Disney Redoing Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster Just 2 Years Later

Magic Kingdom will look a little different next month as the Tron Lightcycle / Run roller coaster will get an interesting facelift less than two years after opening.

An evil red program appears in Tron Ares, which will be an overlay in Magic Kingdom in September 2025. — Credit: Disney

Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster Getting a New Overlay

Imagine strapping into one of Disney’s fastest coasters only to find yourself racing through glowing tunnels of fire-red light instead of the familiar cool-blue Grid. The pulsing soundtrack feels heavier, darker—more industrial than futuristic. For many guests, this shift might feel disorienting, even unsettling. But for others, it’s exactly the kind of daring update they’ve been waiting for.

Theme park fans know that Disney rarely changes a major attraction once it’s opened. Rides typically remain in their “classic” forms for years, sometimes decades. Yet, in an unexpected announcement at this year’s Destination D23 showcase, Disney revealed a dramatic temporary transformation coming to TRON Lightcycle / Run. And for longtime fans of the TRON franchise, this may be the boldest update yet.

So, what exactly is changing, and how will it affect your next Magic Kingdom visit? Let’s break down everything Disney just confirmed, plus insider tips on how to make the most of this new experience.

Jared Leto in new Tron: Ares trailer — Credit:Disney

What’s New with TRON Lightcycle / Run

During the Walt Disney Studios presentation at Destination D23, Disney announced that TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom—and its twin in Shanghai—will receive a striking temporary overlay to celebrate the upcoming Tron: Ares film.

Worlds are colliding. A red overlay and music from Nine Inch Nails are on the way to Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disney Resort to celebrate Tron: Ares coming to theaters October 10. – @DisneyD23 on X

Worlds are colliding.

A red overlay and music from Nine Inch Nails are on the way to Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disney Resort to celebrate Tron: Ares coming to theaters October 10. 🎶 https://t.co/lzRkwwNPge pic.twitter.com/yu2hw7cq9H

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) August 30, 2025

Here’s what riders can expect:

Visual Overhaul: The cool blue-and-orange glow of the Grid will be replaced by deep red and orange tones inspired by the new movie.
Updated Ride Effects: Expect intense tunnel visuals and glowing red light trails that heighten the sense of speed.
New Soundtrack: Industrial tracks from Nine Inch Nails will replace the current electronic score, driving a more aggressive ride tone.

Launch Dates:

Magic Kingdom (Walt Disney World): September 15, 2025
Shanghai Disneyland: September 16, 2025

Disney has clarified that this is a limited-time overlay tied to the film’s promotional run, though no official end date has been announced.

Experience a futuristic roller coaster with riders on motorcycle-style vehicles inside a dome lit with blue and pink lights, creating a glowing and dynamic atmosphere. Secure your spot effortlessly through the virtual queue for an unforgettable adventure. — Credit: Disney

How to Experience the Overlay Without the Stress

TRON Lightcycle / Run remains one of Disney’s hardest rides to secure, relying heavily on virtual queue slots and Individual Lightning Lane purchases. With this overlay, expect demand to skyrocket.

Here’s how to boost your chances:

Consider Lightning Lane: If this is your must-do ride, budget for the skip-the-line purchase.
Ride at Night: The exterior canopy, glowing red with the new overlay, will look even more spectacular after dark.

Riders aboard TRON Lightcycle / Run — Credit: D23

Hidden Hacks Only Frequent Visitors Know

Want to avoid the worst of the crowds? Try these insider tips:

Standby Viewing: Even if you don’t ride, you can watch the launch area from Tomorrowland for free—a great way to see the red light trails.
Alternate Photo Spots: The bridge near Storybook Circus offers an amazing panoramic shot of the ride’s glowing canopy.
Snack Pairing: Tomorrowland often releases themed treats for overlays—check Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café for possible Tron: Ares exclusives.

Jeff Bridges Tron Promo for Disney, a new ride at Magic Kingdom. — Credit: Disney

Why This Matters to Disney and Magic Kingdom Fans

This marks the first major visual change to TRON Lightcycle / Run since it opened in April 2023. For fans, it’s more than just a marketing push—it represents Disney experimenting with seasonal overlays for thrill rides, something typically reserved for Haunted Mansion or Space Mountain.

Social media is already buzzing with reactions, ranging from excitement over the edgier vibe to concerns about the ride losing its sleek futurism. Whether you love or hate the change, one thing’s certain: this overlay will be a defining moment for TRON fans worldwide.

The TRON: Ares overlay gives guests a rare chance to see one of Disney’s newest attractions in a completely different light—literally. If you’ve already experienced the original Grid, this update is your excuse to ride again before it disappears.

Have you braved the Grid before? Will you ride again with the fiery new Tron: Ares look? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and tag us with your TRON ride photos on Instagram.