BoldRide takes a spin on the new EPCOT Test Track

Jeff Glucker

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boldride epcot test trac

I’ve always wanted to ride the GM Test Track at EPCOT. Unfortunately, I’ve never made the trip to DisneyWorld, and if I did I would most likely wind up spending my time trying to complete the Around the World Beer Challenge (without puking on Minnie’s shoes). My time has run out on the old track, but there’s a brand-new one, and our friends at BoldRide.com got to check it out.

Apparently, it’s still a GM product, but this time Chevrolet gets the branding. The new track is more interactive, but apparently features a lot of the same feeling as the old track. Check out BoldRides thoughts on the new track. Also, sound off in the comments because this is an informal Hooniverse Asks… What would make the EPCOT Test Track worth your time and money?

[Source: BoldRide.com]

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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14 responses to “BoldRide takes a spin on the new EPCOT Test Track”

  1. danleym Avatar
    danleym

    I was there a year ago. The line for the Test Track was ridiculous, and we just didn't bother with it. Had I known they were going to redo it, I probably would have went ahead and waited.
    I wouldn't go out of my way for any Disney ride, and a new Test Track isn't going to get me to make plans. But hey, next time I'm there, in probably 10 years or so, I'll check it out.

    Reply
  2. longrooffan Avatar
    longrooffan

    After driving on the simulators out at the Daytona International Speedway a few years ago when my then 8 year old nephew embarrassed the hell out of me and my palms were sweating and my heart was doing overtime, and this was just on the simulators did I mention?, this olelongrooffan decided to stick with slow old stuff in the far right lane. So, as such, I don't see a trip to this track to participate anytime soon.

    Reply
    1. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      Sticking with the slow old stuff in the far right lane is also my secret LeMons strategy.
      Or perhaps my not-so-secret LeMons strategy.

      Reply
      1. OA5599 Avatar
        OA5599

        I saw the video. The strategy is "don't die".

        Reply
        1. mdharrell Avatar
          mdharrell

          Well, yeah, for Pete's fire-breathing monster of a car, but I've stuck with slow old stuff since then.

          Reply
          1. OA5599 Avatar
            OA5599

            I didn't realize that. Then feel free to die whenever you get the urge.

          2. mdharrell Avatar
            mdharrell

            Okay, but it may be quite a while yet.

    2. Van_Sarockin Avatar
      Van_Sarockin

      If it's anything like the outdoor track they used to have at WDW, you're better off giving it all a pass. That 'track' was a bunch of, I dunno, 2HP full bodied go karts, kept in lane by straddling a steel fin. You couldn't jump your lane: I tried. All you could do was push a line of karts ahead of you. About the most boring time I've ever spent on four wheels. I think I did it three times just to make sure…

      Reply
      1. danleym Avatar
        danleym

        Hey, the old Test Track was the shit. When I was 4. And they let me drive. Or at least my dad convinced me that I was on the driver's side and he was the passenger.

        Reply
      2. Alcology Avatar
        Alcology

        There is one of these in new england at canobie lake park but it's old model T's or A's looking things. Definitely awesome when I was small. Still might pass the test now! Also, a really fun wooden roller-coaster.

        Reply
      3. mnm4ever Avatar
        mnm4ever

        You guys have it all wrong, you are talking about the Grand Prix Raceway ride at Magic Kingdom, and it IS the worst go-kart ride ever. Unless you are a 4yo, then its cool.
        Test Track is a ride at EPCOT, completely unrelated to the Grand Prix go-karts. Its a ride, like a roller coaster sorta, without any big hills though. You ride in a big fake car with 6 seats IIRC, and go around a fake "test track" trying out GMs new concept car (also fake obviously), and the last part they accelerate the car to 66mph… yeah I know, still lame but in 1999 it was kind of cool and different. It isnt the worst ride at Disneyworld by far, but it isnt the best.
        Much like the "new" Star Tours ride, this is just a refresh of the same old ride, nothing really new. They updated some of the (now ancient) props that keep you busy while you wait in the queue, they slapped a fresh coat of paint on everything, updated the signage, maybe got new plastic bodywork on the "cars", but the actual ride is most likely identical to what it has been since 1999.
        This is typical of Disney, they invest as little as possible keeping the old rides somewhat relevant, maybe throw a new theme on there to market some newer movie (ala Pirates of the Caribbean, now with Jack Sparrow robot), or maybe put in an actual "new" ride that is a complete ripoff of an old ride (the Winnie the Pooh ride is a complete rehash of every other ride in Fantasyland), all as an excuse to get you to walk through a gift shop and buy overpriced crap merchandise.
        They must have the best return on investment of any theme park, its really embarrassing actually how lame the attractions are, yet people clamor to spend $100+ a day PER PERSON to wait in endless lines to experience this crap. I hate theme parks in general, but Disneyworld is the worst ripoff out there.

        Reply
  3. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    Folks near NYC should think about doing this: http://www.facebook.com/groups/JerseyCitySandyRec…
    Pole Position is making a donation for everyone who turns out and does some laps in Jersey City.
    Jersey City Sandy Recovery is a wicked cool group, doing excellent work to help thousands of people every day. http://www.jcnjrecovery.org/

    Reply
  4. njhoon Avatar
    njhoon

    It sounds from those who have gone that it would be advantageous to do the beers of the world beer challenge first then go on the track. Not that I would encourage that type of behavior.

    Reply
    1. mnm4ever Avatar
      mnm4ever

      It wouldnt matter, you dont actually drive anything, you just ride it. Of course, you also get jerked around a lot, so doing the beer challenge first could end up badly for the other people riding in the car with you if you hurl! 🙂

      Reply