Initially, the queue offered a glimpse into the variety of design tests that may occur for a new vehicle. The ride itself would treat guests as a type of live crash-test dummy as they traveled through actual road tests to determine if the car was indeed road worthy. The finale hinted that the riders would indeed be involved in a crash, just before the wall opened and they raced around an outside test-track at speeds of 64 mph.
When Disney once again decided to “pluss” this attraction, it took on a futuristic look that fits the idea of Future World itself. The first change came in the form of sponsorship. No longer is the ride a GM attraction, but brought to you by Chevrolet. Secondly, you no longer view drafting room tests. Instead, you actually get to partake in the design. After standing in line – a Disney tradition – you will be ushered into a design room where you and your group will scan your Magic Band or card and design a car at your individual kiosk. During the design, you will make decisions on what to focus on – Capability, Responsiveness, Efficiency, and Power.
You’ll scan your magic band or card and climb into the newly designed car and pull onto the test-track itself. The neon glow from the cars and the track resemble something from Tron. Please note, you can ride on stand-by, with Fast Pass or as a Single Rider. After connecting to On-star, you’ll go through a series of tests designed to check out your car design. As with the last iteration, you will end with a swing around the outside loop, which is still as fun as the first time it was opened. The car will display how your car performed in the pre-mentioned areas. Once you climb out, you can check the leaderboard to see how your design compared to others throughout the entire day.
I’m sure some old-timers miss the title track of “It’s Fun to Be Free” from World of Motion, however, this attraction offers so much more to experience. From start to finish, it is a complete ride with a solid theme. It’s pedal to the metal fun that doesn’t stop with the exit from the vehicle. Instead, that fun carries on to a series of post-ride interactive moments.
Design in Motion (possibly a nod to World of Motion) allows you to give another shot to designing a vehicle. It is also a chance for those designers too young to ride to give a shot at their creative abilities. From there, you’ll get the chance to race cars in an interactive format. Much like racing cars around an old-school electric track with a modern technology twist. Finally, you’ll not only get the chance to check out some of Chevrolet’s newest designs in person, but you’ll have the opportunity to take your pictures with them against unique backdrops.
OK, full disclosure, I love this ride – but this part of the attraction may be the most fun. It gives you and your kids the opportunity to ham it up and just have fun. Your picture will be taken at the beginning of the outside track loop. This will be connected to Photo Pass and Magical Memories packages. The pictures with the post-attraction cars, however, will not be linked. Those will be emailed to whatever address you enter at the corresponding kiosk.
So, next time you are in Epcot, take a ride on the Test Track and put your designing skills to the test.