BREAKING NEWS: Disney Announces Opening Timeframe for Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom

Tron Lightcycle Run, the upcoming Tron coaster coming to Magic Kingdom, finally has an opening date. Learn more below.

 

Announced at the D23 Expo, the highly anticipated attraction will open in the spring of 2023. We are very excited for this attraction!

RELATED ARTICLE: Disney Releases New Details of TRON Lightcycle / Run Coming to Magic Kingdom

Disney has released some new information about TRON Lightcycle / Run, the eagerly awaited attraction coming to Magic Kingdom. Details on the new attraction have been sparse, so we’re excited that we’ve received some new information. Learn more below.

 

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Chris Beatty:

[July 9] marks the 40th anniversary of “TRON,” the 1982 film that first introduced us to the digital gaming world known as the Grid. This sci-fi classic is special to us at Walt Disney Imagineering, because the film and its sequel, 2010’s “TRON: Legacy,” are the inspiration for one of our most-anticipated new attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.

Imagineers are hard at work creating TRON Lightcycle / Run, which is beginning to light up the skyline in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, as you can see in this new photo. 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 Power Run, 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?

If you want to learn more about this fascinating digital world that’s inspired Imagineers and sparked the imaginations of countless others for four decades, both “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy” are available now on Disney+. Watching both films would be a fun way to prep for your first race on TRON Lightcycle / Run, but I assure you the experience will stand on its own for any Users who are new to the Grid! And keep following us here and @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram as we continue to chronicle the creation of this thrilling addition to Magic Kingdom.

RELATED ARTICLE: 15 Things to Know Before You Go to Magic Kingdom

by Matt & Kim

It doesn’t get any more magical than visiting Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! Yes, Disney’s other theme parks are spectacular but Magic Kingdom – well, it just has that extra special touch of Pixie Dust that we can’t seem to get enough of no matter how many times we visit. As you prepare for your Magic Kingdom visit, check out these fifteen things you’ll want to know before you go!

 

1 – Parking

If you plan to drive to Magic Kingdom, you’ll first want to know that parking is actually NOT at Magic Kingdom at all, but rather at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) a few miles away from the park entrance. Once you’ve parked at the TTC, you’ll get on the Monorail or Ferryboat to be shuttled over to Magic Kingdom. Sometimes Disney also operates buses that will take guests from the TTC to Magic Kingdom, but this is typically only during the busier seasons.

2 – Closest Resorts

Not in the mood to tackle the TTC? No worries! Stay at one of Disney’s many resorts. The resorts offer bus transportation that will drop you off at the park entrance. Some of the resorts even offer boat transportation. The very best resorts to stay at if you’re looking to be close to Magic Kingdom is Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower, Grand Floridian Resort, and the Polynesian Resort. Just catch the Monorail for an easy ride to Magic Kingdom. If you stay at the Contemporary Resort or Bay Lake Tower – you’ll be able to WALK to Magic Kingdom!

3 – Tickets Prices Vary

As with any of Disney World’s four theme parks, the Magic Kingdom ticket price varies. The one 1-day ticket price for admission varies between $109 and $159 per adult (10+ years), plus tax. Disney sets the price of the ticket depending on the crowd levels expected. The less popular seasons are where you’ll pay the $109, versus something like Christmas day when you’ll spend $159.

4 – Special-Ticketed Events

Looking for something extra special? Guests can purchase special-ticketed event admission at Magic Kingdom for select days (specifically during the holidays). The two special-ticketed events are Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You can enter the park beginning at 7 pm on select nights so even if you are not planning on going to one of these parties, you’ll want to know which days they are as your general admission ticket will have you leaving the park early on event nights!

5 – Six Themed Lands

Don’t let looking at a Magic Kingdom map overwhelm you! Magic Kingdom’s layout is almost like a wheel, with the Cinderella Castle at the hub. Each area is known as a “Land”. The six themed lands include Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Every land holds unique attractions, dining, and entertainment that matches the theme.

6 – Arrive Well Before Parking Opening

Magic Kingdom opens before the park officially opens. Ok, we know this sounds weird, but if Magic Kingdom opens at 9 am, you’ll be able to get into the park around 8 am – if not a little earlier. Guests are welcome to explore the shops on Main Street U.S.A. but are stopped from going anywhere past the Castle hub. At 8:30 Disney resort guests are able to head to the attractions and will get a huge jump ahead of non-resort guests. At 8:55 am, a show called “Let The Magic Begin” is held on the stage in front of the Castle. With all this excitement, if you arrive at the official park opening time, you’ll actually be behind the crowd of people already in the park.

 

7 – Go Left

If your Mama didn’t tell you this – we will now! Statistically, for whatever reason, in a crowd, more people tend to go right. Not only will this save you some time in the grocery store, but you’ll find this to also be the case for Magic Kingdom! While most people head right to reach Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain, you’ll want to head left towards Adventureland. You’ll be surprised at how much you can tackle on this side of the park before the crowds reach you.

