Tom's Honest Review of TRON Lightcycle/Run at the Magic Kingdom 

Are you planning on riding TRON?

TRON may have not made as big of a profit as Disney wanted in 1982, but it's cultural influence and aesthetic design influence certainly persisted over time. The digital world had it's first fantasy heroes in a time where space films and heroes like Conan were the new standard. If you look at 1982, it was one of the greatest years of all time in movies. A year where almost EVERYTHING became legendary! Just take a look at the top 20 films the week TRON was released.

I used to repair those Tron coin-op games back in the heyday of arcade games. It was also fun to play. The neat blue handle joysticks were made of inferior plastic and were often replaced by black when they broke.

Sightlines absolutely matter! There's a small, local family-owned theme park in Turner, Oregon, that is built on a wooded hillside. The trees and geography hide buildings and attractions from the view of guests--and it really increases the joy of turning a corner and seeing something amazing. Trees are nature's "go-away green" fence.

Absolutely agree about the site lines issues…. Walt was always so ruthless about site lines and theming purity and at the same time extremely proud when his team succeeded in perfecting the guests immersion into a whole new world. This is why Disneyland had the berm, why Walt Disney World is the size of San Francisco and the Magic Kingdom sits on top of one of the largest utilidor networks in the world. To let down Walt and the thousands of imagineers over the last fifty years by simply not making a wall a little higher is disappointing. But who knows…. officially, we still have until April and we know someone inside the Kingdom does pay attention to your channel. The hallway and exit area may still magically get transformed.

I will forever be annoyed by the fact that they closed DisneyQuest instead of updating it with Tron (Flynn's Arcade) and Wreck-It Ralph (Litwack's/Game Central Station) floors

Always love your honest reviews. I enjoy your love of traditional Disney and the comparisons you make during your reviews, while also holding Disney accountable. Thank you for staying level headed. I will definitely keep watching these!

So glad you covered a bit of the history. We were lucky to have that "Flynn's Arcade" set up at San Diego Comic-Con first, then it went to DCA as a semi-permanent attraction for about a year. Likewise, my ElecTRONica shirt has seen better days, but that show was fire. The Alice in Wonderland thing that replaced it was a hollow shell of ElecTRONica. Also, where the cabinet video game kind of saved the first movie, that Daft Punk soundtrack made more money than the movie did. That score was their magnum opus.

TRON is a great example that not all rides have to be based on a hugely popular or current movie/IP to be a brilliant idea

Tom brings up a great point about aesthetics, overall feeling and environment. Avatar and Tron are good examples of movies that may not be perfect but have universes we want to visit and inhabit.

Thank you Tom, for continuing to be kind to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It is still my favorite ride in MK and possibly Disney World.

Tom, thank you for giving a brief history of the rides before your honest review sections. It is really appreciated and as always very well done.

That Tron stand-up video game from the 80's was awesome! Worth every quarter.

Lived near Shanghai for several years and pre pandemic went to the park 25+ times. Must have rode Tron maybe 40 some times. At points the ride became a walk on which was fantastic and an experience I imagine won’t be seen in the US for many years. If you want some real unfiltered opinions on Shanghai DL, oh boy, do I have plenty of takes. Great video. Just wish the ride was longer myself.

I love Tron ( both films). I love Daft Punk. I couldn’t be more disappointed in what they have done here. Theming? What theming? There isn’t an ounce of narrative, storytelling, characters, Flynn, Clu, nada, zip, zilch.

I felt the need to post this because it’s very important update you’re 100% right about loading challenges ….RU-vidr Paging Mr. Morrow. He was struggling with the test seats outside but what’s interesting is a cast member told him to try the ride vehicles anyway as she said that the test vehicles are different models than the ride vehicle. So if they’re gonna start doing that for guests then they go through the queue and they wait for a vehicle and they still don’t fit then its going to create longer wait times and delays. Mr. Morrow Echoed your exact thoughts .. he felt rushed and he couldn’t really test out the test vehicle because there is too many people taking photographs etc., so this is absolutely going to be a problem, happy ending for Mr. Morrow he got a chance at a second ride and to go back out and try it again and he ended up fitting. But remember, these are cast members previews, that are busy but not at capacity and in the public aren’t as forgiving or patience and will very unlikely get a second shot attempt like he did.

