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Iconic Attraction Area at Magic Kingdom Suffering From “Rapid” Deterioration

Disney Cinderella Castle
Credit: Becky Burkett

When TRON Lightcycle / Run finally opened at Magic Kingdom last year, it brought a whole new energy to Tomorrowland. The ride was hyped up for years, and when it debuted in April 2023, it quickly became a crowd favorite. With its futuristic design, bright neon lights, and high-speed thrills, it’s easy to see why. But now, just over a year later, fans have started to notice something that’s hard to ignore: the area around the ride is already showing signs of wear and tear.

A vibrant cluster of colorful balloons, featuring various Disney characters, is in the foreground against the backdrop of a grand castle with blue spires. The setting appears to be a lively amusement park on a bright, sunny day.

Credit: Disney

If you’ve been to Magic Kingdom recently, you might’ve spotted the tunnel under the TRON Lightcycle / Run where the Walt Disney World Railroad passes through. It’s supposed to blend seamlessly with the sleek, digital aesthetic of the ride, but lately, it’s been looking a little rough around the edges. The once shiny, clean surfaces are starting to show some discoloration and cracks, and it’s got some fans wondering what’s going on.

People on social media have been talking about this, sharing photos of the tunnel’s weathered look, and it’s not hard to see why it’s caught their attention. The Florida weather is no joke—constant sun, rain, humidity, and storms can really take a toll on outdoor structures. Still, it’s surprising to see such noticeable damage on something that’s so new.

Disney hasn’t officially commented on it yet, but the rapid weathering has sparked some conversations online. Some fans think that Disney might need to do more frequent touch-ups to keep the area looking fresh, while others are wondering if the materials used in construction were really the best choice for Florida’s unpredictable climate.

Cinderella Castle Magic Kingdom

Credit: Cesira Alvarado via Unsplash

For now, the weathering doesn’t seem to be affecting the ride itself—it’s all cosmetic—but it does make you wonder if the same thing could start happening elsewhere in Tomorrowland. After all, the area has been undergoing a lot of changes lately, and TRON Lightcycle / Run was supposed to be the shiny new centerpiece.

Regardless of the weathering, TRON Lightcycle / Run is still a huge hit with guests. It’s not uncommon to see long wait times and lots of excited chatter as people prepare to hop on one of the lightcycles. But as the months go by, it’s becoming clear that keeping this area looking as futuristic and sleek as it did on day one might take a little more effort than expected.

Tron Lightcycle Run

Credit: Disney

If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom anytime soon, keep an eye out for the tunnel under the ride—you’ll see exactly what fans are talking about. It’s a reminder that even Disney’s newest attractions aren’t immune to the elements, especially in a place like Florida where the weather can change in an instant.

Hopefully, Disney will address the issue soon, because TRON Lightcycle / Run deserves to look just as cutting-edge outside as it feels when you’re racing through the grid.

About Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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