A Guide to TRON Lightcycle Run at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon, I highly recommend adding TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom to your list of must-do attractions.

Given that it’s one of the newest rides, there are some rules and special procedures to follow.

Plus if you’ve never ridden before, you might have a few questions to help you decide if it truly is a must-do for you.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about TRON Lightcycle Run at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

An introduction to TRON Lightcycle / Run

TRON Lightcycle Run opened on April 4, 2023, although it had roughly 2 months of previews for cast members, media, DVC members, and annual passholders.

The ride was announced in July 2017 at D23 and was originally set to open in late 2021 for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration.

However, due to a certain worldwide health event that shall not be named, as well as construction issues, the opening was pushed by nearly 2 years.

Like many of the stellar roller coasters at Disney World, it was built by Walt Disney Imagineering and Vekoma, an attraction manufacturer out of the Netherlands. It is also sponsored by Enterprise.

Located behind Space Mountain in Tomorrowland, TRON Lightcycle Run is a near-duplicate of TRON Lightcycle Power Run from Shanghai Disneyland.

The coaster is based on Disney’s Sci-Fi film series, TRON, TRON: Legacy, and the upcoming TRON: Ares.

On the ride, guests board lightcycles, just like in the films, to race as part of Team Blue, just like our heroes in the films.

I don’t want to spoil too much, but the whole experience, including the pre-show, is a super cool experience that really makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the grid, just like in the films.

How fast is TRON?

TRON reaches speeds of slightly under 60 miles per hour right from the start, although it does slow down a little bit after launch.

It comes in just behind Cosmic Rewind as one of the fastest roller coasters at Disney World, although not the overall fastest ride.

How long is TRON?

According to the Roller Coaster Database, the track for TRON Lightcycle Run is roughly .6 miles long. Combine that with its high-speed launch and this ride feels super duper short.

However, it runs for around 2 minutes, which is comparable to other roller coasters at Disney World.

Is TRON scary?

Overall, I do not feel TRON is scary. In fact, it is quite exhilarating!! That said, this is a bit of a subjective question, so let’s go over a few common things that steer people away from big ticket rides like this!

First off, the cycles have you pretty much on your stomach, with restraints that come in over your back, as well as a bar over your calves. Therefore, if you are claustrophobic, I recommend avoiding this ride.

Next, part of TRON takes place in pitch black, so if you have a fear of the dark, this ride is not for you.

Lastly, the ride launches to an outdoor section (with a roof over it). Since the ride is built high up, you may want to either skip it or close your eyes until you feel the cycle slow down as it prepares to enter the indoor portion.

Is there a ride photo?

Yes, there is a ride photo and video! Both offerings feature two side-by-side cycles and is captured around the time that you exit the tunnel to the outside portion of the ride.

If you want the photo and video to automatically be added to your My Disney Experience account, make sure to wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ while riding.

In addition, if you sign into the app and enable bluetooth for the MDE app on your phone and then bring your phone with you, it will also get automatically linked to your account.

Accessibility accommodations

TRON includes video captioning for the videos used in the pre-show. In addition, audio description is available.

Lastly, guests in a scooter or EV must transfer to a wheelchair in order to board the ride.

Health and safety requirements

As with nearly all the thrill rides at Disney World, guests with high blood pressure, heart, neck, or back issues, or any condition that could be aggravated should refrain from riding.

If you are pregnant, you are also advised against riding, particularly with how the seating is situated.

Next, if the restraints cannot close properly against your back or calves, you will be unable to ride in the cycle seat.

That said, there is a 2-seat car in the back row that allows you to sit upright that anyone can request to sit in.

Be prepared to lock up your belongings

Unlike other rides, guests are required to put their belongings in a locker prior to entering the pre-show pod.

The lockers are controlled via MagicBand, ticket scan, or a keycard provided by a cast member if needed.

You can bring your phone or a small item, such as emergency medication or snacks, with you, but they must fit in the small compartment at the front of the cycle.

Just make sure to do a full sweep of the compartment as you gather anything in there before you leave to get back to the locker area.

One time I had my phone and a portable charger with me. The charger disconnected during the ride and since it was black like the compartment, it was pretty much camouflaged, and yep…I totally left it behind. It was brand new, too!

Lastly, I highly recommend taking off your hat or Minnie ears and leaving them in your locker as they won’t fit in the compartment and chances are high they will fly right off thanks to the high-speed launch.

How to ride TRON Lightcycle Run

At this time, TRON is only available via virtual queue and individual paid lightning lane.

However, starting on September 9, 2024, the virtual queue option will go away and guests will be able to utilize a standby line.

Translation? No more need to buy an individual paid lightning lane if you want to ride TRON at night, which in my opinion is the BEST time to go. Just hop in line when it starts to get dark and you’re good to go.

How to join the TRON Lightcycle Run virtual queue

There are 2-3 chances to join a virtual queue for TRON each day.

At 7 AM, guests can join the virtual queue for free. Once you join, you are assigned a boarding group and an estimated callback time.

If you aren’t able to join the first queue, you can try again at 1 PM. However, you and anyone in your party be in Magic Kingdom at 1 PM or have visited prior to 1 PM.

Technically you can try to join the queue after 1 PM, but since this ride is still new-ish, the queue spots fill up right away.

Lastly, if there is an after hours event or extended evening hours, a third queue opens up at 6 PM.

This queue is only available for guests that have tickets to the after hours event or those that are staying at a deluxe resort or partner hotel that participates in the extended evening hours program.

You can join the virtual queue once per day, provided you have a valid date-based ticket or an annual pass and reservation for Magic Kingdom (unless it’s a “good-to-go” day).

Simply go to the My Disney Experience app and tap Join Virtual Queue from the home screen or search for TRON using the search icon at the bottom and then selecting Virtual Queue from the ride’s info page.

How to buy a lightning lane pass for TRON

If you prefer to ride at a specific time, you can purchase a lightning lane pass for a predetermined 1-hour window.

Per Thrill Data, lighting lane passes for TRON have held steady at $20 per person.

However, pricing for individual lightning lanes for other rides vary, so there is always chance that it will start to cost less or more at some point.

Lightning lane passes can be purchased on the My Disney Experience app by tapping the Learn More button in the Lightning Lane section on the home screen and then selecting View Details in the box for TRON Lightcycle Run.

Alternatively, you can search for after selecting the Search icon and tapping the Lightning Lane icon.

From there, follow the instructions on the screen to purchase a lightning lane pass.

Final tips for TRON Lightcycle Run

If you are worried about the seats and its restraints, there is a lightcycle located before you get into the queue so you can try it on for size.

It’s also used for photo ops, so there may be a short line – but I’ve never seen it more than a few people long.

Near the same area as the practice lightcycle, you can see Cinderella’s Castle through the canopy. And you know what that means? A super cool fireworks-viewing spot!

If you decide to get a lightning lane, get one for right before or right after the fireworks so you can avoid criss crossing the parks just to try out this view.

Lastly, in my opinion, the superior experience for this ride is at night, once it gets dark. The outdoor portion of the ride glows blue, although occasionally it will turn an orange red color.

So if you want to guarantee a nighttime ride, you’ll have to purchase a lightning lane or join the 6 PM virtual queue (assuming you’re eligible) in the winter months when it gets dark earlier in the day.

Is TRON Lightcycle Run worth it?

In my opinion, TRON Lightcycle Run is a phenomenal experience that everyone should try at least once – but most especially at dark!

I hope this guide helped you decide whether it’s a must-do for you and that it answered any questions you might have had before riding. But, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

See you on the grid!

This post was originally published January 22, 2024. It was last updated September 4, 2024.