Ride Review #3 Test Track (EPCOT: Future World)

This is my first ride review from outside the Magic Kingdom. From this point forward I am planning on alternating between rides from the 3 newer Disney parks and rides from the different lands of MK. So look out for many more ride reviews in the near future.

History of Test Track - With a sponsorship deal ending and crowds diminishing at EPCOT's 10-year old World of Motion  in 1992, GM and Disney Imagineers decided it was time to go in a new direction with the pavillion. They decided upon the concept of a ride called Test Track. This new ride was scheduled to replace World of Motion 19 months after it was closed in January of 1996. Test Track was pushed back numerous times due to technical difficulties, though, and did not open until December 1998. Once the ride did open, once again under GM sponsorship, it became one of the most popular attractions of the park by providing a long ride and thrilling experience to guests. It has continued to be a crowd favorite to this day; more than 12 years later.

Test Track Review -

1. Visual Theming - The queue line and ride as a whole is visually well themed, but there is nothing extraordinary about it and some of its images are slightly outdated. The ride does provide a post show featuring some of GM's latest cars which, although being a simple advertisement for the company, fits in with the theme and looks cool. Score 7.75 out of 10
2. Audio Theming - Although this ride doesn't have much music it makes up for it through the use of engaging sound effects. The sounds heard on the ride enhance the experience and increases the rides thrill. Score 8 out of 10
3. Story-Telling - The story of Test Track isn't particulary deep, but it is well - told, clear, and concise. It's story is a creative way of introducing guests to the topic of the ride. Score 7.75 out of 10
4. Popularity - Behind Soarin', Test Track is currently EPCOT's most popular ride. If you arrive at the park late expect to see wait times over an hour and a shortage of fastpasses. Score 9.25 out of 10
5. Age Range - Like Space Mountain, Test Track has a tendancy to exclude some ages because of it's thrilling nature. Although it doesn't contain any drops or loops it's high-speed finish can be too much for some. Score 7.5 out of 10
6. Lasting Appeal - Test Track isn't super old, but it still has great appeal with crowds. It is now 12 years old and could easily double that if it doesn't get shut down due to its high matinence requirements Score 9 out of 10
7. Intangiables - Test Track is  very memorable and popular ride at EPCOT. It has shown some rust and technical difficulties over the years but remains a great attraction. Score 8.75 out of 10

Overall Score: 8.25 out of 10 - Test Track may not be the biggest attraction at Disney World but it is among the most popular with good reason. It is a thrill ride that manages to incorporate some great Disney magic.