What It’s Like To Win A Disney+ Perks Sweepstakes: Attending The Tron: Ares World Premiere

Hollywood’s red carpet isn’t just for A-listers and insiders

Before you shrug it off as impossible, meet the most recent proof: a self-proclaimed “uber fan” who scored seats at the Tron: Ares World Premiere. The Disney+ Perks Sweepstakes turned their love of all things Tron into a night packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Read our full interview with Jeanine C. below, and learn about how her simple entry evolved into a night on the Grid.

Note: interview has been edited for brevity and flow.

Interview with the Tron: Ares Sweepstakes Winner

How did you find out about the Disney+ Perks Tron: Ares Premiere Sweepstakes, and what made you decide to enter?

Jeanine C: I originally found out about the sweepstakes via a Disney+ Perks marketing email, then on the Perks website.

What were you hoping for when you entered — did you think you had a real shot?

Jeanine C: I think there’s always a hopeful feeling when you enter any sweepstakes, but realistically, I did not expect to win…even if there were multiple winners, or other prizes. I never win anything, but it doesn’t stop me from entering. I did not really think I had any real chance at winning it, especially given how much I totally geek out on the Tron-verse. I thought Murphy (Murphy’s Law) would be in play, and of course, I wouldn’t win something this awesome.

Was there something specific about this prize that made you want to enter? Are you a fan of the Tron franchise?

Jeanine C: I’m a total geek when it comes to Tron. I totally loved the first movie when it first came out and I know that I went to see it in theaters multiple times. I’ve been a fan ever since, and thought – wouldn’t it be really cool if I could win this? I’m like an uber fan, just stopping short of doing a cosplay thing. I’m enough of a fan that I even own an original coin-op Tron arcade machine that I pieced together from three separate machines. I loved that the second movie mirrored the first, but also expanded on it and brought in new characters to move the story along.

How would you describe your overall experience at the premiere? What was the atmosphere like?

Jeanine C: In a nutshell, it was overwhelmingly awesome. I have never been to an event like this, and will probably never attend one again. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it was excitingly-fun to watch it all happen. There was an air of excitement, and it was hard to contain the giddiness and just geeking out.

What did you think of Tron: Ares?

Jeanine C: Both my husband and I loved, loved, loved the movie. I liked that the story was taken into a different direction and updated to embrace the newer technology like AI, but touched upon the bases that make Tron, Tron. To be able to then see it on a huge IMAX screen was mind-blowing. We have IMAX theaters in Hawaii, but nothing the size of the TCL Theater. The special effects were absolutely stunning.

Can you share any fun memories or interactions you had while at the event?

Jeanine C: The entire experience was memorable, from start to finish. Meeting Hayley and Jessica from Disney, who helped walk us through the whole red carpet experience, helped to put us at ease, because clearly we felt out of our depth. Getting to see the prop lightcycles and the virtual photobooth was awesome. I loved that you could take a picture with lightcycles, or have a virtual photo done to look like you were ‘on the grid’ in a Tron costume.

What was it like interacting with the robots?

Jeanine C: My inner nerd was completely geeking out, not just from how cool it was, but it was mind-blowing to know that technology has come that far to even have a robot like that as a prop. To have a self-standing, wireless robot be able to articulate and have movement was super cool.

What’s one story from the event you’ll be telling all your friends?

Jeanine C: I think the entire experience is one big story that has been retold to friends and family over and over again, and will still be told by those who ask. Winning and being treated like a VIP is very humbling, and we were awestruck by the whole experience, from the initial first contact email, until we made it home. We’ve shared our experience with others, but always come back to telling them they need to see the movie, because we’re geeks like that.

Were there any moments at the event that you enjoyed most or surprised you?

Jeanine C: Outside of the movie itself, I think we enjoyed the whole red-carpet experience. That fans and celebrities alike were just wandering around and socializing and having a great time. We were surprised that there was a short concert after the movie and that was great too. I tend to be a wallflower, so to be able to take it all in and watch people enjoying themselves was kind of surreal.

What do you like to stream on Disney+?

Jeanine C: Everything. I like that there’s a wide range of things to watch on the platform. I can honestly say that I only pay for one streaming service and that’s Disney+. I was a fan from the pre-launch and I plunked down my payment even before it officially started streaming. We watch a lot of the Star Wars stuff — live action and animation, and I revisit some of the older stuff like Kim Possible, American Dragon: Jake Long, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, etc.

How has winning Tron: Ares Premiere Sweepstakes impacted your experience as a Disney+ subscriber?

Jeanine C: It’s definitely leveled it up. Although it’s the same streaming platform, I have a much greater appreciation when I’m watching it.

Are there any other comments you would like to share?

Jeanine C: The sweepstakes is one that I never thought I would win, and I am in shock and awe that I was selected. I am extremely grateful that I was able to attend. It’s like a bucket list item that I never knew was on my list in the first place.

The Tron Franchise on Disney+

Veterans of the Tron-verse know the excitement of that first journey onto the Grid. If it’s been a minute (or if you’re new to the franchise), fire up Tron and Tron: Legacy to enter the Grid: a digital world where programs take on human form, and motorcycles race on ribbons of light. Click here to learn more about the Tron Franchise on Explore Disney+.

What’s the plot of Tron: Ares?

The newest installment. Tron: Ares changes the formula, bringing the Grid into the real world for the first time ever.
Highly sophisticated AI program Ares enters our world on a dangerous mission with the ability to destroy us or save us. Expect the thrilling action and stunning visuals iconic to the Tron franchise and an original soundtrack from Nine Inch Nails, featuring the Grammy Nominated song, “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” Now’s the perfect time to enter the Grid. For a deeper dive on the Tron franchise, click here.

Add Tron: Ares to Watchlist

Discover Disney+ Perks

What is Disney+ Perks about?

Disney+ Perks is a loyalty program that rewards subscribers with benefits,* from simple everyday savings to stand-out events like this Tron: Ares World Premiere Giveaway or the previous Freakier Friday Premiere Giveaway. Entries are free for Disney+ subscribers. So join now. Who knows, you could be the next sweepstakes winner.

Learn more about the latest Perks, how to enter sweepstakes, and check out our article all about Disney+ Perks.

*Disney+ Perks requires an active Disney+ subscription and enrollment in the program; terms apply. See each promotion for applicable terms.