Magic Kingdom Park is undergoing a dramatic shift as guests abandon classic attractions in favor of its newest thrill ride, TRON Lightcycle / Run. The rush to experience the futuristic coaster has overwhelmed Tomorrowland, creating unprecedented crowd patterns and leaving some beloved rides in its shadow.
A New Centerpiece for Tomorrowland
TRON Lightcycle / Run debuted at Walt Disney World Resort in April 2023, following the success of its Shanghai Disneyland counterpart. Initially operating with a Virtual Queue and Lightning Lane reservations, the coaster transitioned to a standby line in September 2024. This change reshaped the way guests approach Magic Kingdom’s Park rope drop, as thousands now prioritize the Tomorrowland roller coaster over classic favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain.
Tomorrowland Crowds Surge
The shift became particularly evident during the 2024 holiday season. On December 30, TikTok user @outoftownmagic shared a video showcasing the immense line for TRON Lightcycle / Run just minutes after Magic Kingdom Park opened.
@outoftownmagic Anyways, so we’re actually nowhere even near Tron. 🥲😅 #disneyworld #tron #magickingdom
At 8:04 a.m., four minutes after park gates opened, the line extended through Tomorrowland, past Tomorrowland Speedway, and into Fantasyland near Mad Tea Party.
“We’re actually nowhere even near TRON,” the Walt Disney World Resort guest captioned the video.
The video quickly went viral, with tens of thousands of likes and comments from shocked Disney Parks fans.
“Anyone who hasn’t been to Magic Kingdom doesn’t understand how FAR they’re from even seeing the ride,” commented @pargra479.
Is the TRON Lightcycle / Run Wait Worth It?
While TRON Lightcycle / Run has drawn praise for its innovative design and thrilling experience, some Disney Parks fans are questioning whether it justifies the lengthy wait times.
“Nope,” @lilfink13 wrote. “It’s a good ride but too quick to wait longer than an hour!”
“It is NOT that good of a ride to be waiting this far back,” said @annesstinkysock.
For those looking to skip the massive lines, Disney Fanatic recommends joining the standby queue just before Magic Kingdom Park closes. As long as the ride doesn’t break down, Disney cast members allow all guests in line before closing to experience the attraction. Plus, the absence of Lightning Lane reservations late at night often results in a faster-moving line.
What’s the longest you’ve waited for a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
