By Dave Massaron, Vice President, GM Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship
For over four decades, EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort has been home to a powerful, long-standing collaboration between General Motors and Disney. A new exciting chapter in this shared history is underway, with the recent opening of the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors.
GM and Disney’s relationship began at EPCOT’s opening in 1982 with World of Motion, a light-hearted tour through transportation history. Created by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with GM engineers and designers, the attraction offered a world of whimsical animatronics and imaginative storytelling, perfectly embodying Walt Disney's vision for a place where American ingenuity and imagination could propel the world forward.
A new approach
As public interest in technology and automotive performance grew in the late 1990s, GM and Disney shifted gears. World of Motion retired to make way for Test Track, which opened in 1999. This groundbreaking attraction thrust guests into the role of GM test drivers, simulating rigorous vehicle tests, including extreme braking, environmental chambers, and an iconic 65 mph high-speed outdoor loop, Walt Disney World’s fastest ride. GM employees helped Imagineers simulate real testing conditions, offering a fascinating look at GM's unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and advanced technology.
The ride was significantly redesigned in 2012, introducing a digital layer that allowed guests to "design" their own virtual vehicles before putting them to the test, embracing the growing digital age with new levels of personalization and interaction. The latest reimagining builds on this legacy, propelling guests into a fresh theme that looks towards the future of mobility.
The updated vision
The reimagined Test Track focuses on the future of mobility, celebrating the forward-looking GM brand and humanity’s enduring drive to innovate on the road to a brighter tomorrow. Re-opened on July 22, the attraction begins with a redesigned queue experience, showcasing the history and the future of vehicle design and technology.
Visitors board their ride vehicles and journey through new scenes emphasizing technological advancements that will make cars smarter and our lives more fun. For example, guests can see the road how a vehicle does using its cameras and sensors1, visit a garage of the future to discover some vehicle customization concepts, and sit back and enjoy a scenic drive through a lush coastal forest.
Finally, guests enjoy a futuristic look at different modes of transportation in a stunning cityscape before launching toward a better tomorrow. The fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort then reaches its iconic conclusion: the 65-mph loop.
After the ride experience, guests exit through the Corvette room into the General Motors showroom, where they can explore a variety of GM’s gas-powered and electric vehicles — showcasing choices for every person and purpose.
Test Track isn't just a ride; it's a dynamic showcase of GM's vision, highlighting over 100 years of innovation. The attraction highlights real-world technologies like EVs and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering a journey through the past, present, and future of transportation.
This forward-looking perspective is underscored by GM's “Powered by Purpose” philosophy, which emphasizes responsible and innovative vehicle design through practices like designing out waste, reusing materials, and incorporating durable, nature-inspired components. It envisions a future where technology, the planet, and long-term value advance together.
Guests now embark on four distinct GM vehicle explorations – designed for driving, racing, utility, and adventure. These explorations mirror GM's diverse portfolio, showcasing the company’s broad range of EVs built on a proprietary battery platform, alongside their market-leading gas and diesel cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The seamless collaboration between the two giants has been a hallmark of this relationship from the very beginning.
"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," says 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."
As a fun nod to its roots, sharp-eyed Imagineers have hidden the original World of Motion logo throughout the attraction as "Easter eggs" – a tribute to GM’s long-standing legacy at EPCOT.
This enduring collaboration isn't just about thrilling rides; it's a testament to a shared vision of progress and imagination. For over four decades, GM and Disney have collaborated to create experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire. The revitalized Test Track is a celebration of a legacy of innovation and pride that connects generations of guests and employees alike, driving us all forward, into the future.
1Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle owner’s manual for important features and information.
For over four decades, EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort has been home to a powerful, long-standing collaboration between General Motors and Disney. A new exciting chapter in this shared history is underway, with the recent opening of the reimagined Test Track presented by General Motors.
GM and Disney’s relationship began at EPCOT’s opening in 1982 with World of Motion, a light-hearted tour through transportation history. Created by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with GM engineers and designers, the attraction offered a world of whimsical animatronics and imaginative storytelling, perfectly embodying Walt Disney's vision for a place where American ingenuity and imagination could propel the world forward.
A new approach
As public interest in technology and automotive performance grew in the late 1990s, GM and Disney shifted gears. World of Motion retired to make way for Test Track, which opened in 1999. This groundbreaking attraction thrust guests into the role of GM test drivers, simulating rigorous vehicle tests, including extreme braking, environmental chambers, and an iconic 65 mph high-speed outdoor loop, Walt Disney World’s fastest ride. GM employees helped Imagineers simulate real testing conditions, offering a fascinating look at GM's unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and advanced technology.
The ride was significantly redesigned in 2012, introducing a digital layer that allowed guests to "design" their own virtual vehicles before putting them to the test, embracing the growing digital age with new levels of personalization and interaction. The latest reimagining builds on this legacy, propelling guests into a fresh theme that looks towards the future of mobility.
The updated vision
The reimagined Test Track focuses on the future of mobility, celebrating the forward-looking GM brand and humanity’s enduring drive to innovate on the road to a brighter tomorrow. Re-opened on July 22, the attraction begins with a redesigned queue experience, showcasing the history and the future of vehicle design and technology.
Visitors board their ride vehicles and journey through new scenes emphasizing technological advancements that will make cars smarter and our lives more fun. For example, guests can see the road how a vehicle does using its cameras and sensors1, visit a garage of the future to discover some vehicle customization concepts, and sit back and enjoy a scenic drive through a lush coastal forest.
Finally, guests enjoy a futuristic look at different modes of transportation in a stunning cityscape before launching toward a better tomorrow. The fastest ride at Walt Disney World Resort then reaches its iconic conclusion: the 65-mph loop.
After the ride experience, guests exit through the Corvette room into the General Motors showroom, where they can explore a variety of GM’s gas-powered and electric vehicles — showcasing choices for every person and purpose.
Test Track isn't just a ride; it's a dynamic showcase of GM's vision, highlighting over 100 years of innovation. The attraction highlights real-world technologies like EVs and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offering a journey through the past, present, and future of transportation.
This forward-looking perspective is underscored by GM's “Powered by Purpose” philosophy, which emphasizes responsible and innovative vehicle design through practices like designing out waste, reusing materials, and incorporating durable, nature-inspired components. It envisions a future where technology, the planet, and long-term value advance together.
Guests now embark on four distinct GM vehicle explorations – designed for driving, racing, utility, and adventure. These explorations mirror GM's diverse portfolio, showcasing the company’s broad range of EVs built on a proprietary battery platform, alongside their market-leading gas and diesel cars, trucks, and SUVs.
The seamless collaboration between the two giants has been a hallmark of this relationship from the very beginning.
"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," says 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."
As a fun nod to its roots, sharp-eyed Imagineers have hidden the original World of Motion logo throughout the attraction as "Easter eggs" – a tribute to GM’s long-standing legacy at EPCOT.
This enduring collaboration isn't just about thrilling rides; it's a testament to a shared vision of progress and imagination. For over four decades, GM and Disney have collaborated to create experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire. The revitalized Test Track is a celebration of a legacy of innovation and pride that connects generations of guests and employees alike, driving us all forward, into the future.
1Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle owner’s manual for important features and information.