Walt Disney Imagineers are always thinking of amazing ways that they can improve Disney theme parks around the world. They think about rethemes, new attractions, new photo spots, everything. They also take a look at what rides are popular at Disney’s six theme parks around the world and see if they are worth bringing them to another park.
Related: TRON Officially Makes Its Mark on the Magic Kingdom
One attraction Imagineers thought would do well at another Disney park was TRON Lightcycle Power Run. The indoor/outdoor roller coaster opened at Shanghai Disneyland in 2016 and is one of the most popular rides at the Resort. So, in 2017, Disney officials announced that TRON would be making its way to Florida and would soon find a new home in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Related: Disney Guests Damage TRON – and It’s Embarrassing
Originally, Disney planned to have TRON Lightcycle/Run opened in time for Walt Disney World Resort’s 50 Anniversary celebration, which would be in 2021. Unfortunately, as Disney fans are painfully aware, that did not happen. After a number of setbacks, the ride was delayed nearly 2 years, not opening until April 2023.
It’s only been about seven months since the theme park attraction opened, but Disney World guests are already seeing disappointing downgrades.
X (formerly known as Twitter) user Erin (@WDWords) recently rode the attraction and was surprised when she saw a gorgeous and futuristic effect had been completely removed. Disney Imagineers had designed blue light effects on the walls to immerse guests as they entered the grid. Those effects have been completely removed, leaving just gray walls.
the blue wall is gone in TRON. we can’t have nice things anymore ?
https://twitter.com/WDWords/status/1714305418925662616
Many commenters were disappointed to see the downgrade, but some thought maybe the lights were out. However, Erin informed them that was not the case.
was it lit from behind? maybe just the lights are out?
https://twitter.com/WDWords/status/1714356054291558474
Others were very upset that Disney had not seemed to build the walls to last. Thousands of people pass through the halls of TRON Lightcycle/Run every day, so the attractions and experiences need to be built to last.
Disney KNEW the type of abuse that wall was going to take! They obviously did not care.
Disney KNEW the type of abuse that wall was going to take! They obviously did not care.
— maverick.jeff.art (@maverickjeffar1) October 17, 2023
However, some were hopeful that Disney was aware of the problem and fixing it. They believe that Disney may be fixing the walls, so guests won’t be able to damage the effects as easily.
Probably so they can make new graphics and will put a protective layer on when they come back
Probably so they can make new graphics and will put a protective layer on when they come back
— Andrew Jackson (@0AndrewJacks0n) October 17, 2023
This is not the first time that guests have been experienced while riding TRON. Right from the beginning, guests were criticizing Disney for building an attraction that many people could not ride. Disney is known for being very size-inclusive when it comes to its attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. TRON was far from inclusive.
Related: Sorry, But the “Losing Weight” Suggestion Won’t Help Most People Fit on TRON
Theme park guests are locked into TRON by bars that go over their backs and their calves. Those with larger calves have found themselves unable to ride in the regular seats. They were even more upset when they learned that Disney Imagineers had not adjusted the ride design to fit an American audience. They made a direct copy of the Shanghai ride, where many of the guests are much smaller.
TRON Lightcycle/Run is also constantly criticized for how short it is. Guests will typically wait more than an hour to ride the attraction for less than 60 seconds. In order to ride TRON, guests must either join the virtual queue or purchase Individual Lightning Lane access.
