With the opening of Tomorrowland Launch Depot now delayed, Walt Disney World is preparing to pivot to allow guests to purchase TRON Lightcycle / Run merchandise from another Tomorrowland retail location: Star Traders.
Star Traders
Star Traders is a retail location located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. We stopped in today and noticed a table had been staged and covered with a black tablecloth. A Cast Member confirmed to us that this will be TRON merchandise and that shoppers will only be allowed to come in and shop with a reservation. While that was all that we were able to confirm, it seems like a portion of the store will be closed and reserved for shoppers with a reservation only.
It is possible that in addition to the Star Traders shopping experience, Disney may set up tables under the PeopleMover track nearby or even in the air-conditioned interior of the retired Stitch’s Great Escape attraction, which was recently used for photo ops during 2022’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney is pivoting to the use of these spaces because the Tomorrowland Launch Depot shop won’t be finished in time for the April 4 TRON Lightcycle Run grand opening.
Tomorrowland Launch Depot Opening Delayed
Last month, we found out that the former Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. had been officially renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot. According to Cast Members in Guest Services, the Tomorrowland Launch Depot store opening is expected to be delayed until April 5, missing the projected opening of April 4 when TRON Lightcycle Run officially opens to Walt Disney World guests.
TRON Identity Program
Reservations for the TRON Identity Program are expected to be canceled for opening day, as well. Earlier this month, reservations opened for the new TRON Identity Program, allowing guests the first opportunity to customize and personalize their very own action figure. While the program was set to begin on April 4, in conjunction with the official opening of the attraction, guests with opening day reservations should expect those reservations to be canceled, according to Guest Services.
Guests who had reservations for the opening day of the experience are reportedly being offered a $90 gift certificate for the trouble. Guests that have spoken with Cast Members were also reportedly told that they would have exclusive access to merchandise if they choose to visit TRON Lightcycle / Run on opening day despite the cancelation of the booked experience. At the time of publication, many, but not all, guests with reservations for April 4 have been informed of the cancelation.
While Guest Services confirmed the delayed opening of Tomorrowland Launch Depot and the cancelation of reservations for the TRON Identity Program, the reason for the delayed opening was not immediately shared. Both are currently still scheduled for the following day, April 5.
In what’s described as a 20-minute experience, the guest, referred to in this experience as the “User,” has their face scanned, and is then offered a series of options for team colors, helmets, and body configurations. The “User” also has varying programs, or roles, for their figure — such as Enforcer or Combatant. At the end of the experience, an extra layer of personalization is added, in which six lines of unique dialogue may be recorded. Figures are estimated to be finished about an hour after the guest completes the process.
Considering the intricacy of these features, the action figures are priced higher than a usual store-bought product, at $89.99. Reservations for the experience can be made here.
The walkway next to the newly renamed Tomorrowland Launch Depot at Magic Kingdom has opened to all guests, meaning anyone can currently access Energy Bytes, the TRON snack stand. Check out our full review of each of the treats available at the new snack stand.
Only guests with a virtual queue group or individual Lightning Lane for TRON Lightcycle / Run can access the ride until it officially opens to guests on April 4. Check out our full POV of the newest coaster at Walt Disney World below.
Full Coaster POV Video of TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
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