8 – Consider Lightning Lane Access

On busy days, you might want to consider purchasing access to the new Lightning Lane. There are two Lightning Lane paid options that include different attractions. First, you can purchase Disney Genie+ for the day of your visit. This costs $15 per day, per person. With Genie+ you can access the Lightning Lane at eight attractions at Magic Kingdom. See the list below for the Genie+ attractions at the park.

Disney Genie+ Attractions at Magic Kingdom:

1. 1. 1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
      2. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
      3. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
      4. Haunted Mansion
      5. “it’s a small world”
      6. Jungle Cruise
      7. Mad Tea Party
      8. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
      9. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
      10. Peter Pan’s Flight
      11. Pirates of the Caribbean
      12. See Mickey at Town Square Theater
      13. See Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
      14. See Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
      15. Space Mountain
      16. Splash Mountain
      17. The Barnstormer
      18. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
      19. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
      20. Tomorrowland Speedway
      21. Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

A second option for purchasing Lightning Lane is the a la carte method. The two attractions below are NOT included with your Genie+ purchase and must be purchased separately. 

Individual A la Carte Lightning Lane Attraction at Magic Kingdom:

• • 1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Keep in mind that you do not have to purchase either of these options to enjoy these attractions.  

9 – Best Dining

There is no possible way we can pick just one favorite place to dine at Magic Kingdom! There are plenty of kiosks, snack carts, quick-service, and table-service dining options spread throughout the park. Two of the most difficult restaurants to get a reservation for include Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table. Both are spectacular, which makes getting a reservation for them all the more important – but also much harder to obtain. Book your table-service dining reservations 60-days in advance from your Disney resort check-in date or dining date if a non-resort guest. If you don’t want to deal with table-service dining, be sure to use your MyDisneyExperience App to Mobile Order your food at quick-service locations. Did you know, you can even order a Dole Whip via Mobile Ordering?!

10 – Mostly No Alcohol

Unlike the numerous lounges and alcoholic-beverage drink carts situated throughout Disney World’s other three theme parks, alcohol is a lot tougher to come by at Magic Kingdom. Even though we enjoy to sip on an adult beverage from time to time, we appreciate that Disney is trying to keep Magic Kingdom an especially family-friendly place. Magic Kingdom used to be a totally dry park until alcohol was offered at Be Our Guest Restaurant and now several of the table-service restaurants.

11 –  Characters Galore

Of course, what would Magic Kingdom be without an influx of Disney characters! Several character meet and greets are available and include some of our absolute favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, Tinkerbell, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Pooh, Tigger, Buzz, Ariel, and MORE. Looking to see several characters at once? Two restaurants in Magic Kingdom are character dining experiences including the Crystal Palace (Winnie the Pooh and Friends) and Cinderella’s Royal Table (Cinderella and many other Princesses). Be Our Guest dinner guests will also have a chance to meet the Beast.

12 – Flag Retreat

This one gets us every time! Get ready to feel your heart fill with sweet patriotism as Magic Kingdom celebrates a memorable Flag Retreat each day in the park. Typically at 5:15 pm (but be sure to check your Times Guide), gather at the large flag pole in Town Square on Main Street U.S.A. After a Pledge of Allegiance, the American flag retreats to the “Star-Spangled Banner” tune played by Disney’s band. A guest Veteran is then handed the flag to complete the ceremony. It’s really an incredible experience to see!

13 – Parades, Fireworks, and a Kiss Goodnight

We mentioned characters galore above, but you can see them in action at one of Magic Kingdom’s many entertainment options. The highlight of any day is the afternoon Festival of Fantasy Parade which features numerous characters, spectacular floats, and beautiful music. And then there is a terrific fireworks show at Magic Kingdom called Disney Enchantment. Last but not least, is a not-so-well-known special moment called A Kiss Goodnight. Many guests miss this 2-minute announcement and projection on the Castle as it takes place roughly 30-minutes after park closing. It’s Disney’s sweet way of saying, sorry – but you’ve got to go!

14 – Need More Than One Day

This is very true. There is simply no way to do all of Magic Kingdom in just one day. It’s easy to spend two days (if not more) at Magic Kingdom. This will allow you to try multiple restaurants and hit all the entertainment, characters, and attractions you may not be able to tackle in one day.

15 – Tron is Coming!

YES! It’s hard to contain our excitement, but a Tron attraction is coming to Magic Kingdom! If visiting Magic Kingdom now, you’ll already notice construction taking place near Space Mountain and Tomorrowland Speedway where Tron will be located. Shanghai Disney currently has the Tron Lightcycle Power Run attraction and it’s known as the highest-ranking attraction there. We expect the same for Magic Kingdom! Get ready to board a coaster-like attraction where guests will sit upon a two-wheeled light cycle for the ride of a lifetime.