Disney is always thinking ahead, especially when it comes to new technology. Most recently, we’ve seen new technology put into the Frozen Ever After ride in EPCOT, which recently got updated animatronics. We’ve also seen some cool robotic tech put to use, including a walking and talking version of Olaf for World of Frozen.
©Disney
New ideas come to Disney Imagineers all the time, which is why it’s really interesting when the company files new patents for ride updates. Well, Disney recently filed a new patent that could seriously change the future of its rides.
The new patent is for a ride system that uses a ride that can move along a track, but is also attached to a movable arm. The arm could move a ride vehicle up, down, sideways, backwards, and more, while still on the ride track. So a ride could potentially move around on the track in a way we’ve never seen before. Here’s a diagram that makes it clearer how this could work.
©Disney
According to the patent, the ride system includes a ride vehicle that can move normally on a ride track, but an arm is attached to the ride vehicle that can articulate to adjust the position of the ride vehicle relative to the track, “wherein the ride vehicle is movable separately from the arm.” Okay, mind blown. The arm is also extendable to move the ride vehicle towards and away from the track, as well as to change the lateral position of the vehicle on the track.
©Disney
This ride system could provide a more “immersive and unique guest experience,” according to the patent. The ride system examples show how it could even allow ride vehicles to span gaps in the show floor and even allow for “jumping-type” experiences. Pretty much, the possibilities are nearly endless. Oh, and the patent mentions that this ride system could also allow for guests to control ride vehicle movement.
©Disney
The patent shows multiple ways in which this ride system could be used, using ride vehicles shaped like boats, cars, and flying vehicles. So this doesn’t seem to be something Disney is considering for just one kind of ride, but maybe multiple rides.
©Disney
Of course, patents that never get used get filed ALL the time, so there’s no guarantee we’ll see this on a future Disney attraction. But it just goes to show that Disney Imagineers are always thinking up new ways to make rides even more fun and immersive, and have ways of making that happen.
We’ll keep an eye out for more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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Sounds like the Mine Cart Madness ride at Epic Universe, from the description and the diagram. I guess competition among theme parks is a good thing.