The Tron Lightcycle Run at Disney is one of the most highly anticipated new rides at the Magic Kingdom. As a popular attraction at Shanghai Disney since 2016. This unique coaster is now at Walt Disney World.
Recently, we had the opportunity to experience the ride during the soft opening at the Magic Kingdom. As experienced riders of the Shanghai Disney version, we were excited to see how the new Tron ride at Disney World compared.
Overall, we were not disappointed. The Tron Lightcycle Run at Disney is a thrilling and immersive ride that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with the iconic imagery of the Tron franchise. From the moment we stepped into the ride queue, we were transported into the neon-lit world of the Grid, and the ride itself did not disappoint.
That said, there were a few differences between the Shanghai Disney version.. From the ride layout to the theming to the overall experience, we’ll take a closer look at what sets the Tron Lightcycle Run at Disney apart from its counterpart in China.
How to Ride Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
Tron Virtual Queue
You can use the virtual queue system to get a boarding time. To do this you must have a reservation for the Magic Kingdom and log into the app around 7 am. When we did this we got boarding group 38 and an estimated boarding time of 2:30 pm. We wound up boarding at 11:34, so arrive early to the park if you use this system.
Lightning Lane
You can also purchase and use the lightning lane to ride Tron. The cost can be found on the Disney website.
All About the Ride
If you are familiar with the Tron movie you are getting on a motorcycle and racing! We are team Blue and the race is on!
The queue line is very long for the ride. We wound up waiting about 20 minutes outside in the scorching sun before heading into a covered area with lots of fans. But since this was a soft opening and they are still working out the kinks, we did notice that there was no outside line when we exited the ride 1 hour later.
After waiting 20 minutes in the sun, we waited another 15 minutes in the covered area. Then we entered the building. Once we entered the building there was also a cool preshow where you will see the ride. After exiting the pre-show room you will enter the room with the lockers. You can take phones with you, but nothing larger. Your phones and small items will be placed in a compartment on the front of your light cycle.
Loading the Ride
Loading the ride is a little funky with one rider walking around the lightcycle (which is ridden like a motorcycle) to get on the ride. Make sure you follow the written directions and the arrows on the floor.
Ride Seats
Once you are on the ride you are in a position where you are riding a motorcycle. You are leaning forward and there is a bar locked behind your legs. You have a surprising amount of movement to sit upright if you want during the ride.
If you’re not sure you will feel comfortable riding in this position, then I encourage you to try the seats outside the ride. In addition, there are a few seats on the end of the coaster for those with disabilities that sit up straighter.
The most intense part of the ride is first. You are off FAST! It is a similar feel to Test Track at Epcot, except you are on a motorcycle so it feels faster! The ride goes inside and outside. There are some parts you are in the dark and there is one drop.
Overall it took us 1 hour from getting online to exiting to ride. And I would 100% ride it again!
Tron height requirement
The height requirement to ride the Tron light cycle run is 48 inches as can be seen by this measurer at the entrance to the ride.
It’s important to note that the height requirement for the Tron Lightcycle Run at Disney is strictly enforced, and children who do not meet the height requirement will not be allowed to ride. This is for their own safety, as the ride features high speeds, sharp turns, and sudden drops that could be dangerous for smaller children.
It’s also worth noting that even if a child meets the height requirement, they may still feel scared or overwhelmed by the ride. It’s important for parents to use their best judgment in deciding whether or not their child is ready to ride and to talk to their child about the ride and what to expect beforehand.
I definitely felt a little bit “not strapped in tightly” on this ride as there is no harness or seatbelt.
Differences between Shangai and Walt Disney World Tron Rides
At first glance, there does not appear to have many differences in the seating on the Tron ride. But when we were on the ride we felt a significant difference. The differences we believe we felt were: the seats are wider., your calves are not locked in from behind, and you have more movement to sit upright if desired. We also felt the ride is a little shorter in Walt Disney World than in Shanghai.
New Amenities in the Tron Area
In addition to the highly anticipated Tron Lightcycle Run, the Tron area of Tomorrowland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom features several new amenities One of these new amenities is the Tron Food Stand, located just outside the entrance to the ride. And new restrooms and a water bottle filling station.
Tron Food Stand
The Tron Food Stand offers a variety of tasty treats that are inspired by the Tron franchise. It serves 2 types of dumplings – beef and broccoli, and buffalo chicken. Guests can also purchase the chocolate cake donut holes or strawberry ice cream. They also have a watermelon refresher and also other drinks for sale.
Should I go on this ride if I get motion sickness easily?
I would say yes! As someone who can not handle rides where I can not see, I not only enjoyed Tron, I would go on it again. I can not do Rise of the Resistance, or Space mountain due to darkness and backward motion, but Tron has neither of these. Enjoy!
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