3 Hidden References You'll Find on Test Track at Epcot
3 hidden references you’ll find on Test Track at Epcot
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When Imagineers created Test Track at Epcot, they included a few hidden references to the former attraction, World of Motion, plus they give a little nod to Walt Disney’s original plan for Epcot.
World of Motion ran from 1982 to 1996 at Epcot.
World of Motion was an opening-day attraction, a slow-moving dark ride based on the history (and future) of transportation. It was sponsored by GM and featured animatronic figures, similar to Spaceship Earth today. It also had a catchy theme song, It’s Fun to Be Free - remember that now because it’s important later on!
In 1999, Test Track replaced World of Motion as a high speed thrill ride but used the same show building.
Did you know Test Track is the fastest ride in Walt Disney World? It reaches speeds of 65 mph.
Test Track 2.0
In 2012, Test Track underwent a refurbishment, same track, different theme - Test Track 2.0 you could say. That’s when some pretty cool references to World of Motion began to appear.
The original logo for World of Motion from the 1980s (credit Walt Disney Co.)
In the 1980s each Epcot pavilion had its own circular logo.
Look carefully around Test Track and you might spot the original World of Motion logo cleverly hidden in a few places.
World of Motion logo found on Test Track exit signs.
The World of Motion logo can be found on numerous signs around the pavilion like here on this exit sign, just as you get off the ride.
World of Motion logo hidden in plain sight inside Test Track.
The trash cans at Disney World are great aren’t they? I even have a few miniature versions in my office. There’s no detail too small at Disney World, and the trash cans are great proof of that!
Here we can see World of Motion logo on the Test Track trash cans.
The Epcot logos are actually making a comeback as part of the park’s transformation project. Each of the FutureWorld pavilions will be represented by a circular icon once again and it appears Test Track will adopt World of Motion’s logo.
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My favorite part of Test Track is when the doors open, the car blasts outside and picks up speed. Next time you’re on the ride, see if you notice 2 road signs on your left, just after you exit the show building.
First road sign on Test Track, referencing the original plans for Epcot Center.
The first sign shows a small cityscape, likely a reference to Walt Disney’s original plan for Epcot.
Walt Disney’s plan for his Florida project was to build an actual, futuristic city called Epcot, or Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
Part of Walt’s plan was to showcase the future of transportation by having separate roadways for cars and trucks, and a monorail system.
You’ll find another reference to Walt Disney’s Epcot just after the brake tests inside the pavilion. There’s a model of a futuristic city on your left. Even World of Motion had a model city inside, that was probably a nod to Walt’s version of Epcot too.
Model of a futuristic city inside Test Track references the original plan for Epcot.
If you want to see part of Walt Disney’s actual model of Epcot, take a ride on the PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom Park.
Now, scroll up to look at that road sign again. See the reference?
A small part of Walt Disney’s model of Epcot, seen on the PeopleMover ride at Magic Kingdom Park.
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The second sign you pass says, “FN2BFRE” or “Fun to Be Free.” This is a reference to the World of Motion theme song, “it’s fun to be free.”
Want to hear it? Click here. But fair warning, it’s could stick in your head for a bit!
If you have a secret about Test Track or any other attraction at Walt Disney World, share in the comments below or on social media!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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