How can you guarantee you don’t miss your chance to ride TRON Lightcycle Run? This is everything you need to know about how to ride the fastest roller coaster at Disney World!
There are only two ways you can ride TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World—and neither involve waiting in line.
You’ll learn the best tips and tricks on how to navigate Disney’s Virtual Queues and Individual Lightning Lane selections so that you know exactly how to ride TRON Lightcycle Run on your next trip.
Let’s “speed” right in!
This post is all about How to ride TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World.
What is TRON Lightcycle Run
TRON Lightcycle Run is the newest roller coaster to make the thriller attraction line-up at Disney World. It has speeds reaching nearly 60 mph making it the fastest ride in Magic Kingdom and the fastest roller coaster at Disney.
You’ll board a light cycle for Team Blue for a high-stakes journey through the Grid to defeat Team Orange. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about watch TRON: Legacy—the movie the ride is themed after.
Unlike Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios, TRON does not go upside down or have any inversions. It also doesn’t have any backwards launches or steep drops. But that doesn’t stop it from being a thrill ride.
TRON starts by launching you outdoors from zero to nearly 60 mph before bringing you inside to zoom through different neon Energy Gates in the dark.
what does the tron vehicle look like
The ride vehicle for the TRON roller coaster is very unique. It is similar to riding a motorcycle and has a very similar, yet very different, feel as the Avatar: Flight of Passage ride vehicle.
Don’t let the ride vehicle deter you from riding though! Disney offers accessible seating in addition to the light cycle. These seats are more traditional roller coaster seats and meant to accommodate all body types and guests of varying comfort levels. So, if you feel like the light cycle just isn’t your thing, definitely ask a TRON Cast Member to sit here instead.
PRO TIP: Even if you’re a confident rider, be sure to test out the ride vehicle outside of the TRON queue. This will give you a better sense of how to board and will save you any confusion when it’s your turn to ride.
DISNEY TRIVIA: If you want to impress your friends with Disney knowledge, read this! Although TRON is the fastest roller coaster, it’s not the fastest ride at Walt Disney World. That title actually belongs to Test Track as it reaches speeds over 60mph.
Is TRON a Kids Ride?
You may think that because TRON is in the Magic Kingdom that it’s geared towards young kiddos—that couldn’t be further from the truth.
TRON Lightcycle Run has a height requirement of 48″
TRON has speeds reaching close to 60mph, a fast launch, and takes place mostly in the dark making it a perfect ride for thrill seekers.
Although it doesn’t go upside down, it is still an intense experience. Test your younger or more timid riders on Space Mountain (located right next door to TRON) or Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom to decide if they’re ready to ride TRON Lightcycle Run.
If you do decide to take your kiddos on the TRON coaster and they hate it, it only lasts for just over a minute and will be over before they know it.
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What you should know BEFORE you get to Magic Kingdom
Before you can ride TRON Lightcycle Run you’ll be REQUIRED to join the free Virtual Queue or purchase an Individual Lightning Lane selection through Disney Genie.
You will NOT be able to wait in the Standby Queue to ride.
You can do one or both of these things through the My Disney Experience app. Pro Tip: Be sure to have the newest version downloaded to your phone before you try to secure your spot!
If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, consider using my free vacation planning services to book your trip. There are no extra charges or fees when you book through me as your own personal Disney Google to answer any and all questions you have in real time!
How to ride TRON for free
Since the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney has been implementing new ways of riding the newest and best attractions at Disney World through Virtual Queues.
Virtual Queues are Disney’s way of allowing you to wait in line without actually having to wait in line. We’ve since seen this service with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
How Virtual Queues Work
On the morning of your Magic Kingdom day, you’ll have the opportunity to join the Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle Run using the My Disney Experience app. Below you’ll find the exact steps on how to do this.
Disney opens the free Virtual Queue system twice a day—once at 7am and again at 1pm. Have your game plan prepared BEFORE these distribution times as the free Virtual Queues will be gone in seconds.
When you join a Virtual Queue, Disney will give you a time when you can come back to ride. You won’t get to pick your return time, so make sure your app notifications are turned on so you know when to return. While you wait for your return time, you can enjoy Magic Kingdom (or other areas of Walt Disney World) while you wait.
Navigating the free TRON Virtual Queue system can be intimidating. Below are the EXACT steps you need to take to secure your free spot on a TRON light cycle.
Who are Virtual Queues Best For
The Virtual Queue system is best for anyone not willing to pay to ride TRON Lightcycle Run and for anyone who can be more flexible–meaning that you are okay with any return time that is given to you. I also recommend pairing TRON Virtual Queues with Individual Lightning Lanes for anyone wanting to ride TRON more than once in a day.
