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PHOTOS: More Developments at Magic Kingdom as TRON Lightcycle / Run Prepares to Open

TRON Lightcycle / Run, the newest thrill ride coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, has revealed ongoing developments as Imagineers near completion of the soon-to-open attraction.

TRON (1982) and its sequel, TRON: Legacy (2010), tell the story of the Flynn family and a digitized gaming playground known as The Grid. Here, “users” can sign onto the virtual world to compete in challenges against characters from the digital interface, enjoy a hopping nightclub scene, and race on Lightcycles, a completely pixelated mode of transportation.

TRON Lightcycle/Run

Credit: Disney

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In fact, it’s this particular activity that serves as the basis for what’s expected to be “one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.” TRON Lightcycle / Run will allow Walt Disney World Guests to enter their very own lightcycle race under the “users” Team Blue, going head to head with game characters from Team Orange.

The ride utilizes themed audio and special effects like projection mapping and screen technology to add an immersive element to the traditional rollercoaster experience. A successful precursor to the current Florida version, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, has existed at Shanghai Disneyland in lieu of the classic Disney attraction, Space Mountain, since 2016.

TRON Lightcycle Run at Night

Credit: Disney

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Of course, Disney World’s rendition has taken a famously long time to be installed within the Magic Kingdom Park’s Tomorrowland area, resulting in long-term closures for other attractions like the Walt Disney World Railroad due to ongoing construction. However, it seems the day has almost come at last, as Disney Parks puts on the finishing touches before inviting Guests into the Grid.

For example, many Guests have noted that the exterior construction seems near complete, queue loop audios are playing, and best of all, Walt Disney Imagineering has unveiled the attractions’ new marquee! Disney Parks shared the news via Twitter recently:

 

The new entrance sign features a blue color gradient found within the exterior lighting and 3-dimensional elements. Moreover, some Disney fansite reporters have even observed Guests on test runs of the attraction, likely members of Walt Disney Imagineering or the ride’s construction crews.

TRON Lightcycle Run Cast Member riders

Credit: WDWMagic

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Both are good signs that the wait is almost over! Of course, Disney World employees will get to experience the ride first during Cast Member Previews on February 6 and March 3, 2023, before Annual Passholders, D23, Club 33, and Disney Vacation Club Members get the next turn.

As for the rest of us, everyone can experience TRON Lightcycle / Run after its grand opening on April 4, 2023. Are you ready to enter the Grid?

About Spencer Johnette

Spencer is a lifelong lover of theme parks, princesses, and Disney history that recently relocated to Northern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she was the founder and first president of the campus Disney Club. A former Cast Member still mourning the loss of the Disney Store, she now haunts the Walt Disney Family Museum halls and shares her opinions with anyone who will listen @gothelsflower.