We’ve got dates! Disney has released opening and return dates for a new attraction and two familiar nighttime spectaculars. Tron Lightcycle Run finally will make its debut in Magic Kingdom on April 4th while Happily Ever After and Epcot Forever will return to their respective parks (Magic Kingdom and Epcot) on April 3rd. In this post, we’ll cover the details as well as offer up our commentary!

After releasing a hint at the opening of TRON Lightcycle Run opening date yesterday, Disney went ahead and released the exact date today. April 4th is a strange choice, being a Tuesday but maybe they’re trying to rush it out before Easter. Since construction has been ongoing for the better part of 5 years, ‘rushing’ seems generous. Opening during spring break season is a nice perk for those with April trips planned.

If unaware, TRON Lightcycle Run is a bike coaster that will open in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Located behind the Speedway and connecting Storybook Circus, the new attraction is the biggest addition to the park since Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The coaster is a replica of what opened in Shanghai Disneyland.

Before the official opening date, there will be Annual Pass and DVC Member previews. The dates on those haven’t been announced yet. I’ll be curious to see if there will be a soft opening to the general public, as well. Over the last few years, Disney has pulled back on soft openings and instead opted for scheduled previews. I wouldn’t plan around the attraction being open for that very first weekend in April but it is a possibility.

I’m eager to see TRON Lightcycle Run finally open. It will add a marquee thrill ride to Magic Kingdom’s slate, while also enhancing Tomorrowland’s aesthetic.

Moving onto the nighttime spectaculars, Happily Ever After will return on April 3rd as Disney Enchantment will end the 50th anniversary run on April 2nd. I’m doubting there will be many fans there to celebrate the show on the 2nd, but plenty to dance on its grave on the 3rd. I’ve yet to meet anyone who prefers Enchantment over Happily Ever After because I don’t think that person exists. Maybe Bob Chapek does?

When it (re)debuts, Happily Ever After will include all new projections all the way down Main Street. The return of this fireworks show is great news as it remains one of the best nighttime spectaculars I’ve ever seen. After the lukewarm (if that) reception to Disney Enchantment, the change seemed inevitable but credit to Disney for actually doing that.

Finally, Epcot Forever is also returning on April 3rd. That will take the place of Harmonious which will end on April 2nd. I don’t really care about Epcot Forever but it’s a fine placeholder until a new show debuts later this year. I would expect the placeholder to last throughout the summer with a new show coming before the holiday season.

Harmonious did have more fans than Enchantment but I was not one of them. There were some very impressive moments in the show but I did not agree with the fit and the cost of having those dumb barges in the middle of the lagoon. Thankfully, those barges will be gone on April 3rd. I do wonder what kind of fate Harmonious would have met if those atrocities didn’t constantly sit in the middle of World Showcase. I’m hopeful that the new show will be a better fit for Epcot.

Overall, this is all great news! April 3rd and 4th will make Walt Disney World instantly better with the big news coming in the form of TRON Lightcycle Run.

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