TRON Lightcycle/Run: Tips For Guests Needing Mobility Access

Earlier in the year, I had planned a trip to Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, I had to delay my travels until December. One of the attractions I was looking forward to experiencing was one of the newest, TRON Lightcycle/Run. My trip is now imminent. I wanted to understand more about the attraction to prepare myself for what I would confront with my mobility limitations. The more I learned, the more I wanted to share this information. Hence, I am writing about “Tips For Guests Needing Mobility Access” at TRON Lightcycle/Run. Here’s the link to the official Walt Disney World description of the attraction.

I’m “Putting The Cart Before The Horse” By Writing This Blog Post About TRON Lightcycle/Run

After researching and viewing many YouTube videos, I decided to “wing it” and write this blog post without ever experiencing the attraction. Yes, “it’s putting the cart before the horse.” But I can make it work. It’s incredible how much information you can obtain beforehand without personally experiencing something.

One of the best sources about TRON Lightcycle/Run came from TouringPlans.com. Culling information from this and other references has enabled me to write about this subject in a factual and meaningful manner. Indeed, come next month, I should be well prepared to ride TRON Lightcycle/Run and make any updates to this post if necessary.

The Design Of The TRON Lightcycle/Run Vehicle Design Is Not Friendly For Guests With Mobility Issues And Many Other Individuals

Overall, the vehicle design of the TRON Lightcycle/Run could have been more friendly for Guests with mobility issues and many other individuals. Riding for heavier body types, tall people, or people with large calves is challenging.

Near the attraction queue entrance are a few stationary “test” Lightcycles, where you can sit on one, determine its comfort, and attempt to lock your calves into place. If you feel comfortable and can achieve this, you’re good to go.

If you cannot, you’ll need to ride in one of the unique vehicles, referred to by Disney as the “Light Rover.” It’s a regular car-style roller coaster vehicle. From what I’ve come to understand, it’s a better ride experience because you can see more from upright seating instead of leaning forward and lower on the Lightcycle conveyance.

You’ll Have To Park Your ECV And Transfer To A Wheelchair If Necessary

Since my blogs are primarily about mobility access at theme parks, let me explain the steps necessary to enable Guests with mobility limitations to ride TRON Lifecycle/Run. ECVs are not allowed past the entry point or in the boarding area. You must transfer to a provided wheelchair. Doing so will enable riders access to the queue and boarding areas.

The parking area for ECVs is near the top left side of the sweeping entrance walkway. Or to the right of the restrooms. You can use your ECV up the walkway to that point. As mentioned, you can borrow any available Disney-supplied wheelchair to get you through the queue and to the ride-boarding stations. You may have to wait a bit if one is not available immediately.

If you are in a personal wheelchair, continue up the ramp to the entrance queue and boarding stations and await instructions from the attending Cast Member. You may bring electric wheelchairs, rollators, canes, and walkers into the queue and boarding area. However, you must be able to transfer to the attraction vehicle. Cast Members can guide you, but they are not allowed to assist you physically. Again, the only mobility aid not permitted in the area is an Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV.)

You Must Stow Most Of Your Carry-On Items In The Free Provided Lockers While Riding TRON Lightcycle/Run

Once inside the entrance queue and heading towards the boarding areas, you’ll come across lockers on the left side. All personal items must be stowed in these lockers and are not allowed while riding. They’re free and easy to use. You’ll pick up your things when leaving the attraction by reaccessing the lockers. There are two electronic locking doors on each locker. One locker door is at the entrance to the attraction, and the other as you’re leaving. There are many good articles on websites and YouTube videos about these lockers. Here is a link to one of the better ones by MickeyBlog.Com, describing all the pertinent details.

Restrooms, Water Fountains, And A Refillable Water Bottle Station Are Located Before The Attraction Entry Queue

There’s no need to go on an adventure to find a restroom in Tomorrowland before you hop on TRON. There is an easily accessible bathroom right outside the queue that you can use before or after your race through the Grid. Once you get off the ride, there’s a refillable water bottle station and water fountains next to the bathrooms. 

At The Attraction Boarding Point, You Have Options

At the point of boarding, you can sit on one of Tron’s Lightcycle (motorcycle-like) vehicles or sit in a special car, as pictured below. You may not fit comfortably or be able to climb on the Lightcycle, but the Light Rovers’ design is for your comfort and convenience. To be directed accordingly, tell the attending Cast Member about your choice.

Instead of climbing onto the vehicle, you’ll enter the opening by entering the attraction car, stepping up, and then into the vehicle. If need be, the door can swing open, as shown below. That makes the entry point much wider for easier access. A Cast Member will assist you with this function.

Be patient because only some groups of Lightcycles have one of the unique cars available. You may have to wait a few minutes before it’s your turn, especially if other Guests are waiting in front of you for the particular car.

After the ride, your wheelchair or device you used to get to the boarding location will be waiting for you. You’ll leave the area, stop to get your belongings from the locker, and head down to where you parked your ECV.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, don’t let your mobility disability deter you from experiencing the attraction. Remember you do not have to hurry! Take your time when entering and exiting the vehicle of your choice, and do so safely. Above all, feel free to use the unique ride vehicle. The car is available as an option and for a good reason. Disney wants all Guests to feel included and have a great attraction experience. I hope that you enjoy your ride. I know that I will!

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