Epcot’s Newly Revamped Test Track Quenches the Need for Speed

One of the highlights of Walt Disney World’s Epcot was checking out their newly re-imagined Test Track. Disney’s Imagineers teamed up with Chevrolet to introduce this multi-sensory experience that literally blew us away.

We started in the Chevrolet Design Center where we designed our own virtual custom vehicles on kiosks that even the most technologically-inept can figure out. I teamed up with Bode to virtually draw, stretch and shape our vehicle for everything from engine size to tailored wheels to front grills.

We produced a vehicle that was a cross between a truck and grandma’s station wagon that Bode assured me was a winner. It wasn’t. How do I know? When our vehicle was complete, we swiped a card that encoded our personal specs and measured how it performed aboard a 6-person “SimCar.” Our design for our dream wheels was put to the test as we raced over challenging hills, on bumpy roads and tight curves.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World.

Amazing technology, no?

According to capability, efficiency, responsiveness and power, we came up short but it didn’t matter. Following our real thrill ride, we raced our virtual custom-concept vehicles against other people’s designs at a digital driving table. Then, we created our own TV commercial starring our own vehicle and selected our location, narration and music, which we then emailed home. (See our Test Track video).Our car may not have been a winning design but this ultra-cool and fun attraction will make anyone feel like a champion.