Tron will be the next Disney trip (next year). I agree with the sight lines Tom! It really dawned on me when we rode Slinky Dog and my wife pointed out Galaxy’s Edge and said that kind of ruined the experience.

Something i wish disney would do is include flynns arcade as a location to visit so guests have the opportunity to play vintage arcade machines. I believe it would be an excellent addition and would allow people to stay close to the attraction if they have a virtual queue reservation

I appreciate your honest reviews on stuff.

Flynn's arcade was so cool. Was bummed they got rid of it and just like so much at Disneyland, they took it out and left an empty space.

I really enjoy the honest reviews. You get it. You can love the parks and still be critical when it’s called for.

The complexity of boarding Tron Lightcycle Run makes me appreciate the ingenuity of FLY at Phantasialand in Germany, where guests board in an upright sitting position, but then the vehicles and seats rotate in tandem to orient the riders into a flying position. It's so smooth and efficient.

Thanks Tom, enjoy your news and reviews. My wife knew nothing of Avatar but loves the ride. She’s not a Tron fan but can’t wait to ride Lightcycle. We both are disappointed with the current state of visual cleanliness and sight lines, missing the same magic that was there from 10 years ago when we took our kids. We can only hope they work the bugs out and listen to the guest and people like you. @WDWNT Hoping to get an AP invite, missed it on Gaurdians.

There really should be a true "pre-show" where guests are zapped into the grid and then the reveal of the coaster launch, rather than simply walking under a prop. Edit: To clarify, the attraction already has a preshow, but it's nothing like in the movies. The prop outside the building is not present in the preshow room--only a big screen that turns translucent to show the launch behind it. I think what should have been done is have guests enter a room where they stand before the huge digitizer prop. The prop glows, and projection effects make the guests feel like they're getting sucked into the grid (partly assisted by the prop actually pulling away from guests). The intensity of the light increases until it is almost blinding, thus hiding the prop's retraction into the ceiling as guests shield their eyes. Suddenly, all is dark. The wall in front of guests is now transparent, revealing the coaster launch behind. The point is that guests need to feel like they've physically been digitized, and that's only possible if some physical property of the room changes--like the digitizer disappearing IN CONJUNCTION with the screen effects. Screens alone are insufficient to help guests suspend their disbelief--physical props are always going to be necessary.

Good review, thanks! Shanghai is an amazing city. They opened their first subway line 30 years ago and now have 19 subway lines! The Shanghai Mag-lev train hits 270 MPH (431 KPH) from the airport to the city center. While I'm happy the Magic Kingdom gets Tron Litecycle Run, Shanghai has a whole Tomorrowland that is out of this world great, and Florida has an aged Space Mountain right next to Tron. Ugh! -Frank

My biggest problem with this is it should be all indoors. ESPECIALLY since it's so short. (Why are these motorbike/horse coasters always so short? Hagrid's is like an Avatar movie compared to the other ones.) The main part of having Tron - as Tom says - is that aesthetic. So I would want something like Space Mountain so I can see other lit-up lightcycles - IN OTHER COLORS - racing around with me. Yes the canopies are cool - at night - but they aren't Tron. While I'm complaining about what could've been, it should've also been a racing coaster filled with all these "near misses". That was the entirety of the lightcycles, wasn't it? Even if there's no actual racing, there should be different-colored lightcycles trying to cut you off. This may be fun, but I will never get over how lazy the whole idea is. I'm sick of Disney and its modern mantra of "good enough". When you build an E-Ticket once a decade (per park), "good enough" is not good enough!

This is sounding more and more like Pony Express at Knott’s with blue lights.

Right on Tom. A good soundtrack can make nonfans enjoy a themed area, ride, stage show, or nighttime spectacular. Kenetic energy is the 2nd most important thing in a theme park. Need things moving, like people mover, astro orbiter, liberty square riverboat, and Rollys "Tower of the 4 Winds" can we get that rebuilt.

