A Look Back at GM Test Track (1998-2012)
The original Test Track is now history, but the legacy of this amazing Epcot E-Ticket lives on in video captured by our own John Corigliano:
An In-Depth Look at the Brand New Vision House at Epcot
This weekend, WDW News Today was invited to take part in a special two day launch event for the VISION House presented by Green Builder Media, a new exhibit inside Innoventions at Epcot. WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth was sent to cover the festivities:
The exhibit’s facade is far more realistic than its predecessor, featuring the exterior look and feel of a green household.
The attraction’s marquee is prominently featured above the entrance, most directly facing The Sum of all Thrills.
Pella, one of the many sponsors of the new exhibit, provided the windows for the exhibit, all of which feature their automated blinds system.
The first night of the special event featured a formal reception inside of Innoventions…
Sara Gutterman, Co-Founder and CEO of Green Builder Media led the event with thanks to all of the participating sponsors as well as all others in attendance.
Part of the facade is left unfinished to illustrate the unique design of the green building, including insulation within the walls.
The Vision House is officially on the roster of Innoventions East exhibits!
The evening included an unscripted tour of the Vision House to allow those present to see the extra layers of detail and ask as many questions as they wanted.
Outside of the exhibit, several touch screen kiosks will eventually offer guests the ability to connect with addition Vision House characters, all of whom are featured in the online Vision Tales extension of the Vision House/Green Builder Media brand.
It’s time for the tour to begin!
Each of the “zones” within the exhibit feature AMX panels which let the guiding cast member know where the other tour groups are in the Vision House.
The Vision House is designed with a far more realistic tone in mind, contrary to the futuristic push being the House of Innoventions.
The new layout of the exhibit is spacious and almost entirely open to guest exploration. All barricades and blocks within the former exhibit were removed and everything within the attraction is “touch friendly” for the guests.
The Vision House’s kitchen features Armstrong flooring and Bosch kitchen appliances, all of which can be purchased today. The entire exhibit uses the Nexia Home Intelligence System, which can be controlled via portable and wall-mounted touchscreen panels throughout the house.
The AMX controllers allow home owners to control the temperature of their homes, look up recipes, access the internet and much more.
Ron Jones, Founder and President of Green Builder Media took a few moments to give us his thoughts on the Vision House.
This is the first Vision House to be installed in a theme park, but he hopes it will not be the last!
This Bosch oven retains extra heat, requiring less time and energy to properly cook food items.
One of the very few areas within the exhibit that guests are not allowed to enter.
A section of the house’s wall has been cut away to show off a special insulation that helps to retain a house’s internal temperature, thus decreasing the need for temperature changes in the house’s air conditioning.
Believe it or not, this is a remote controlled toilet. The lid opens automatically at the touch of a button.
Bosch also provided the washer and dryer for the Vision House.
The Vision House belongs to the fictional Monteverde family, who are clearly Disney fans.
Moving into the baby’s room…
Notice how many of the decorations are made from recycled items.
Moving into the backyard, we get to see the garage…
As well as the greenhouse
Trane has provided the HVAC system for the Vision House
Lisa Monteverde converted the garage into her personal office according the story of the Vision House.
With so many sponsors involved, you’ve got lots of products to notice…
The exit of the exhibit features handouts for those interested.
Kohler provided the power management system for the Vision House
Is this a hidden detail?
It seems that Lisa Monteverde actually designed her family’s Vision House herself!
Shameless plug!
M for Monteverde!
Truly living with the land
In the interest of full disclosure, we were offered some wonderful treats a the event…
Back inside of the Vision House, we had the chance to walk around at our own pace to see other aspects of the house we may have missed during our first tour
Lots to see!
Here’s the real-life picture of the Monteverde family’s dog, Rounder
One lamp in the children’s room is made of an old laundry detergent bottle
The AMX touch screens feature images of the Monteverde Family during one of their recent visits to Walt Disney World
Hanwha Solar provided the solar panels featured atop the garage at the end of the exhibit
The Vision House event continued the following morning with the opening of the attraction for all guests
The space in front of the exhibit was used to offer presentations from several of the sponsors who played a part in creating the Vision House
Vision House has several extensions of the concept that take place outside of the physical exhibit. Vision Tales is one of these concepts.
