It seems like it has been forever since Disney announced that they were bringing a brand-new roller coaster to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. The coaster would be called TRON Lightcycle/Run and would be just like the one that is currently one of the most popular rides at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort. The project was first announced at the D23 Expo in 2017 and the plan was to have the ride open for Guests when Walt Disney World began to celebrate its 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021.
Unfortunately, no one could have predicted that a pandemic would shut down Disney Parks across the globe and put every project on indefinite hold. TRON is still under construction at this time and no opening date has been given. However, the ride is currently undergoing test runs, which means that things are nearly complete, and we could be getting an opening date at any time!
TRON Lightcycle/Run is based on the 1982 Disney movie TRON and, in honor of the film’s 40th anniversary, Disney is sharing even more details on what Guests can expect from the new roller coaster. Disney Parks Blog shared:
We’re in the testing phase for what will be one of the fastest coasters in any Disney park, and I know you’re going to love it. When this attraction is complete, you’ll climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and launch into the Grid for a race through a dark, computerized world.
Our story picks up following the events of “TRON: Legacy,” whose main character, Sam Flynn, is now opening new gateways into this digital realm at specific locations around the world. The first portal he created is at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle PowerRun, and now Magic Kingdom guests will get their turn through this second gateway.
When you enter the attraction’s queue, you’ll feel as if you’re digitized and entering the Grid for a special Lightcycle race alongside your family and friends. You’ll all join Team Blue (hence the color of the wheels in the photo above) for a high-speed launch into a competition against Team Orange. As you swoop and swerve your way around the course, your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure your victory. Will your team have what it takes?
Again, we do not have an opening date for the new attraction at this time, but it is hopefully not too far away since test runs are well underway. You can get yourself in the TRON mood and build up excitement for the ride by watching both TRON and TRON Legacy — both of which are available to stream on Disney+. The animated series TRON Uprising is also available to stream.
