Reimagined Test Track Showcases GM’s Vision of Future Mobility at EPCOT
The long-standing partnership between General Motors and Disney continues to evolve with the reopening of the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort. This attraction, a dynamic blend of entertainment, innovation, and education, ushers in a bold new chapter in the more than 40-year collaboration between two iconic American brands.
A Legacy of Innovation at EPCOT
The relationship between GM and Disney dates back to EPCOT’s grand opening in 1982. It began with World of Motion, a whimsical attraction that took visitors on a humorous journey through the history of transportation. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in close collaboration with GM engineers and designers, it was a celebration of American creativity, reflecting Walt Disney’s original vision for EPCOT as a place where innovation and optimism would shape the future.
As public interest in automotive performance and technology accelerated in the late 1990s, so too did the ambitions of both companies. In 1999, World of Motion gave way to the original version of Test Track—a first-of-its-kind attraction that immersed guests in the role of vehicle testers. The ride simulated real-world testing scenarios, including environmental trials, braking performance, and the now-famous 65-mile-per-hour outdoor speed loop—the fastest ride at Walt Disney World.
Behind the scenes, GM engineers worked hand-in-hand with Disney Imagineers to bring authenticity to every element of the experience. This collaboration highlighted GM’s core values: safety, quality, performance, and advanced technology.
Embracing the Digital Era
In 2012, the attraction underwent a major overhaul. The redesigned Test Track introduced a digital design studio where guests could create virtual concept cars and then “test” their performance during the ride. This level of customization and interactivity captured the spirit of a generation more engaged with technology, design, and personalization.
Now, in 2025, the attraction has been reimagined once again—this time with an eye toward the future of mobility.
A Journey into Tomorrow
Reopened on July 22, 2025, the new Test Track experience takes guests on a journey that explores emerging automotive technologies and their impact on how we drive, travel, and live. From the moment guests enter the redesigned queue, they’re introduced to a future-focused narrative showcasing GM’s innovations, from electrification to advanced sensors and smart mobility solutions.
The ride experience itself is a technological and sensory adventure. Guests encounter immersive scenes that include:
- Camera and Sensor Vision: Visitors see the road from the perspective of a vehicle’s onboard systems, including radar and lidar.
- Garage of the Future: A conceptual look at customizable vehicle technologies, materials, and AI-integrated design tools.
- Scenic Coastal Drive: A serene ride through a futuristic natural landscape that showcases how transportation and the environment can coexist.
- Futuristic Cityscape: A vision of multimodal transportation options in a sleek, sustainable urban setting, culminating in the attraction’s iconic high-speed loop.
Real-World Innovation
After the ride, guests exit through the GM Showroom, where they can explore a range of the company’s latest vehicles—including both internal combustion engine (ICE) models and electric vehicles (EVs). Featured technologies include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Ultium battery platforms, and examples of sustainable design inspired by GM’s “Powered by Purpose” ethos. This philosophy emphasizes building vehicles that are durable, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible—through waste reduction, material reuse, and nature-inspired innovation.
Four themed exploration zones in the post-show area allow guests to learn about GM’s approach to vehicles designed for racing, driving, utility, and adventure. These themes reflect GM’s wide-ranging portfolio, from high-performance Corvettes and rugged trucks to family-friendly EVs and future mobility solutions.
A Living Brand Experience
For General Motors, Test Track is more than a theme park attraction—it’s an immersive, real-time marketing platform that communicates its values and innovations to millions of potential consumers.
“Our collaboration with Disney at EPCOT goes beyond just a ride; it’s a living brand experience that resonates deeply with millions of guests every year,” said Molly Peck, GM’s executive director of global marketing excellence. “This relationship is invaluable for showcasing GM’s leadership in innovation and future mobility, including our diverse choice of EVs and ICE products, directly to an engaged audience in an incredibly memorable way.”
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future
While the new Test Track is firmly focused on what’s ahead, it still honors its legacy. Disney Imagineers have subtly hidden the original World of Motion logo throughout the attraction—playful “Easter eggs” that longtime fans will appreciate. These nostalgic nods underscore how the past and future are interconnected through innovation and imagination.
A Partnership That Drives Forward
For over 40 years, the Disney-GM partnership has been built on a shared vision: to inspire and inform through creativity, engineering, and storytelling. The revitalized Test Track perfectly encapsulates this mission. It is a testament to what can happen when world-class entertainment and automotive excellence unite.
With its latest reimagining, Test Track continues to evolve—not just as a thrill ride, but as a showcase of mobility’s future. It invites guests to dream big, explore new possibilities, and consider how the vehicles of tomorrow can enhance our lives, protect our planet, and move us all forward.
At EPCOT, GM and Disney have built more than an attraction—they’ve built a legacy.
