I have never cared too much for Tron. As a child, I went to see the original TRON Movie at a birthday party in 1982. I remember it being rubbish! I was surprised in 2010, a sequel called TRON: Legacy was brought out, and even more surprised, it was a minor hit. Needless to say, I have never bothered watching it. Incidentally, the first film was considered a box office flop.
Disney announced that they were opening a TRON attraction at the Magic Kingdom as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Birthday Celebrations. Due to the pandemic, the opening was delayed until April this year. TRON Lightcycle / Run was originally announced as coming to the Magic Kingdom in 2017.
It seems somewhat surprising that Walt Disney World would open a new attraction based on a franchise that was only a fairly minor hit and the last film released over ten years ago. However, a virtually identical attraction already exists in Shanghai Disneyland. The coaster was one of the opening day attractions in 2016 and is rated as one of the top coasters in the world.
The story behind TRON Lightcycle / Run is a bit odd and as difficult to follow as I found the 1982 film. Guests enter a “Digitizer” and are entered into a “computerized world.” The whole thing is confusing, but there are some impressive effects in the pre-show area.
Eventually, you mount a Lightcycle and become a member of “Team Blue”. “Team Blue” race against a “group of Programs known as Team Orange”. I really have no idea what any of this means, and as I don’t think there is a massive TRON following, I doubt many other guests do either.
However, the coaster is amazing. Basically, you ride something similar to a motorbike and travel along an amazingly fast coaster with incredible special effects. The coaster is part inside and part outside; I suspect the best rides are after dark when the effects look their best.
There are no loops or twists, but the pace is incredible. An excellent addition to the Magic Kingdom, even if I can’t follow the plot. Our video from the ride is below.
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