Test Track Refurb 2012

[VWL Mom]

I just hope that if this refurb does happen, it involves extensive work to keep the ride from malfunctioning and shutting down all the time!

[SpecJoe Magic]

And Walt Disney did that all the time. The original castle in Disneyland was supposed to be Snow White's Castle but since Sleeping Beauty was about to premiere, he changed the name and the theming of the castle to match his new animated feature.

So, before you blast Disney for trying to create synergy between the parks and the movies, Walt Disney tried to do that as much as he could.

Good point. I think many people assume that Walt's intentions were always pure without any attempt to squeeze more money out of people, but Walt was more of a savvy business man than he gets credit for. Walt was all about quality, but he knew the importance of making as much money as possible.

[darthmacho]

Good point. I think many people assume that Walt's intentions were always pure without any attempt to squeeze more money out of people, but Walt was more of a savvy business man than he gets credit for. Walt was all about quality, but he knew the importance of making as much money as possible.

While this may be true, and many movie tie-ins are actually good, what I wish WDW and the other parks would keep in mind is that they could have stories unique to the parks.

Great WDW attractions that don't have specific movie tie-ins include Test Track, Big Thunder Mountain, Living with the Land, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and the former Alien Encounter. They could also capitalize on unique characters like Figment, if only they could make the ride worthy of his potential.

Who knows? Maybe in the future, Disney could cash in with a reverse tie-in like they did with Pirates of the Caribbean. I know the Haunted Mansion and Country Bears were a dud and Jungle Cruise remains to be seen, but why not at least make an effort? All it takes is one little spark... okay, bad example.

[DizneyFreak2002]

New ride vehicles have debuted at Test Track.... and no, NOT Cars the movie themed... They do, however, have a Chevy logo on the front...

[seanyred]

New ride vehicles have debuted at Test Track.... and no, NOT Cars the movie themed... They do, however, have a Chevy logo on the front...

I saw some pictures of a blue car with the chevy logo. They look nice. The seats also look more comfortable. Also I noticed the video screen is working. I think I have only seen those work once.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I saw some pictures of a blue car with the chevy logo. They look nice. The seats also look more comfortable. Also I noticed the video screen is working. I think I have only seen those work once.

I hope this is just the beginning of the much needed refurb...

[Butters]

Can someone link where we can find those pics?

[DizneyFreak2002]

Can someone link where we can find those pics?

Butters, check you PM...

[Buttercup]

I just googled for the new vehicle pics - very nice! They do look like the Chevy Volt.
Here's hoping it's just the first step in many more refurbs for that ride to bring it a little more up to par!

[Mousemates]

looked at the new ride vehicles on line...and while they look nice, I hope the refurb goes FAR beyond cosmetics and shakes up the story of the ride itself. I know lots of folks love it, but its just a ride that never really did a whole lot for me. I mean its big thrill is the equivalent of riding down the interstate in a convertible.

[disneyfan328]

does anyone know of the date in january that this is to happen????

[PharmD]

Me and my friends love Universe of Energy even though most here don't, just because even though it (at the time was) updated for modern times a decade ago it still has that old ride feel of something that you don't get to ride anywhere else.

Well I will go ahead and say that I am one of the ones who do love Universe of Energy. When we go that is one ride we always do, although my wife usually takes the opportunity to sleep I just love that ride.

[Strmchsr]

does anyone know of the date in january that this is to happen????

There's been no official announcement on this refurb. There won't be a date until WDW releases the actual confirmation of the refurb.

[A Big Kid]

does anyone know of the date in january that this is to happen????

It is certain to be AFTER a boatload of people book their vacations (like around Marathon Weekend) that was people get invested into going and the closing of a headliner wont cause them to change their mind.

(Yes I am cycnical about this.)

[Strmchsr]

It is certain to be AFTER a boatload of people book their vacations (like around Marathon Weekend) that was people get invested into going and the closing of a headliner wont cause them to change their mind.

(Yes I am cycnical about this.)

A boatload of people book their vacations year round. When the park is open 365 days it just happens. No, it's not great if a favorite attraction is closed, but especially in January you just expect it. Every January major rides are down for refurb. However, they usually close the week after marathon weekend. Not always, but usually. But, it's not that big of a deal. There's lots more stuff to see and ride.

[luvindisney]

We saw the new vehicle when we were there last week. It looked really cool and much more updated than the ones that are currently operating.

[disneyfan328]

A boatload of people book their vacations year round. When the park is open 365 days it just happens. No, it's not great if a favorite attraction is closed, but especially in January you just expect it. Every January major rides are down for refurb. However, they usually close the week after marathon weekend. Not always, but usually. But, it's not that big of a deal. There's lots more stuff to see and ride.

so the week after is when I am going correct? My arrival date is 1/8/12 which is the actual day of the marathon so that week following is the week that most things go down or do you mean the following week like the 15th or so of Jan?

It probably won't be a deal breaker for us but I know the hubby and kids will be very disappointed if it is. I know splash mtn is usually down in Jan too. What other rides should I expect to be closed?

[Strmchsr]

so the week after is when I am going correct? My arrival date is 1/8/12 which is the actual day of the marathon

There's not set, announced date, but, yes, any day after the 8th is a good possibility for the refurb to begin. As for what will be down - TT, if the rumored refurb goes through, and Splash (as usual) will be the big ones. Splash is almost always down for at least some of January. As for anything else, it'll depend on what needs it, but nothing has been announced.

[texas211]

Did the GM bailout pay for the refurb

Is this part of cash for clunkers? They should get Toyota to purchase. The cars will be faster, just stopping will be sort of a crash test experience.

[Patricia]

sigh

I guess I need to accept that this next gen interactive queue stuff is here to stay.

Mel, I'm with you here.. big sigh.