I don’t recommend the Virtual Queue system for anyone that has a lot scheduled in their day. Mainly because Disney will give you a return time to ride TRON roller coaster and it could be during a time that you have a dining reservation, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservation, or a time when you’re planning to leave Magic Kingdom for a break or to Park Hop.
If you are planning to Park Hop to Magic Kingdom you will not be able to book a Virtual Queue for TRON and will only be able to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane.
How to enter the virtual queue for TRON
- Close out all apps on your phone and get off of Disney’s Wi-Fi.
- Log in to your My Disney Experience account about 10-minutes before one of the distribution times at 7am or 1pm.
- Click the three horizontal lines on the bottom right hand side of the screen.
- Click “Virtual Queues”
- Click “Join Virtual Queue” and make sure you’re on the Magic Kingdom tab.
- Confirm your riding party beforehand by ensuring everyone who wants to ride is listed on this screen.
- This can be done anytime starting at 6am.
- Just before the distribution time, pull your finger down on the screen to refresh it until you see the “Join” button turn blue. This button will turn blue as soon as the clock changes to 7am or 1pm so be ready!
- PRO TIP: Have a World Clock that shows the seconds pulled up on another device and refresh your screen exactly at 6:59:59am or 12:59:59am.
- As soon as you see the “Join Virtual Queue” button turn blue, click it!
- Quickly click the next “Join” Button on the next screen.
- If successful, the next screen will be your Virtual Queue Boarding Group and estimated return time.
- Take a screenshot of your Boarding Group as a back-up.
Expert Tips for Both Virtual Queue distribution times
- Make sure to update your My Disney Experience (MDE) app to the newest version in advance.
- Link everyone you’re traveling with as “Friends & Family” in the MDE app, otherwise you will be placed in different virtual queues and ride at different times.
- Only one guest in your group should attempt to secure a Virtual Queue at a time. Multiple guests and devices attempting to enroll in the Virtual Queue will complicate securing a Boarding Group.
- If possible, try doing this from the newest phone in your group.
- Make sure “push notifications” are turned on and “do not disturb” is truned off for MDE so you will be alerted when your group is called to return.
- You’ll have up to an hour from the time of the alert to go to the entrance of TRON to ride.
- Check your return time multiple times. The first return time you’ll be given is just an estimate and will likely change. To avoid missing your time, be sure to stay attentive to MDE and when your return time actually is.
What to Know for the 1pm distribution time (as well as the tips above)
You and ALL Guests wanting to ride TRON must have scanned into Magic Kingdom before 1pm to access the Virtual Queue distribution time.
- Give yourself at least two hours to arrive at Magic Kingdom, pass through security and enter the park.
- If you want to be there for the 1pm distribution time, arrive at Magic Kingdom no later than 12:00pm.
- Do not use Disney’s Wi-Fi—just trust me on this.
- After you’ve received a Boarding Group, feel free to use your phone as normal.
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TRON Virtual Queues for Deluxe Resort Guests
If you are staying at one of Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts, you’ll get an additional opportunity to enter the free Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle Run.
On nights with Extended Evening Hours at Magic Kingdom, Deluxe Resort guests will be able to enter the Virtual Queue for TRON starting at 6:00pm. Don’t worry if you have a dining reservation outside of Magic Kingdom during this distribution time, because you will not have to be inside Magic Kingdom to book your 6pm virtual queue.
To be able to enter the 6:00 pm Virtual Queue queue for TRON, Deluxe Resort guests will need either a park pass reservation for Magic Kingdom or a park hopper ticket for that day. You’ll use the same exact steps from above to book your TRON Virtual Queue at 6:00 pm.
Deluxe Resort Locations for TRON VIRTUAL QUEUE at 6pm
- Disney Deluxe Resorts: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Other Select Hotels: Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®
How to pay to ride TRON
Your second option to guarantee you ride TRON Lightcycle Run is to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane.
Individual Lightning Lanes (ILL) are paid “FastPasses” for the best attractions at Walt Disney World. When you purchase an ILL you’ll be able to skip the main standby line and enter the Lightning Lane where you’ll wait a minimal amount of time to ride.
With ILL’s, you’re able to pick your return time that you want to come back and ride TRON. Once you purchase an ILL you won’t be able to make any modifications or changes so be sure you’re purchasing the best time that works for your group.
