Birt Family Focus

Test Track -- 6/18/02

Today we will visit Test Track. Unfortunately, Horizons is no more. It is being revamped for an attraction about outer space sponsored by NASA. I expect it to be very nifty. I hope it still smells like oranges.

Test Track is sponsored by General Motors and is based on the testing the cars go through in the factory before they are sold. Beware- the inside queue area is quite loud- the roaring of engines has no place to dissipate like it does outside. It is extremely popular and fast pass is a must, unless you are willing to be a single rider.

For those of you unfamiliar, the single riders line takes folks who don't care to ride with a specific party and use them to fill vacant seats after parties of 2 or more have been seated. This is the fastest queue- even faster than fast pass- but you have to be willing to ride without your buddies.

There are all sorts of neat displays in the queue area with an automotive and auto testing theme. Some are genuine antiques and very interesting. You don't get to see this if you don't use the stand by line- so try doing that at least once.

Once through the queue area, you get a little movie preshow in which the tests for your vehicle are chosen, then you are led to the platform and seated in your sports car. They each seat 6 people- 3 in front and 3 in back. You then are sent through several tests. The most fun is the speed test where you actually exit the building and speed around an outside track at about 60 mph. This is why this ride is so popular. Unfortunately, it doesn't operate well in the rain and under various other circumstances and breaks down more often than any other attraction in the WDW complex.

Of course, like the other thrill rides, they take your picture and you can purchase that on your way out. Also on your way out is a display area with the latest technology GM has to offer. Recently, I saw a television ad for the new GM hybrid gas/electric car. I saw that car in this display room at least 3 years ago. I just thought it was neat that I had the opportunity to know about it 3 years before it was available to be purchased by the general public. Thrill ride chickens are welcome to enter through the back door and spend all the time they like in this area. There are also some interactive game-like displays and the obligatory gift shop in this area.

My daughter and I have ridden this and thought it was lots of fun but not worth a long wait. My DH was uninterested and spent his time in the display room, which he liked immensely. If you are a speed demon, this one's for you!