During our recent visit to Walt Disney World we finally had the long-awaited opportunity to ride TRON / Lightcycle Run, the newest coaster to arrive at the parks. In my opinion, it was worth the wait for a fun and very accessible thrill ride.
Virtual Queue
Like other recent new attraction openings, WDW is using a Virtual Queue system to plan boardings and there is currently no standby line. It is possible to purchase a Lightning Lane pass as well.
During our trip we spent three days at Magic Kingdom and so had three attempts at the Virtual Queue. We were able to get in all three days. Each morning we logged into the app on our phone a few minutes before the 7 am queue window and prepared the boarding party by adding the other person. Then, right before 7 am, hit the refresh button until one of us obtained a boarding group number.
The app then provides an estimated return time based on the boarding group number and updates as earlier numbers are called. If you don’t get into the queue at 7 am, another queue opportunity opens at 1 pm.
Physical Queue
On our first day to ride, the call time for our boarding party was announced in the app just as we were arriving to our lunch reservation at Crystal Palace. We weren’t sure what to do, but a helpful manager at the restaurant told us the TRON boarding lasts for only one hour and that they would put our lunch reservation on hold and we could return after the attraction.
We hurried on over to TRON only to discover that it had just gone down and they did not know when it would reopen. So, we returned to the Crystal Palace and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. The waiter advised us to take the receipt to show in case there was any issue at TRON in accepting a later return, which we did, but it wasn’t necessary. This was a good tip, as we were informed showing the time-stamped receipt for a restaurant extends the return window an extra hour for TRON entry.
We appreciated learning these tips, as with Guardians of the Galaxy, there was no time-restricted return window. At least at the time we visited TRON, they were being stricter with timely returns once the boarding group was called.
Author in motorized wheelchair rolling through dark queue hallway with TRON mood lighting.
When we returned to TRON after lunch, the attraction was back up and running. The line moved very quickly right up to the final ramp. We passed the locker area where riders turn in bags or any other articles since there is no on-vehicle storage for the ride.
On another day, the line was much longer (about an hour), so we had extensive time enjoying the pre-show visuals and audio, setting the stage for the lightcycle race.
Boarding
At the top of the final ramp before boarding, a cast member divides the line into two segments, but it doesn’t matter as they lead you to the same place for boarding. At the bottom, you are asked if you want to ride a bike or the lap bar seat.
The bike seat is the standard vehicle and requires being able to stand up and throw your leg over to straddle the motorbike-like vehicle. Then you bend forward and grip handles in front of you while a restraint holds your back.
Standard TRON bike vehicle.
None of that is possible for me, so I asked for the lap bar seat. The last row of bike pairs on some cars is a different seating set up. It is a more conventional rollercoaster seat with plenty of legroom and has a door that can be opened wide for easier transfer. A lap bar comes down to secure you for the ride. If you have ridden Guardians of the Galaxy, it is very similar.
The wait for a lap bar seat can be longer since there are fewer and it appeared to be a popular option. One day it was just a few minutes. On another day, we waited awhile as a bunch of riders were in line for this seat before us. The cast members directed us where to wait, and when it came time, we were shown to one of two available boarding areas.
Author in wheelchair pulling up to lap bar vehicle with open boarding door for accessibility.
The audio begins right away and you are suddenly launched into an arc that passes through the outside area of the ride. It was so much fun! I am a speed freak and really enjoyed the attraction.
The only note of caution I will share is that I have a weak neck and noticed that my head was thrown back during the very fast launch of the ride as the seat has no headrest or neck support. In future rides, I was mindful about holding my neck muscles, particularly during the accelerating launch start.
Author and husband seated together in TRON vehicle blast off for the ride!
Exit
The first time we rode, there was some confusion, and my chair was returned to the wrong side, but it was no big deal, and they brought my wheelchair to me after realizing the error. Otherwise, debarking involved swinging my feet back out the transfer door and pivoting back into my wheelchair. It really was not a challenging transfer for me and was much easier than many of the other coasters in the parks.
Author sliding out of ride vehicle to transfer back to motorized wheelchair.
From there, we went up an elevator, past the lockers where riders could retrieve their personal items (we just left everything on my wheelchair), and out the exit.
Conclusion
Author wearing purple and a short, windswept hairstyle with husband who is holding a TRON disc with the ride canopy behind them.
TRON is definitely a new favorite attraction for me. As a wheelchair user I found it very accessible. And as a speed freak it really satisfied the craving to go fast! I especially enjoyed the first few seconds of the launch and race under the outside TRON canopy. Hope you can enjoy this fun new ride as well!
