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Two-Year-Old Disney Ride Closed After Man Falls 12 Feet, Emergency Protocol Activated

Walt Disney World Resort‘s TRON Lightcycle / Run roller coaster was thrown into chaos on Saturday after a shocking incident led to a sudden closure, frustrated families, and a harrowing emergency response.

A Shocking Fall on TRON Lightcycle / Run 

TRON Lightcycle / Run, which debuted at Magic Kingdom Park in April 2023, is a high-speed roller coaster that immerses riders in the neon-lit world of “The Grid.” Guests mount futuristic motorcycles and race through a digital world straight out of a sci-fi film!

A futuristic, glowing blue roller coaster with multiple connected cars zooms along a curved track. The background is a blur of cyan lights and geometric shapes, suggesting high speed and motion. This image captures a dynamic, high-tech atmosphere reminiscent of a thrilling ride accessed through Disney's virtual queue system.
Credit: Patrick Konior, Unsplash

But before guests can take off, all loose items must be secured in complimentary lockers. After safely stowing their belongings, guests descend a ramp into the loading zone. This is where the chaos unfolded.

According to eyewitness reports, a male guest jumped over a safety barrier on Saturday night, plummeting at least twelve feet into the attraction‘s loading area before making an even more bizarre attempt to board the ride.

As hundreds of Disney Park guests waited to board TRON Lightcycle / Run, TikTok user Elisabeth (@disneydreamer_elisabeth) recalled hearing a loud, ominous “thud.”

@disneydreamer_elisabeth

We just had to be evacuated from Tron! #tron #rideevacuation #magickingdom #waltdisneyworld

♬ original sound – ✨Elisabeth, Magical Planner✨

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the guest jumped from an upper-level ramp and landed in the ride’s loading bay below. Rather than remaining on the ground, he quickly got back up and attempted to board a ride vehicle.

“[He] falls down, is sitting down there, and then gets up, and jumps over the security gate to get on the bike and then is slumped over on the bike,” Elisabeth recalled.

disney's tron lightcycle run
Credit: Disney

At first, Disney cast members attempted to keep the ride running, operating the unaffected loading platform as normal. But as the guest remained motionless on the ride vehicle, they eventually cleared the area, evacuating guests from the attraction. With TRON Lightcycle / Run’s standby queue exceeding 105 minutes, thousands of visitors were suddenly forced out of line and back into Tomorrowland.

“Kids [were] crying,” Elisabeth said. “…We don’t know what’s happening. Rumor is, it could be a Pro Bowl member. I don’t really know. Crazy. Never seen anything like that.”

A group of futuristic motorcycles with glowing blue lights speed on a curved track with vibrant orange geometric shapes in the background. The scene, reminiscent of Magic Kingdom's fantastical allure, is dynamic and conveys a sense of high-tech, fast-paced action.
Credit: Patrick Konior, Unsplash

Though his identity has not been confirmed, many guests expressed concern over the man’s mental state.

“He was not in his right mind,” Elisabeth added in a comment.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Emergency responders quickly arrived and carried the man away on the stretcher. According to anonymous Disney cast members, he was stabilized before being transported for further medical attention.

Tron Lightcycle / Run lit orange at night.
Credit: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

Guests who had secured Lightning Lane Single Passes for TRON Lightcycle / Run were given refunds or the option to return later. The roller coaster reopened later on Saturday evening.

It remains unclear if Walt Disney World Resort will impose any further consequences on the guest involved.

Have you witnessed another guest behave inappropriately at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

One Comment

  1. Really? Title says “Guest fell 12 feet! BUT the article states he JUMPED!! Let’s make Disney look bad …. There is a HUGE difference! Shame on you. How scary it must have been for the visitors and workers alike. I hope the man is ok.

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