We already know that due to COVID-19 many projects are now officially cancelled, delayed or slimmed down. Back in November 2019 when the last piece of track had officially been installed, Disney confirmed that it was planning for Tron Lightcycle Power Run to open at the Magic Kingdom in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Celebration in the Fall of 2021.
With construction set to ramp up at the start of 2020 it was full steam ahead to get this attraction ready for its planned 2021 debut. However, due to COVID-19 and the closing of theme parks back in March, independent reports indicated that several cranes had actually been taken down.
Disney has recently confirmed that this attraction’s development will be picked back up in “stages”, and a new timeline will be announced later. Several cranes have been spotted at the work site, so it is good news that work is resuming on this project once more.
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. It 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.
New video posted showing latest construction
This week a construction video has been posted on YouTube by Orlando Experience which shows the progress of this attraction as it currently stands. It is clear that there is a lot of work still to do and progress understandably has slowed down considerably compared to early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 shut down.
The coaster and show building can be seen but there is the large structure still to be erected which will sit over the front of the show building and will also cover the outdoor section. The theming needs to be completed as well as the inside of the show building and the queue.
Back in the summer 2019’s D23 Expo we reported that, Disney quietly released some updated concept art for the Tron rollercoaster which saw differences from the original which can be seen here.
Firstly, it looked like Disney changed course when it came to how the 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.
There have been reports that this attraction is likely to be delayed until 2022, meaning it will miss its original proposed fall 2021 opening date and Walt Disney World’s 50th year celebrations. It will now depend what happens in the coming months as to whether guests will be able to take their first ride in 2021 or they will have to wait until 2022 to finally be able to experience this highly anticipated ride in Florida.
For all the latest news from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disneyland, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and all other theme parks in the US and around the World, check out our News Page and Facebook Page.
The Big Debate
We have been running polls since March on Theme Park Tourist. There is still time to vote in our previous big debates if you haven’t already:
- The Big Debate – Will You Visit Walt Disney World in 2021?
- The Big Debate – When Do You Think Character Meet and Greets will return to Walt Disney World
- The Big Debate – Should Staggered Booking Windows Become Permanent for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
- The Big Debate – Which COVID-19 Change At Walt Disney World Would You Like To Become Permanent? Part 1: FastPass+
You can read our latest Results and Discussion by clicking on these links:
- The Big Debate RESULTS – Why Do YOU Think Theme Park Attendance Is So Low?
- The Big Debate RESULTS – Do YOU Think Splash Mountain Should Be Rethemed?
- The Big Debate RESULTS: Should Screaming Be Banned on Roller Coasters?
During a time when your favorite theme park isn’t quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below:
-
6 Tell-Tale Signs of a Bad Theme Park Attraction Story (2020 Edition)
-
Nintendo Meets Universal, Take One: Universal Studios Theme Parks Adventure
-
From Hollywood Extra to Orlando Star: 5 Universal Rides That Started as Studio Tour Scenes
-
Have You Ever Noticed That These 8 Rides Don’t Make Sense in the Lands They’re a Part Of?
-
The School of Hard Rocks: Disney and Universal’s Theme Restaurant Stalemate
To see all of our latest features visit our Features Page. Don’t forget to leave us a comment below or on our Facebook Page. If you have any ideas for a poll just let me know on [email protected]
