Magic Kingdom’s first launch coaster debuted in 2023 with TRON Lightcycle / Run and folks have been entering the grid ever since.
The ride is clearly popular — the virtual queues often fill up within minutes, and we’ve seen the Individual Lightning Lane for the attraction sell out time and time again. And, while we agree that the ride is pretty spectacular — boarding TRON gives us major anxiety sometimes. Here’s why.
One of the coolest things about TRON is the ride vehicle — riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles and “launch into the Grid for a race through a dark, computerized world” reaching speeds up to 59 miles per hour! You’re essentially in a position as if you were riding a motorcycle, and let’s just say — things can get a bit awkward during the boarding process.
When you go to board the Lightcycles, there aren’t many indicators of just how you’re supposed to do it. Disney does play a video throughout the standby queue giving you an idea of how to board, but if you miss it or go via the Lightning Lane, you might not be paying attention.
Most of us aren’t used to walking in between Disney ride vehicles, because at most rides you’re expressly forbidden from doing so. And, it’s not exactly easy to climb over the Lightcycle closest to you just to get to the one on the far side. But, walking between the ride vehicles is the right thing to do here.
But, let’s assume you have figured it out and are taking your seat. To us, the process felt really rushed. One of our team members rode TRON for the first time recently and by the time she realized how to actually get onto her Lightcycle, it looked like everyone else was already seated and she felt flustered.
Let’s not even mention the fact that there are no seatbelts on TRON. Instead, an arm comes up from the back to secure you in place along with leg restraints. Because this ride vehicle is so different from others we’re used to in Disney World, it’s not as intuitive and does require a bit of a learning curve. And, unfortunately, from our experience the Cast Members can sometimes add to the chaos by trying to keep things moving. Of course, if you truly need help a Cast Member will be happy to do so!
Luckily, Disney does have a ride vehicle stationed outside the ride so you can see how to get on and how it’ll feel, but that doesn’t help when it comes to actually boarding the ride. The next time you go to ride TRON, just remember that it’s okay to walk in between the ride vehicles to get to the far Lightcycle, and remember that it’s okay to take your time when your safety is on the line!
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Have you been on TRON Lightcycle / Run in Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
Randi Briggs says
I have some friends that wanted to ride but one of them is claustrophobic. They requested the accessible row where you sit upright. They liked the ride and said that the upright position was great because they could see more. So, for those of you with that same issue, just ask for the accessible seat. You have to wait a few minutes more, but it’s worth it if you want to ride!
Rick Witt says
I was unable to ride Tron. I have one knee replacement and the other knee needs replacing. The ride is too tight and I could not position my knees without major discomfort.
Suzanne says
Haven’t ridden Tron yet, but may do so in May of this year. Is it true that the last 1-2 rows have conventional bench seating for those that cannot maneuver the bike position? I read tat somewhere when Tron was in original stages of construction.
DFB Gigi says
Hi Suzanne! Yes, you can ask to be seated in the bench row instead of on a bike if that’s more comfortable for you. Just make sure to tell the CM that’s the row you want.
Suzanne says
DFB Gigi:
Thanks! That’s great news!
Dottyanna says
We rode Tron during the MIckey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Yes, it was stressful to board for the first time. I didn’t enjoy the ride as I have neck issues and holding my head up was painful! So I had to look down for most of the ride. Next time I will use the upright seats in the back. Oh, and when we went to get our things out of our locker, it wouldn’t open. Others tried for us and no luck. Finally a cast member came over and gave it quite a YANK to open and that worked. Who knew you had to put so much muscle in it? Next time it doesn’t open, I will give it a good pull. 🙂