Wow, fantastic and detailed review. I can't wait to ride it. I haven't been able to go to Shanghai, so I've been waiting literally YEARS to ride this ride. TRON is the reason I became a software developer as a career.

This review is for all of the people who say Tom is a hater. He could not have been more complementary. Yes, he picked on areas that were worthy of it, but gave a lot of praise where it was due. WDWNT is always my go to resource for Disney and Tom, your reviews are always honest. Either that, or I am never playing poker with you! Totally agree about the big swing with Star Wars Land. It was a big swing and it was not a home run. I think most wanted the nostalgia. No matter what Star Wars creates from now until the end of the universe, nothing will touch our hearts the way Episodes 4 through 6 did. I hope in the years to come we see more of the original cast.

These are my favorite things to watch on youtube and i never miss one!!! Thanks Tom

I rode Tron last night at a preview and I noticed the back stage of space mountain as well. I’m not big into Disney and even I noticed that. Your dead on with the music and atmosphere !! I love the Tron movie and it def got me pumped to ride ! The ride it’s self. Well… I’m used to more “intense” coasters and this was very short. Being Disney and they don’t need it to be crazy intense, I almost thing they should slow the coaster down a touch inside so you can process what’s going on.

I was an original fan of the 1982. Watched it over and over just about since I saw it for the first time in 1986 give or take. It is great that it was built. I wish for the following: Bit showing up and making his yes and no sound; those tank things that look like the letter M - would be cool if it almost crushes you and has the corresponding sound; more of the original movie's soundtrack and sounds, especially the opening and closing theme; I wish the light cycles were different colors to be a little more realistic; a person in a cycle that is just a little bit closer on the screen, that looks at you and smiles like they are going to beat you and then you pull ahead would be cool like in the movie, but it is great they got the orange one in that crashes at the end. I think overall it is great, but that is my honest review! Exciting. Thanks for doing!

Kinda looks like the Test Track ride for a motorcycle. I agree the exit is lackluster and actually reminds me of leaving a high school building. Would love to have a dinner table set up in that load area and enjoy the atmosphere while eating and watching people as they load.

Tom, your reviews are seriously so great…Thank-you so much, for all the work you do! 😊

Tom is the Walter Cronkite of Theme Parks.

Even with all of the delays, I just love Tron so much that I'm still excited to ride this. I'm 6ft 1 and just slightly over 300lbs, so actually fitting on it is my biggest worry at this point. Seems like they could've done more with the theming, but I do like what I've seen so far from all of the videos.

hey tom! i saw the tron preview and wanted to see you ride then i heard your voice in the background. and saw you try out the seats. i so like it when you actually ride the rides. so cheers mate 🍺🍻

Can’t wait to ride it. I definitely think Seven Dwarves is an E ticket - it’s great! I remember going in 2015/16/17 from the UK and that ride was SO popular.

Thank you...your historical review is always the best.. really love these. Wish you continued with these like timekeeping.....again thank you... WIGS👍❤️👍❤️👍

Love how he mentioned Cedar Point - the Disney of the midwest

Been on a marathon of these, looking forward to this!

Thank you for bringing up the Tron arcade we never got. Also big up to my Electronica shuffling fam....miss ya'll.

The Tron speed tunnel was the greatest thing in Disneyland at the time.

Talking about sight lines and theming, I'll always go back to Cosmic Rewinds show building ☠️🤣🤣

@19:41 Tom, I literally find myself in this [wordless] space, especially in engineering meetings. Welcome to middle age LOL! 🤣🤣🤣 "The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between." ~ W. A. Mozart Random (related) side story: I spent time @ DIS w/ their engineers back the 2010's while getting my Masters. When I asked the head Human Factors & Safety Engineer what do I need to do to "get his job," he said, without a beat, "over my dead body." It was such an insight into that culture and explains why there were/are so many issues when it comes to experience, story immersion, and understanding your customer... which is why after I got my HF MSc degree I got an MBA and specialized in Global Business (where I focused my education on all the mistakes DIS made overseas). Everything you point out is so valuable and I couldn't agree more with your rants. You have a great eye for detail and appreciate your voice in this space. If we ever cross paths, I'd love to pick your brain or at least give you a handshake (...or buy you an adult beverage) 😉.