Matt Power of GreenBuilderMag.com created the cast of characters affiliated with the Vision House/Vision House brand. He gave a great preview presentation of the online efforts associated with the Vision House that should continue guests’ interests in sustainability beyond their visit to Epcot.
Matt also showed us an early preview of the mobile app that will be released in the near future to further tie in with the brand.
A Chevy Volt is featured outside of the exit of the Vision House
Siemens is responsible for the charging system in place for the Volt
Special thanks to Green Builder Media for including WDW News Today in this very special event. We had an incredible time and we highly recommend a visit to the awesome Innoventions East exhibit, the Vision House presented by Green Builder Media!
If you want to take a full walkthorugh and hear more from those involved in the project, we have included a video below:
Test Track All-Stars Light-Up Crowds While Test Track is Dark
While Test Track at Epcot is closed for a lengthy refurbishment, Disney has lined up a new entertainment act called the Test Track All-Stars. The group consists of mostly performers you would also find over at the Voices of Liberty (which is probably why it is such a talented group) now dressed as Chevrolet employees who are on their lunch break and like to sing in an a cappella group. They perform car-themed tunes such as “At The Carwash”, “Ease on Down the Road”, “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet”, and “Grease Lightning”. The show looks rather enjoyable and we have heard nothing but solid reviews from anyone we have talked to about it. Judge for yourself:
A Few New Details Emerge for “Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure”, Opening June at Epcot
We now know that “Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure” will open in June at Epcot, replacing the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. The following video doesn’t reveal much, but there are some interesting sound-bites as an Imagineer gives the show creators and voice of Phineas a tour of World Showcase:
The video does confirm that not much will be changing with the attraction as far as physical props, except where it is absolutely necessary (like Doofensmirtz replacing the Kim Possible villain inside the Glockenspiel in Germany). The video portions at the recruitment centers and on the communicator devices will be all new, obviously.
Stay tuned to WDWNT as more information on this upcoming attraction becomes available.
Disney Releases New Concept Art & Details for Test Track
The new logo for Test Track presented by Chevrolet
As you can see. they are changing the entire ride completely. The first image is clearly the hill climb. The top right looks to be the first break-test zone. The lower two pictures look like replacements for the environmental chambers.
Ride icons? I assume these are categories you will be graded in after designing your vehicle.
Yep, the Test Track you once knew is gone…
If you look closely at tis image, you can see plenty of concept art for the Chevrolet Design Studio, where guests will design their SimCars
Disney also released some new details:
When complete, the reimagining of this attraction will allow guests to design their own custom concept vehicle, and then put it through its paces on the exhilarating hills and switchbacks of the Test Track circuit. In the post-show, guests can make a TV commercial featuring their concept car or truck, race their car or truck on our virtual track and take a picture with their custom concept vehicle.
So, it looks like Test Track will be very different when it opens (tentatively set for December 1)… so what do you think of this new look?
Tutto Italia Re-Opens with Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
Patina Restaurant Group officially opened Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar and re-opened Tutto Italia at Epcot earlier today. Located in a reproduction of the Medici Palace in the Italy pavilion, the new wine cellar is a space that was “discovered” as Tutto Italia was being built. This “unearthed treasure” features 200 Italian wines and a selection of authentic Italian small plates.
“Tutto Gusto offers a refreshing place to relax and sample authentic tastes of Italy during a day at Epcot,” said restaurateur and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, Nick Valenti. “It is a welcome addition to the popular dining options at the Italy pavilion.”
“We are always looking at ways to keep Epcot fresh and vibrant for our Guests,” said Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot. “The new Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar and refreshed Tutto Italia are excellent enhancements to World Showcase. Both nicely complement Via Napoli and offer Guests a chance to enjoy the richness of Italian culture as they savor the authentic flavors of Italy.”
