Back in 1982, Disney released TRON, an exciting science fiction adventure about a software designer and computer programmer who was swallowed into the world of computer games. Now, 41 years later, they have built a ride based on this amazing, groundbreaking motion picture here in the United States. It was dedicated on March 15. It will have a “soft opening” at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in the Tomorrowland section from March 20 to April 2. The “hard opening” is scheduled for April 4, 2023. Construction on the ride started in 2018.
C’mon, Program. Do you want to ride a lightcycle?
The dedication ceremony featured Bruce Boxleitner, who played both the program Tron and his human programmer Alan Bradley and Cindy Morgan, who played Dr. Lora Baines and her electronic counterpart Yori, as well as Mickey and Minnie in spiffy new Tron outfits, and Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
Boxleitner said, “I’ve been on the Grid in the movie, but this, I mean … WOW. The sets were never like this. It feels like I’m home.”
Tron Lightcycle Run is a fast-paced ride in the dark with sharp turns, steep inclines, and descents, but no inversions or loop-de-loops. It is not recommended for guests prone to motion sickness nor with heart, back, or blood pressure problems. It is not recommended for pregnant ladies.
Bruce Boxleitner is best known for his work in westerns: Billy Montana in The Gambler franchise, Luke Macahan in How the West Was Won. He is also noted for his science fiction roles: Tron and Alan in Tron, John Sheridan in Babylon 5, Sheriff J.L. Jones in Legion of the Dead, Lt. Col. Challenger, USAF in King of the of the Lost World. In the historical fantasy TV show, Young Blades, he played Captain Duval. Boxleitner played Sheriff Hadley Ryan in Transformers: The Fall of Man. He has written two science fiction novels with western settings: Frontier Earth and Searcher.
Although new to the United States, the ride is already at China’s Shanghai Disneyland Park. The dedication was live-streamed March 15. The ride officially opens April 4, 2023.
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Susan Macdonald is the author of the children’s book “R is for Renaissance Faire”, as well as 26 short stories, mostly fantasy in “Alternative Truths”, “Swords and Sorceress #30”, Swords &Sorceries Vols. 1, 2, & 5, “Cat Tails” “Under Western Stars”, and “Knee-High Drummond and the Durango Kid”. Her articles have appeared on SCIFI.radio’s web site, in The Inquisitr, and in The Millington Star. She enjoys Renaissance Faires (see book above), science fiction conventions, Highland Games, and Native American pow-wows.
