It has been more thean two years since we finally got confirmation at the 2017 edition of the D23 Expo that Disney was bringing a duplicate of Shanghai Disneyland’s Tron Lightcycle Power Run attraction to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom.
This attraction, which allows guests to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles and go on a high-speed adventure through Tron’s high-tech universe, has been one of the most popular attractions at Shanghai Disneyland, and certainly is a sensible addition to the Magic Kingdom that should help draw thrill seekers and sci-fi fans to this park. You can check out a ride through of the version in Shanghai (which is supposed to be virtually identical to the upcoming Magic Kingdom version) here, which showcases this attraction’s zero to 60 miles per hour launch into 3,200 feet of track as guests speed across the digital world of Tron.
And though vertical construction has been really ramping up recently (much of the track is now visible from the Magic Kingdom monorail), it looks like there have been some changes to the Tron Lightcycle Power Run project in the past few months.
Updated concept art shows new Walt Disney World Railway integration, a visible show building, and more!
Image: Disney
During this past summer’s D23 Expo, Disney quietly released some updated concept art for the upcoming Tron rollercoaster (which somehow does not have a confirmed official name yet), and those who have been keeping an eye on this project might notice some differences betweeen the above image and the original concept art for this attraction (which you can see here).
First up, it looks like Disney has changed course when it comes to how this new ride will interact with the pre-existing Walt Disney World Railroad. In the updated art it looks like the track for the railroad will pass by this attraction in an enclosed tunnel, instead of going through the attraction building.
In addition to the railroad changes, it looks like the escalators up into the building have been removed and replaced with a new elevated pathway connected to walkways around this area that lead into and under the attraction, which should help with congestion and guest traffic in and out of this area.
Image: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr (license)
But perhaps most tellingly, the newest version of the concept art above shows that the “cube” which will house much of this ride’s track will be fully visible, and will not be hidden by the large building out front as was originally shown in the first version of the concept art that was released back in 2017. Though Disney has a long history of hiding giant show buildings, with this attraction and the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction all having giant show buildings in guest view, perhaps this element of “magic” is not as important as it used to be.
When will this new attraction open?
Image: Disney
One of the big questions that we have had since this project was first confirmed over two years ago was when Disney might open this new attraction. And though it has not been officially confirmed, it is looking increasingly likely that Disney is still targeting a 2021 opening for this ride. Not only would this line up with current construction progress (which has been in overdrive over the past few months), but it would also be a great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, which will be happening in October 2021.
Could there be more Tomorrowland surprises in store for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World?
Image: Disney
Tomorrowland has been going through a little bit of a makeover over the past few months, with new signs, colors and more, giving this land some much needed sleekness and modernity. And even though nothing has been announced, it’s worth remembering that there is some empty space in Tomorrowland that could be used for another attraction that could open with the new Tron roller Coaster. And while plans for a rumored Wreck-It Ralph attraction were seemingly abandoned several years ago, it would be great if Disney could reimagine this space for something else in time for 2021!
