living with the Land

Mission: SPACE

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Soarin’ Around the World

Spaceship Earth

Turtle Talk with Crush

Lightning Lane sign at Peter Pan's Flight
Credit: Inside the Magic

Guests can still access Test Track via the standby line or select it as one of their three Lightning Lane experiences as part of the Multi Pass system, which was introduced on July 24, 2024.

But that’s not the only magic happening across the resort. Over at Magic Kingdom Park, the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade made its grand debut on July 20 following two preview nights. The new nighttime spectacular now lights up Main Street, U.S.A. at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. each evening, adding even more sparkle to Walt Disney World’s summer lineup.

Scene from the Disney Starlight Parade located inside of the Magic Kingdom at this Disney Resort in Orlando.
Credit: Disney

With the spirit of innovation on full display, the updated Test Track invites guests to step into EPCOT’s future while celebrating its storied past. Whether you’ve loved this attraction for years or are riding for the very first time, the journey promises to be unforgettable.

Have you had the chance to ride yet? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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