I agree that sightlines are important. Show buildings should either be hidden from public view or be beautiful pieces of architecture. Examples of show buildings being beautiful pieces of architecture are Spaceship Earth and Space Mountain. Examples of show buildings being hidden from public view are the Haunted Mansion and the Fantasyland dark rides. The haunted mansion’s show building is hidden by trees and the Fantasyland show buildings are hidden by medieval tent and building facades. The Tron and Guardian of the Galaxy show buildings are large, plain, ugly boxes that are clearly visible to guests and have the attractiveness and architectural character of a Walmart. The Tron show building could have easily been made at least a little nicer looking by giving it a facade of opaque blue glass or plastic that was illuminated from the backside to match the canopy. Landscaping, berms, decorative walls, and fences can be used to correct sightline problems such as being able to see into other lands, outside the park, or backstage areas.

I fear the station loading will be heavily hindered by people trying to board the ride vehicle, failing, and being moved off the train and into the separate queue.

Tom, I love your reviews and always go to you for new attraction opinions. I feel, personally, that the first ‘holding area’ is fairly generic with the black room and illuminated circuitry (we aren’t ‘transported’ to the grid until the following pre-show room). SIAP, but I believe walking into a facade of Flynn’s where the first holding area is arcade cabinets draped in plastic (flashing their gameplay and sounds) would of been a much more unique and interesting take (and following the 2010 film). The ‘Tron’ cabinet would open the doorway to Flynn’s office (second pre-show holding area) The ‘transportation’ to the grid could occur via the dusty digitizer in that room (wall removal effect and same switchable glass effect ). Granted, the aesthetic (Flynn’s) might not fit Tomorrowland, but it would be uniquely Disney. The launch and loading area look fantastic. Alas, this would never happen because MONEY. In regards to the canopy, it looks cool, but sight lines and that monstrous show building. Once again, love your reviews.

Nice to know Tron Lightcycle Run was infact a Space Mountain replacement in a way. I always felt like it was and as such thoguht it was kind of weird the would build it in Florida right next to a Space Mountain.

Nate (from “paging mr. morrow”), uploaded his video on riding the Tron ride-he’s also a bit heavy, and both of his CALVES got bruised (but not badly) while on the light cycle. If there aren’t any “restrictions” to riding the light cycle, then Disney will be heading to court about people getting injured (just like the 2-deaths, on the “mission to mars” rides)

so so true......attention to details.....site lines.....also so very important....thanks for the great review, always appreciate your honesty

LOL at time stamp around 5:50 ... referring to Bob Chapek vis a vis the pandemic. Thanks for making me laugh! I enjoy your shows! I appreciate the "Brief History of Tron" Tom. 🙂

I enjoyed your stories Tom. Thanks.

My biggest problem was I didn't pull the handles far enough back to give me sug fit, so the whole ride was nerve racking. I only road once but I did try the bike at the entrance after I road. A cast member gave so instructions that I didn't know about before I road. If you haven't ridden try the bikes at the front before you ride, it be a big help for you.

Thanks for the plethora of background and history in addition to the great review always most informative

I rode this one 4 times in 2018 , it is for me top 1 , followed by velocicoaster and 3rd hagrid. The reason of why this is my top is because : the position you have when riding is the same as riding a speed motorbike, ( position could be compared as same as avatar flight of passage) , this position is a new experience in rollercoaster for many of us and it is the best , initial launch is epic fast ( about 50% faster than Aerosmith ride for example) the music is awesome and loud throughout the ride which gets the heart pumping , the lights scenery when you ride specially during the night is spectacular . This ride is definitely A MUST ! , only downside is that lt should last more!! My 4th place would be the guardians of the galaxy one in Epcot , but this one is more compared to a ride and less to a rollercoaster. Similar to space mountain since you enjoy the scenery while riding.