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar offers a variety of delectable small plates, perfect for sharing, to pair with its wines. Menus feature sections devoted to simple, flavorful piccoli piatti such as bruschetta di Capri, pizze fritte, polenta funghi e taleggio. Artisanal Italian cheeses are on offer in the formaggi section, with everything from soft, creamy La Tur to salty-sweet aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Fresh hand-crafted mozzarella will be made in bufala and fior di latte styles. Also featured are cured, sliced meats in the affettati section – including prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, sopressata and more. The corkscrew-shaped cavatappi pasta is highlighted in its own section, with different preparations.
Chef Renzo Barcatta grew up in Cavalese, Italy and honed his skills in restaurants in Venice, Milan and Rome. He will prepare authentic dishes with choices sourced across Italy, offering the best of each region. In addition to pairing well with wine, Chef Baracatta’s creations also match nicely with family-friendly agua frescas and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar was unveiled as part of Tutto Italia’s grand re-opening. The architecture of both properties reflect classical antiquity and symmetry emblematic of the Italian Renaissance period. Tutto Italia has been completely refurbished along with a new enclosed patio to offer al fresco dining. Both the restaurant and wine cellar are furnished with authentic design elements directly from Italy: chandeliers, marble and limestone floors, wall hangings and more.
Celebrating Epcot’s 30th
October 1, 2012 is a big day in Walt Disney World history… Epcot celebrates it’s 30th anniversary. We got hints of a few Vinylmation customs, but today the Disney Parks Blog finally showed us some pictures of these inspired pieces.
Noah will have a few 9″ and 3″ customs with this design scheme. No word on numbers or prices. The 9″ will come on a stand with a print back drop. That Epcot print will also be available for purchase.
Artist Unknown
Artist: Javier Soto
Artist John Henselmeier (who created the greatest pin set known to man, see below) designed the above set of customs for the event as well. All of these items will be released at MouseGear starting at park open on October 1. No Disney production piece Vinylmation announced. Now, if you are also into pins, you may have seen all the Epcot 30th pins that will available on October 1. We covered them extensively on the Once Upon a Pin podcast and have them all in a photo album on our Facebook page, but here is a quick look.
That is the John Henselmeier designed pin set I was talking about. It is Spaceship Earth, it is innovative, it has multiple Donalds… it is the coolest thing I have ever seen.
I also love the above double hinge, triple circle pin. Below are a few more Epcot pins that will be released on September 28. All LE pins come out on October 1, but some open editions come out a few days earlier.
Also from the Disney Parks Blog:
On Monday, October 1, we will release several “day of” items including three shirts that have “October 1, 2012” and the “Epcot 30” logo, as seen in the first image above. For those who can’t attend that weekend, those three dated shirts and the 11 World Showcase shirts will be sold via the Disney Parks online store from September 28 through October 4.
One of the more interesting items is something new called “Cover Your Ears.” This Spaceship Earth-inspired cover will fit over a regular Mickey Mouse ear hat. Additional special ear hat embroidery will be offered at Mouse Gear through October 1.
Now here, again from the Disney Parks Blog, is a schedule of events:
Throughout the day on October 1, guests can attend Epcot history presentations in World Showplace courtesy of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. These presentations are included in park admission and are limited in seating.
1-2 p.m. – Designing the Future – Past and Present: A panel of Disney Imagineers remembers 30 years of building tomorrow!
4:30–6 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar
6:30–8 p.m. – Epcot: How it Changed the World with Marty Sklar
Guests can also attend an anniversary moment at the America Gardens Theatre at 3 p.m., which will feature appearances by Disney leaders and include performances by Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty. (Seating for this presentation is also limited.)
That evening, the October 1 presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will feature a special 30th anniversary tag.
I’ll see everybody there! What time will you be arriving?
Urban Barricades Photoshoot
The Urban Barricades had some fun directing traffic around Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.
Traffic at the Indy Speedway can get dangerous, but the proper traffic controls make all the difference.
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Protecting the workers at Hollywood Studios
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No job is too small for the Barricades.
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Standing guard on the Streets of the Americas.
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The Barricades remind guests to watch their step when entering the subway.
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Do Not Cross, or face the Barricade’s wrath.
