There’s something that bugs us about one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides.
I’ve been visiting Disney World for over 30 years, and during that time, I’ve often found myself struggling to figure out where to store my bags while on rides. Suffice to say, I was happy when Disney brought over the locker system for TRON Lightcycle/Run. However, the system isn’t perfect. In fact, there are a few issues with it that stick out like a sore thumb.
Before we get into what bugs us about the system, here’s a quick rundown of how it works, just in case you need a refresher. Late in the queue, just before heading to the boarding area, you’ll find yourself in a room full of lockers. You’ll use your MagicBand or physical Key to the World ticket to open a free locker and store your belongings. (Make sure to memorize the number, or take a photo on your phone).
After exiting the ride, you’ll find yourself on the other side of the lockers. Head to your locker and use your MagicBand or key to unlock it from the backside to access your belongings. While the dual-sided locker system is a pretty convenient way to store things while you’re riding TRON, there are some issues we’ve seen crop up time and time again.
You’ll Need a Physical “Ticket” to Access the Lockers
If you’re using the locker system, you will need a MagicBand or a Key to the World card to claim and then reopen your locker.
If you’re using MagicMobile – IE, using your smartphone and the My Disney Experience app as your ticket/to access Lightning Lanes/etc. – you’ll need to ask a Cast Member for a special temporary locker card to use.
What Happens if Your Bag is Too Big?
Recently, we almost ran into a space issue. Thanks to the backpack spacer we were using, our bag almost didn’t fit in the locker. Eventually, the bag did squeeze in, but it piqued our interest as to what would happen if someone had a bag that didn’t fit.
We asked a Cast Member what would happen in that situation and were told that we should let a locker Cast Member know, and then take it with us to the ride’s loading area. From there, we were told that another Cast Member would lead us to a place where we could store the bag during our ride, then pick it up after disembarking. HOWEVER, know that your bag will be left unattended during this time.
Getting Stuck
As we mentioned above, our backpack DID end up fitting in the locker. However, we did run into another issue. After squeezing our backpack into the lockers, the straps slipped through the door on the loading side, and we didn’t realize it. So, when we went to take it out, it was stuck. We told a Cast Member and gave them our locker number, and they went around to the other side and unlocked from the loading side so we could get the straps out.
TRON Lightcycle/Run’s locker system is a convenience for riders of the popular Magic Kingdom attraction, but there are definitely still some kinks to work out. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World takes.
I Had a Disappointing Experience at Magic Kingdom, and I Know I’m Not the Only One
What are your thoughts on the locker system? Let us know in the comments below.
All the examples sound like a user problem to me. I thought the locker system on Tron was a fantastic idea and wish Disney would use them on other rides.
I have used it several times with kids and it has worked fine.