Glad to hear you like. Seems fair and think I like the addition to the skyline. It adds content and capacity.

Tom, thanks for the review. I'm glad you got to ride it, but I'm also very jealous.

I really appreciate the short history of tron. I agree about the sight lines. I go to disney for an experience and not for rides. If i was going for rides, i would go to a local theme park or six flags. The immersion is important.

There's nothing more uncomfortable than 23 minutes of DL Fantasmic, sitting on the ground. Tron will be a piece of cake.

Went to Shanghai to ride this ride and I would say it was worth it. But also it was a walk on and I rode it 12 times in a day. As a fan of Tron Legacy I love the ride but yes it should have been longer and probably a dueling coaster. I think people will be disappointed in the length of the ride and how slow it feels once you go inside. I also really wish this came to Disneyland instead.

I love that your editor used the Arcade1Up TRON arcade cabinet.

100% agree with site lines. Details, details, and details so we can be immersed in the theme.

It would benefit if they added florescence to the sidewalk to make it feel like when walking up to the attraction you were walking on a Light Cycle track, similar to how they have the textured walk ways in the Land of Pandora area which adds some texture and feel to the main course ways

I wasn’t a huge fan of Shanghai Disneyland either, but did you not ride Pirates at Shanghai? Pirates at Shanghai alone almost makes the trip worth making.

Great stuff. I live in China at the moment and hope to check the ride at Shanghai out sometime. I was totally obsessed with the original Tron arcade game and later Discs of Tron/

I been waiting for this

This was a great review Tom!!! The TRON Lightcycle Run looks fun to ride; granted I would be unable to go on this or any other rollor coaster. Which this leaves me with this question does this mean that we could get a another clone ride like Mystic Manor ride? I realize Disney Co. has no interest in building something exclusive to an international park, or for that matter, something exclusive to a domestic park. It’s the financial partners in those respective foreign countries that want the exclusivity and in return for that exclusivity, Disney is more than happy to charge them accordingly for research and development costs. Granted that may change seeing how we got the Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT World Showcase at Epcot and another clone ride of the above reviewed TRON Lightcycle Run at in Tomorrowland Walt Disney World so who knows. I would love to see a Mystic Manor ride and Mystic Point brought to Animal Kingdom. Maybe they could have it be this outpost of the The Society of Explorers and Adventurers in the land of discovering things about animals. They could also build a new Adventurers Club restaurant. I think it would be a great addition to Animal Kingdom and they could have a lot of mythical animals represented in the art and artifacts in the Manor. Or Disney could build the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast; granted Tokyo Disney removed Grand Circuit Raceway a race car track attraction in Tokyo Disney to build this ride. Which makes me wonder couldn't they do the same at Disneyland Autopia and/or Walt Disney World Tomorrowland Speedway to create this ride.

Great in depth commentary! Sometimes small breaks in theming is a palate cleanser. Even Shakespeare used comedy in his dramas. In regards to sightlines there is no excuse! We have seen so many instances where Disney has spent so much time and effort to shape even buildings that can be seen in other parks to fit the theme of the other park. Thanks again😀

It really seems like the restraints would be very unpleasant for anyone with even minor sensory issues. I know it would be painful for my sensory stuff.

I love these honest reviews!

I didn't see it but they told that there was a seat for handicap guest where you didn't have to lean forward to ride.

What we NEED is an updated 4K version of Philharmagic

I agree the queue looks cool, but a 90 second ride just doesn't live up to the hype of the franchise. It really looks like family thrill ride over a true thrill ride. I love Tron and will ride it if I get there. But all the POV's don't make it look like a "have too" ride. Great review!!

Tom, Thank you for another great honest review! I have reservations for Magic Kingdom 2 days out of the 3 that I will be visiting in late April. I emailed Eric and hopefully I can make good on what he and I chatted about.

Well, at least Ron Miller got to see a tron in Shanghai built. I’m hoping the gift shop has oranges and frisbees. ;)

When I went on the cast member preview for Flight of passage there were several people turned away because the safety harnesses would secure because the person was to big

Disney gave up on sight lines when they added the exterior portion of Test Track in Epcot. Warehouses and parking lots

"Magically becomes opaque to reveal the ride" Well that's literally the opposite of what it does.

