Disney World is always on the move. If you’ve been before, you know things can look different on your next visit. Attractions evolve, lands transform, and rides you thought were untouchable suddenly get new storylines or facelifts. EPCOT, in particular, has been a testing ground for these changes.
Over the last decade, the park has shifted dramatically—future-focused updates, new character tie-ins, and reimagined pavilions have reshaped its identity.
Now that Test Track 3.0 has officially opened, guests wonder what comes next. Disney tends not to stop at just one major project, and attention is shifting toward EPCOT’s older staples.
The Transformation of Test Track
Since opening in 1999, Test Track has been a cornerstone attraction. Known for its high-speed finale, it quickly became one of EPCOT’s most popular rides. But Disney loves reinvention, and in 2012, the attraction was transformed into a futuristic “design your own car” experience. That update carried the ride for over a decade, though many missed the original’s charm.
Fast-forward to today, and Test Track has been overhauled once again. The new version seeks to blend the thrill of the past with future innovation. With immersive visuals and more cohesive storytelling, it now feels like a better reflection of EPCOT’s mission. But this success raises a new question: Which ride will Disney target next?
EPCOT’s Aging Icons
Several long-time attractions seem ripe for attention. Spaceship Earth has faced years of rumors about closing for a massive update. Gran Fiesta Tour has been whispered about as a potential Coco retheme. And then there’s Mission: SPACE, a ride that has inspired equal parts admiration and criticism.
The reality is simple: Test Track’s glow-up puts more pressure on these older rides. Disney has to keep pace with evolving expectations, and Mission: SPACE is beginning to look like the likeliest candidate for change.
Mission: SPACE’s Struggles
When Mission: SPACE debuted in 2003, it promised a groundbreaking astronaut training simulation, complete with NASA involvement. Using a centrifuge system, it gave riders real G-force sensations. It was bold and unique—but not exactly approachable.
Many guests found it too intense, leading Disney to introduce a gentler “Green Mission” in 2006. Even with that adjustment, the ride never shook its reputation as “too much” for many families.
Compared to the smooth thrills and humor of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Mission: SPACE feels like a relic. In EPCOT, especially, a ride that feels stale usually has a target on its back.
What Could Happen Next?
Disney has options.
A fresh storyline: keep the centrifuge, but send riders on a new mission, like a rescue or exploration of unknown worlds.
An IP retheme: Stitch could finally get his due. Imagine him hijacking the mission controls, turning a serious space training session into an intergalactic comedy.
A complete replacement is the most drastic choice, clearing the space for a brand-new EPCOT experience.
Looking Ahead
Test Track’s reinvention shows Disney isn’t afraid to tinker with EPCOT’s foundation. With other classics showing their age, it’s only a matter of time before another attraction gets the same treatment. Mission: SPACE looks like the obvious frontrunner, but surprises are always around the corner at Disney World.