Although ILL’s are a part of Disney Genie, they are not included with the purchase of Genie+. They’re completely separate, so know that if you plan to buy Genie+ for this park day that you’ll still need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for TRON separately. To learn EVERYTHING you need to know about Disney Genie read this post!
How much do Individual lightning lanes cost
Individual Lightning Lanes range from $15 to $20 per person and fluctuate in price depending on crowd levels and the time of year.
Not everyone in your group has to purchase an ILL for TRON–but everyone who wants to ride TRON using ILL will NEED to purchase an ILL.
For example, let’s say an ILL for TRON is $20 per person for your trip. Only 4 of the 6 guests you’re traveling with want to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for TRON. You will pay $80 for those four people to have an ILL for TRON while the other two guests won’t ride using an ILL.
Who are individual lightning lanes best for
Individual Lightning Lanes are best for guests who don’t mind spending the extra money to ride TRON Lightcycle Run and for anyone who prefers to know exactly when they’re going to be able to ride.
If you want to ride TRON more than once you’ll need to purchase an ILL and secure a Virtual Queue using the steps above.
If you are Park Hopping into Magic Kingdom later in the day, the only way you’ll be able to ride TRON is by purchasing an ILL.
I don’t recommend going for an ILL if you really don’t want to stretch your Disney budget and you’re okay with being flexible on what time you ride the TRON roller coaster.
How to purchase an individual lighting lane
- Log in to your My Disney Experience account about 10 minutes before 7am on the day of your Magic Kingdom visit.
- Click the three horizontal lines on the bottom right hand side of the screen.
- Click “Tip Board”
- When the Disney Genie Tip Board pops up, make sure Magic Kingdom appears at the top of the screen
- If not, click “Change Park” and change it to Magic Kingdom.
- Pay attention and wait for when the clock strikes 7am.
- Tip: Have a World Clock that shows the seconds pulled up on another device and refresh your screen exactly at 6:59:59am.
- The second the clock turns 7am, refresh the screen by pulling your finger down.
- Quickly click the box that says “LL Individual Lightning Lane” underneath TRON Lightcycle Run
- From here you’ll follow the prompts for selecting the time and traveling party wanting to ride.
Important individual lightning lane tips
You’ll want to add TRON Lightcycle Run to the “My Top Picks” section of your Disney Genie Tip Board BEFORE trying to secure an ILL at 7am. Doing this will make TRON appear at the top of your screen and will save you previous seconds for when you’re trying to snag an ILL quickly!
How to add TRON to your “My Top Picks”
- Within the MDE app, click the three horizontal lines on the bottom right hand side of the screen
- Click “My Disney Genie Day”
- Click “Get Started Now” and then “Start Now”
- A screen will pop up giving you the option to “check” the different experiences you wish to appear as “Top Experiences”
- You’ll check your favorites in three categories: Attractions, Entertainment, & Dining
- Be selective here. You don’t want to click all the rides you want to do at Magic Kingdom because it will clutter your Tip Board and defeat the purpose of curating your “My Top Picks” list.
- I recommend only picking TRON and one other attraction that you wish to make a Genie+ selection for at 7am (if you’re choosing to purchase Genie+)
- After you’ve made your first Disney Genie+ reservation, go in and and add additonal favorites to your “My Top Picks”
- To edit your selections, simply click “Edit Selections” when looking at your “My Top Picks” on your Tip Board in the Disney Genie section of your app.
- I recommend doing this for each park during your visit, not just for TRON Lightcycle Run
- Once you’ve purchased an ILL for TRON, go in and remove it from your “My Top Picks” to help declutter your Genie Tip Board. This will help you keep track of attractions you wish to do more easily.
How to plan your Magic Kingdom Day for TRON
There is no one-size-fits-all guide for planning your Magic Kingdom itinerary to ride the TRON roller coaster. You’ll want to decide if you’re willing to pay to ride, how many times you want to ride, and if it’s worth taking the risk on what return time you get.
Generally speaking, I would recommend first trying for a Virtual Queue. Next you’ll book your first Genie+ selection (if you’re purchasing it for that day) and then purchase an ILL if you were unsuccessful in securing a Virtual Queue at 7am or if you want to ride more than once.
If you’re in the beginning stages of planning a Disney vacation, I would love to help take some of the stress off of your shoulders. My planning services are completely free to you and I will work with your family to make a completely custom itinerary unique to you and your groups needs! You can learn more about my vacation planning services here or request your free no-obligation quote here!
Whew, I know that was a lot of information to take in. I hope you found this post helpful and that it answered any and all questions you have about how to ride TRON Lightcycle Run at Disney World. If you found this post helpful pin it for later or share it with a friend!
