TRON Lightcycle Run is showing its age just eight months after opening in the Tomorrowland section of Magic Kingdom. We recently noticed an extensive buildup of filth around the exterior of the high-speed roller coaster, which commenced general operations in April of 2023.

TRON Lightcycle Run Filth Buildup

Substantial amounts of an unidentified dark substance have built up on many of the attraction’s exterior structural and support beams. We found the largest buildup on the attraction’s overhead canopy that covers its outside track, specifically near the point at which riders re-enter the show building.

A dark brown, almost black, matter now covers many of the once glistening white beams and details in this section of the ride. It’s difficult to identify what, exactly, the buildup is from several feet away. It’s possible that this is just a significant amount of dirt densely concentrated in specific areas. Our reporter on the scene noted that it looks like mildew or mold.

The most significant buildups are in shadowed areas covered by other portions of the attraction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that mold can grow in “places with a lot of moisture,” with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noting that “sometimes, humidity or dampness (water vapor) in the air can supply enough moisture for mold growth.” The EPA also states that mold “does not need light to grow” and “can grow in dark areas.”

The buildup is visible on the curved beam that surrounds the canopy and on many of the interior support poles.

It’s important to note that the intricacies of the built-up substance are not known at this time. The matter may simply be dirt and general grime.

The matter is also present and noticeable directly underneath the opening in which guests re-enter the building.

Though the matter wraps around the entirety of some beams, the areas of heaviest buildup appear to be directly underneath other structures.

The concentration of the buildup does not seem as dense in areas that receive some sunlight, though the matter is still present.

For comparison, included below are photos of general dust and dirt buildup. Limited amounts of grime can be anticipated on the exterior of attractions given constant exposure to weather and heavy foot traffic.

TRON Lightcycle Run

TRON Lightcycle Run was announced for Magic Kingdom at D23 Epxo in 2017. It’s a clone of the Shanghai Disneyland attraction that opened alongside that park on June 16, 2016. The Shanghai Disneyland roller coaster was installed in lieu of a version of Space Mountain; at Magic Kingdom, the attraction was installed directly next to Space Mountain.

The queue, canopy area, and attraction itself all take inspiration from the 1982 film “TRON” and its 2010 sequel, “TRON Legacy.” The queue’s light-up circuit-inspired walls were recently made solid black, though we were told by Cast Members that the lights will ultimately return.

We have a full guide to TRON Lightcycle Run and its associated new offerings right here.

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