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Keeping the peace
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The Monorails sneaked past the Barricades.
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Barricades at Test Track
Adam Roth’s 7/6/12 Epcot Photo Report
WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Epcot on Friday and has some great photos to share with us from his trip:
Phineas and Ferb topiary went up as part of the “Summer to Remember”
I had no idea there was a summer promotion… I imagine guests had no idea either…
Large patches of grass back after Flower and Garden clean-up
The Test Track pizza truck and many props from the area are gone, but the tool sheds remain
Test Track is still closed of course
The signage from Inside Track is gone
A pretty bare exterior right now
I love the people checking out the car while Test Track All-Stars are performing…
Looks liek they are surveying guests about their experience with the new World Showcase Adventure
It’s themed too
The old Kim Possible carts are unrecognizable with the Perry the Platypus layover
Brave Highland Games was in its final days at this point, it closed on Sunday
The Flower and Garden play area looked really out of place…
Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure does use a lot of existing game scenes from the old attraction
Don’t be scared, this is actually the olympic mascot
London 2012 olympics merchandise available in the U.K. pavilion
More props that stuck around
Still spells Kim Possible
A new logo on the phone drop locations
I’m sorry, but this attraction is already funnier and all I have seen is this sign…
The new zip-line for Agent P over the U.K.
That’s neat…
The bakery in France is being expanded due to high guest demand
So, they kept the strange baby robot in Japan?
I hope it fits well into the storyline
Have they always offered American Stripes ice cream with the funnel cake?
This seems new…
FLAG FESTIVAL!
FLAGS!
So, there’s something over here people are upset about?
Oh yeah… apparently the American Adventure cast members are getting new costumes that are a bit more modern
A cool new addition for the game
Work continues on the exterior of Maelstrom
The Organization With A Cool Acronym
The water feature outside of La Hacienda is being reapired
For what i recall as the last 8 years or so, the cultural exhibit in Mexico has been Animales Fantasticos. Finally, a new exhibit has opened!
Some displays aren’t quite finished
Some of the animals stayed as part of the new exhibit
They aren’t selling them up here anymore
The parrot people dancing is freaking me out…
OK, that freaks me out even more…
Same props in here
This freaks me out the most…
Work continues on the exterior of the Seas with Nemo and Friends and the new entrance for Turtle Talk
Innoventions is a mess right now…
Innoventions West is practically empty
The old Kim Possible stations are still walled-up
On the East side, Habit heroes is still covered
At least something new just opened to keep it going
A neat little play area for kids was added to the exterior
Lave a Legacy getting some TLC
Soarin’ is now on the cover of the map,but this time it has a logo. I guess people thought it was Test Track or something…
Goodbye Epcot!
More Epcot 30th Anniversary Merchandise Revealed!
From Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:
One celebration I’m looking forward to this fall is the 30th anniversary of Epcot, which takes place on October 1, 2012. A few months ago, I gave you a first look at artwork created by Disney Design Group for merchandise we will be releasing. While we haven’t finalized all items or release plans at this point, I’m happy to share another look at items that are coming soon. I caught up with product developer Mary Myers to learn more.
In recent years, Mary has developed theme park logo merchandise for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. She recently kicked off the 30th anniversary a little early by releasing new items under the “Epcot 82” banner. I found the shirts shown above at Mouse Gear in Future World.
This fall, Mary will introduce four new shirts and a mesh baseball cap. The artwork was created using the style guide originally made for pins. I love the shirt in the lead image as it reminds me of the attraction poster and a shirt I once owned as a child. (The colors in this shirt are amazing.)
Speaking of pins, we recently received several final samples, including the Passholder-exclusive limited edition and open edition pins. I like the stained glass effect of the “I Was There” pin that has Mickey Mouse and Figment sporting their 1980s outer space attire. That stained glass effect looks even better on the super jumbo-sized pin.
One item I’m adding to my collection is the “toothpick holder” set that has logos from some of my favorite Future World pavilions, including Horizons (yes!!).
Stay tuned for additional details about the release of these items as we get closer to October 1.
