Disney To Make Major Changes To Iconic EPCOT Ride
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 11, 2023 at 1:30 PM EDT
The Walt Disney Company announced many new changes to the Disney Parks worldwide.
At the D23 event, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Josh D'Amaro showed the new animatronics coming to the ride. In the photos shared, we can see Imagineers working on the Louis animatronic, which will be part of the new attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Disney also announced that a new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge will be opening at Magic Kingdom, expanding the story of the iconic attraction of the same name.
A significant announcement was that the company would reimagine the iconic attraction, Test Track, at EPCOT.
Test Track To See Major Changes
At the event, Disney announced that its Imagineers plan to bring "that spirit of optimism" from World of Motion "to the next iteration" of Test Track.
The company also shared the above concept art for what the new attraction could look like.
At this time, no further details have been announced.
The current version of Test Track opened in December 2012 as part of Chevrolet's sponsorship deal with Disney. Per the official website:
Cruise over to the gleaming Chevrolet Design Center to create your own virtual concept car. When you’re done, buckle up in a 6-passenger “SIM Car” and take it for an exhilarating spin on the test track.
Rev through rough terrain and obstacles along the winding circuit. Accelerate through straightaways, maneuver switchbacks through inclement weather, hug curves banked at 50-degree angles and scale hills up to 3 stories high.
Reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour as you put your car through its paces. After each test, check the scoreboard to see how your vehicle performed!
Make and share a commercial for your design, race your car again on a miniature virtual test or pose for a picture with your vehicle against a dramatic backdrop for a souvenir of your supercharged day.
Other Disney Attractions To Be Reimagined
The Country Bear Jamboree attraction at Walt Disney World is considered controversial to some, especially regarding some of the song lyrics and stereotypes the audio-animatronics give off. There is also specific dialogue that the bears say that can be considered offensive to some, as well as the animatronics being pretty old.
Now, it seems Disney has listened to fans as the company announced that the Country Bear Jamboree will be reimagined to include a new act and songs.
"🐻 JUST ANNOUNCED 🐻 Country Bear Jamboree at @WaltDisneyWorld is getting new songs and a new act reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music! 🎶 #DestinationD23," Disney shared.
No further details have been announced aside from the company sharing a short clip of one of the new songs, "Bear Necessities" from Disney's "The Jungle Book."
The new version of the Country Bear Jamboree is expected to open sometime in 2024. Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which replaces Splash Mountain, will also open in 2024.
