Disney Responds To Guests Who Can’t Fit on TRON

On April 4, TRON Lightcycle/Run will open at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park. The new roller coaster has been five years in the making, as it was first announced at the 2017 D23 Expo. Guests have been waiting for years as construction fell way behind schedule, even causing the popular Walt Disney World Railroad to be closed for four years. Finally, in January 2023, Disney shared the opening date, and also shared that both Cast Members and Annual Passholders would have the chance to preview the ride before the general public.

For the past couple of weeks, Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members have been able to preview the attraction and, in less than one month, Annual Passholders will have the same opportunity. However, there has been one common — and negative — thread that has been dominating the TRON previews — many people don’t fit in the standard seats. In fact, TRON has been called the “least inclusive” ride that Disney has ever designed for one of its U.S. Parks.

The main issue with TRON is not that larger Guests can’t fit into the motorcycle-type seats because of their waistlines. The problem lies in the bar that comes down over Guests’ calves. The bar has to come down a certain amount to be able to lock into place. People with larger calves are finding out that the bar won’t come down far enough, so they have to use the alternative seating found in the last rows of some of the ride vehicles.

After numerous complaints, Disney has finally responded to the backlash. According to a statement Disney gave to FOX35 Orlando:

“We offer the opportunity for guests to test the restraint system outside the attraction before entering the queue. A bench seat with lap bar is also available for guests with disability or fit concerns to experience the attraction if accessibility for this unique ride system is a concern.”

For those who may not be aware, TRON Lightcycle/Run is not original to the Magic Kingdom. An identical attraction has been entertaining Guests at the Shanghai Disneyland Resort since 2016. And that’s one of the biggest issues riders have. It appears that Disney did not modify the attraction for an American audience, which is typically larger than the original attraction’s primarily Asian audience.

At this time, it appears that only some of the TRON ride vehicles have the modified seating in the last row. However, once the ride opens to the public, it is possible Disney could see just how many riders need the modified seating. That could mean that all the ride vehicles will find themselves getting modified seats to make the accommodation.