I do agree on the exit... it would be nice if they had the blue lighting, and animation to symbolize exiting the grid (a light tunnel pulling you out)

I LOVED ElecTRONica. I was there during the debut of Tron Legacy and got to see the Tron addition in World of Color. Still have the whole thing on video somewhere. I thought the conversion of that area in DCA was amazing and wish it had stayed. The Alice one was...ok...what a cool show though.

My issue is when Disney brings over a ride from an Asian market but doesn’t change the seats or restraint system for the American consumer. American and European bodies are extremely different from Asian body types. Not only in weight but also in height. These restraint are showing issue with people who are even in good shape but have a taller body type.

Tom you’re great but don’t defend Disney for making Star Wars land some random planet. The whole point of making a themed land is for the guest to feel like they were put in the movie like Disney did before with Cars Land or like Universal did with Harry Potter. Of course it’s not what most people expected because instead of Star Wars we got a random planet that the most iconic character in movie history can’t even walk around in because the “timeline” won’t allow it. Sorry for the rant Star Wars land just makes me so angry. I can’t wait to ride Tron though lol

Tron gets a ton of flack for being short but in my opinion it feels like strapping into a Street Bike. I witnessed may individuals struggling with the ride vehicles and the way they fit to each person body size. For individuals that are curious check out the ride carts before riding, that away you kinda have a good idea of what your getting your self into. I thought it was a fun ride that works in that location

The restraint system interests me for a handful of reasons, partly because it’s so unlike any other roller coaster car. I don’t necessarily mind it being limiting to who can ride it (even though I’m sure I won’t fit) as long as they don’t make it a regular thing like Universal does. What interests me more, however, is what happens when the ride breaks down. I know Disney isn’t known for its “the roller coaster broke mid-ride and had to be evacuated” style issues like Six Flags and the like are, but I know that American Disney is more inclined to that sort of downtime than Asian Disney is. What do they do if they have to stop a car on the tracks? What happens, god forbid, if something happens to a train ON the tracks? You’re in such a wacky position and with that metal bar behind your legs I imagine it messing people up if it happens 👀

I’m gonna have to try the test seat first I’m disabled and can transfer but may have issue getting up out of the light cycle, thanks for the heads up on getting in the cycle seats

51:35 i know under the sea: journey of the little mermaid, enchanted tales with belle, the second dumbo carousel and the rethemed barnstormer opened in 2012, and those attractions are definitely not E-ticket attractions

I can’t wait to go on the tron coaster! I have waited along time. Very cool it’s worth it! I was always liked tron.

Tron legacy soundtrack is one of my fave soundtracks ever

I timed it on a virtual vlog yesterday and thought it was just one minute in length.

Excellent and beautifully argued sight line rant.

Really thought the original Tron was great when I saw it back in 1982.

I wonder if they will change the lighting for the holidays like Space Mountain, Guardians etc...

my cast member preview is today! so excited!

Tron shows Disney park IP tie-in attractions should always be about the story and show not about how much the original film made at the box office. I am always stunned how Disney fans think box office is a necessary element for a new park attraction. We need Mary Poppins. We need Coco. If we can have Tron and Ratatouille (which didn’t make as much as Coco at the box office). We got the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train…based on a really old film. Let’s build a Sleeping Beauty attraction and 101 Dalmatians.

Nice Grateful Dead semi reference!

I know in the original movie, Tron, Flynn and Ram were Gold Team with the red cycles and not the blue ones.

Great explanation of the back story. I would like to ride it but I'm going to need to get a better scoop on the dives in it-Guardians is about the steepest I can do😆

Tron Shanghai has these side car models mostly for disabled people. So they don't have many of them and they're not used that much. I've been on it several times and only saw it used twice. But with fat Americans who would rather complain than lose weight, it will be a problem. Also the grid room will start having issues ( unless they've found the problem and corrected it) because it only worked intermittently when we were there. Eventually it doesn't show and you just walk through.