Disney World Makes Thrilling D23 Reveal, Magic Kingdom Fans Rejoice
Get Ready for Something Exciting at Magic Kingdom
Disney World is soon “re-uploading” Tron Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom. Here’s what we know.
Disney World Gives Thrilling D23 Announcement for Magic Kingdom
It’s late at night in Tomorrowland. The canopy of TRON Lightcycle / Run hums to life—but instead of its familiar cool-blue glow, it burns with streaks of red fire and orange light. Riders launch into the Grid, only to find themselves in a darker, more aggressive world. The soundtrack isn’t the futuristic pulse fans know; it’s heavy, industrial, and unrelenting.
This is Disney like you’ve never seen it before.
At Destination D23, Disney dropped a surprise announcement: TRON Lightcycle / Run at Walt Disney World and its Shanghai twin are about to undergo their first major transformation since opening. It’s not permanent—but it’s big enough to demand your attention. Here’s what you need to know about the update, and why this temporary version of TRON might just become a must-do.
The Big Change: TRON Meets Tron: Ares
Disney confirmed that both versions of TRON will receive a new overlay inspired by the upcoming Tron: Ares film. This is more than a few lighting tweaks—it’s a full sensory shift.
Worlds are colliding. A red overlay and music from Nine Inch Nails are on the way to Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disney Resort to celebrate Tron: Ares coming to theaters October 10. – @DisneyD23 on X
Worlds are colliding.
A red overlay and music from Nine Inch Nails are on the way to Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disney Resort to celebrate Tron: Ares coming to theaters October 10. 🎶 https://t.co/lzRkwwNPge pic.twitter.com/yu2hw7cq9H
— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) August 30, 2025
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Red & Orange Aesthetic: Say goodbye to the iconic blue Grid. Deep, fiery tones will dominate the ride’s visuals.
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Enhanced Visual Effects: Tunnels and light trails have been redesigned for maximum intensity.
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New Soundtrack: A darker edge enters the Grid with industrial tracks from Nine Inch Nails.
Debut Dates:
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Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World): September 15, 2025
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Shanghai Disneyland: September 16, 2025
Disney says the overlay is temporary, tied to the movie’s release window. No end date has been announced.
Pro Tips to Actually Ride It
TRON Lightcycle / Run is already one of the toughest rides to secure. With this overlay, demand will spike. Here’s how to give yourself the best shot:
- Budget for Lightning Lane: If you can’t risk missing it, pay for the guaranteed entry.
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Go After Dark: The canopy’s fiery glow will look its best under the night sky.
Hidden Extras Only Insiders Know
Want to make your ride (or even non-ride) experience better? Try these little-known hacks:
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Launch Viewing Area: Non-riders can still enjoy the fiery new visuals from Tomorrowland.
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Secret Photo Spots: The Storybook Circus bridge gives one of the best canopy shots.
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Snack Watch: Tomorrowland often debuts special treats for overlays—keep an eye out for Tron: Ares-themed surprises.
Why It Matters to Disney Fans Everywhere
This isn’t just a marketing push—it’s a test. Disney has rarely applied overlays to brand-new thrill rides. With TRON Lightcycle / Run opening in April 2023, this is the first major shift to its look and feel.
For fans, it’s a chance to see Disney experiment with the kind of seasonal overlays usually reserved for classics like Haunted Mansion Holiday or Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. Social media is already buzzing, with some fans thrilled by the darker edge and others protective of the original neon-blue aesthetic.
No matter which side you’re on, this overlay is bound to be a cultural moment in the Disney parks timeline.
The Bottom Line for Disney World Guests
TRON Lightcycle / Run’s Tron: Ares overlay will change how guests experience the Grid forever—even if only for a short time. If you’ve already conquered the ride in its original form, this is your chance to see it reimagined before it disappears.
Call to Action: Will you ride TRON again with its fiery new look? Tell us in the comments and share your photos from the Grid on social media.
