Test Track Allstars singing group, extra hours fill void as Disney World closes Epcot ride to become Chevrolet Design Center

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

This weekend is the final chance to experience Test Track at Epcot as it has existed since it first opened in 1998. As announced in January, the popular ride, and fastest at Walt Disney World, will close on April 16, 2012 to be transformed into the “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot,” to reopen in fall 2012, likely by October. But a memo released to Walt Disney World Cast Members now refers to the new version of test track by a slightly different name, “Chevrolet Design Studio at Epcot” and offers information about a few additional entertainment options guests will be able to enjoy while Test Track is closed for the summer.

An a cappella singing group called “Test Track Allstars” A Cappella will perform each day during the attraction’s closure in front of the Test Track pavilion. It’s not yet clear what “travel-themed” songs the group will be singing, but some Epcot fans are already hoping “It’s Fun to Be Free,” the theme song to the old World of Motion attraction (which Test Track replaced), is part of their set.

In addition to the singing group, on a “trial basis,” The Land will remain open until 10pm, an hour past normal park operating hours (and 3 hours past the regular 7pm nightly closing of most of Future World’s attractions). The extra late night hour will include access to Soarin’, Circle of Life, Living with the Land, merchandise locations, food and beverage offerings, as well as the Character Spot.

Disney is calling these additions “surprise and delight” offerings, both beginning Monday, April 16, 2012.

When Test Track returns in a few months as either “Chevrolet Design Studio” or “Chevrolet Design Center,” it will feature interactive workstations allow guests to design custom vehicles, which can then be applied to the new “SimCar” ride vehicle on the redesigned ride, following the same track as Test Track always has, but with new show scenes and elements. Guests’ car designs will then be scored in the new post-show area, featuring “special effects” and a state-of-the-art showroom with the newest Chevrolet vehicles.

But for those who want to ride Test Track one last time in its classic form, this Sunday, April 15, 2012, will be the last opportunity.

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