Disney Files NEW Permit That Could Change Park Rides Forever

With so many construction projects happening in Disney World right now, there are patents coming out like WILD.

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Don’t worry, we’re keeping track of them all so you don’t have to! This most recent patent, though? Well, this isn’t totally what we were expecting to see, but this new patent could reveal some interesting technology changes throughout the parks. While there’s no confirmation just yet on where this patent could potentially be applied, it’s for sure that it WOULD change how things work in the parks!

Disney’s new patent, published on April 23, 2026, is US Patent Application US 2026/0109316 A1, which details a new AI system that could help verify passengers’ restraints are properly in place. Described as “System and Method for Verifying Proper Usage of Passenger Restraints” in the patent, the AI would use video cameras combined with machine learning models to analyze whether a passenger restraint system is properly in place. This would account for lap restraints, over-the-shoulder restraints, or seat belt.

New Disney Patent

Currently, Cast Members check each and every restraint themselves, which takes time when loading. With this new system, it would drastically reduce the amount of time it takes for a ride car or vehicle to be cleared to begin. The technology would work by capturing continuous video of each passenger seat during the loading process, and then a restraint verification platform would analyze that footage using multiple machine learning models trained to detect the rider’s body position and size, the restraint being used, and if it’s properly locked.

New Disney Patent

This system is also designed to detect improper use that human operators might miss, such as when a guest is sitting on the seatbelt instead of using it properly, or if the seatbelt has been extended more than it should be. In addition to the video, the system would rely on video analytics with data from additional sensors, such as sensors that check if a guest is seated, check if a restraint is locked, and a rotary encoder device that measures the physical length of the extended seatbelt.

New Disney Patent

We’ll have to wait and see if this technology makes its way into the parks, but even if it does, we could be waiting a hot second, as if often takes patents time to be approved and make their way into being used. We’ll be sure to keep you updated every step of the way, so stay tuned to DFB!

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