News Tron coaster coming to the Magic Kingdom

[Surferboy567]

Well...I guess that is all the confirmation we need.

Not a fan of this decision. Not unexpected though

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The float issue is the only thing I can think of that would be a reason Martin couldn't be specific about due to it being a backstage function. Although it could also have to do with the death of a cast member involved with a float that if I recall correctly was near the Frontierland crossing. But is @Captain Barbossa beholden to the same secrecy, because he seems to know for sure so it would be helpful to just spit it out.

Yeah the two tunnels and grade crossings could be an issue.

There’s also the big thunder track crossing which is visible and signaled before departing Frontierland, but would potentially need signals for a reverse move.

I’m not sure what the big secret is either.

 

[Captain Barbossa]

Well... use your words. What’s so different?

The 2 grade crossings? The tunnels?

I have, on multiple occasions. But it all goes back to some people having hollow heads.

Yes, the main issue, at least to my eyes, is today’s safety and operations vs. 1990s’ safety and operations. But, there are also additional issues that play a factor to this situation, mainly being the grade crossings.

Now, I can’t confirm this because I’m not 100% sure, but I believe that there is a very, very good chance that there are not any sensors to trigger the crossings by trains coming from the counterclockwise direction. I think there is only one sensor for each crossing, being the sensor that is set off by trains coming from Main Street. If that’s the case, then the only way for the crossings to be triggered when there’s a train coming counterclockwise, is for someone to manually trigger them via the control box located at each crossing.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I have, on multiple occasions. But it all goes back to some people having hollow heads.

Yes, the main issue, at least to my eyes, is today’s safety and operations vs. 1990s’ safety and operations. But, there are also additional issues that play a factor to this situation, mainly being the grade crossings.

Now, I can’t confirm this because I’m not 100% sure, but I believe that there is a very, very good chance that there are not any sensors to trigger the crossings by trains coming from the counterclockwise direction. I think there is only one sensor for each crossing, being the sensor that is set off by trains coming from Main Street. If that’s the case, then the only way for the crossings to be triggered when there’s a train coming counterclockwise, is for someone to manually trigger them via the control box located at each crossing.

Yeah for regular operation you’d have to pay for additional signaling. You’d probably need signals at each tunnel to show the crossings ahead were activated and you’d possibly need a signal ahead of the big thunder crossing.

If you can dream it, you can do it!*

*unless it’s too expensive and / or doesn’t involve a Chapek favorites IP, void where prohibited by Iger.

 

[Jrb1979]

So what I gather is the train can't make a full loop so when it reaches Tomorrowland is has to go back the way it came and there is an issue running backwards?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

So what I gather is the train can't make a full loop so when it reaches Tomorrowland is has to go back the way it came and there is an issue running backwards?

The tracks have been gone because of the Tron Construction. The train has been closed for over 2 years now.

Operating the trains as a shuttle would be problematic. Could be done, but not simple and you’d end up with a single train shuttle. Maybe 900 an hour capacity? Probably not worth it.

Ideally they would have built a passing siding and operate 2 trains between fantasyland and frontierland only.

 

[Jrb1979]

The tracks have been gone because of the Tron Construction. The train has been closed for over 2 years now.

Operating the trains as a shuttle would be problematic. Could be done, but not simple and you’d end up with a single train shuttle. Maybe 900 an hour capacity? Probably not worth it.

Ideally they would have built a passing siding and operate 2 trains between fantasyland and frontierland only.

Why not just put new tracks down? Or is that an issue?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Why not just put new tracks down? Or is that an issue?

They will when they finish Tron... which is gonna be a while apparently. :-/

 

[Jrb1979]

They will when they finish Tron... which is gonna be a while apparently. :-/

All due to Covid the gift that keeps on giving.

 

[tparris]

I’m curious as to why they covered the opening with the same panels as the rest of the building, but seemingly a different type of protection for the main entrance and other openings.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I’m curious as to why they covered the opening with the same panels as the rest of the building, but seemingly a different type of protection for the main entrance and other openings.

Size of openings would be my guess. The track opening above is relatively small with a lot of steel around it which would make it fairly easy to add some girts across the opening and secure the insulated metal panels. The guest openings are longer spans so adding girts would requiring adding steel columns. A simple steel stud exterior wall is likely easier infill than all of that extra structure.

 

[mikeymouse]

What is it?

I would guess the two backstage crossings.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I would guess the two backstage crossings.

yes it’s likely the combination of crossings and tunnels and the way the signaling system is set up.

There are ways to make it possible, but they require work and money for a single train shuttle that would probably get poor guest reviews.

 

[EagleScout610]

I’m not at liberty to say. But think about the route and what they didn’t have to deal with in 1991.

Frontier station, since Splash was being built so it could boomerang between Toontown and Main Street

 

[EricsBiscuit]

If the WDWRR reopens before the COVID restrictions are lifted I can see them just doing the Grand Circle Tour from one of the stations (a complete trip, no stops). I would prefer this. It would probably be just a 2 train operation most days but it would definitely make life easier for Disney. They wouldn’t have to staff all 3 stations.

 

[marni1971]

If the WDWRR reopens before the COVID restrictions are lifted I can see them just doing the Grand Circle Tour from one of the stations (a complete trip, no stops). I would prefer this. It would probably be just a 2 train operation most days but it would definitely make life easier for Disney. They wouldn’t have to staff all 3 stations.

In the brief time it was open, Paris ran one train stopping at all stations with plastic dividers between every section of seating. Half of each section was closed to in effect have every other seating area left empty. But we’ve seen how Orlando no longer think they should do that on other attractions.

 

[marni1971]

I’m not sure what the big secret is either.

For me, I was asked not to reiterate what I was told. I didn’t ask why, I’ll just do as I’m asked in that respect.

 

[marni1971]

@TrainChasers I “only quoted you” since yours was the last post mentioning it. No offence meant if you took it wrongly.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

In the brief time it was open, Paris ran one train stopping at all stations with plastic dividers between every section of seating. Half of each section was closed to in effect have every other seating area left empty. But we’ve seen how Orlando no longer think they should do that on other attractions.

Was everyone forced to get off at each station?

 

[Surferboy567]

According to the latest Disney Dish. Despite the building being walled off their is discussion of a late fall early winter of 2021 soft opening for TRON.

This is a rumor, so please treat it as such grain of salt and all that.