NEW Disney Patent Gives HINT About the Future of Theme Park Rides

What technology will the next attraction feature? Ride technology is constantly advancing, and we are always curious about the next ride.

Monsters, Inc. Coaster Concept Art ©Disney

Well, we just got a hint about some of the technology being developed by Disney and Universal. Could the technology be a part of the next theme park attraction? It is definitely possible!

According to an article from the Orlando Business Journal, Disney and Universal have recently filed patents for new ride technology. The patent filings “signal a broader industry shift toward automated, interactive, and immersive systems.”

Animal Kingdom

Disney filed a patent for a “rider-controlled amusement park ride.” This ride technology would allow riders to actively participate in their own ride experience. By leaning forward or applying pressure, riders would directly impact the vehicle’s position.

©Disney Enterprises, Inc.

This “rider-controlled” technology could open doors for more interactive guest experiences. While we have seen interactive attractions like Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this technology could bring even more interactivity into the Disney parks. One of the diagrams shows a ride system that looks similar to Soarin’, while another looks like a rider in a plane.

©Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Based on the drawings, could we be in for a more exciting experience on Soarin’? Or maybe we could be in the driver’s seat for a brand-new thrill ride? Only time will tell.

©Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Universal also recently filed two patents for ride technology. The first patent is for a “round ride system.” In this patent, the ride has a center wheel with multiple spokes of ride vehicles. There are two drive systems in the design, so both the center wheel and the spokes move independently of each other.

©Universal City Studios LLC

That means that a lot of movement could happen at once, creating unique sensations that are “wave-like or spiraling.” Also, since each spoke can move independently of the others, each ride could offer a different experience for the rider. We are getting a bit of Mission: Space Orange vibes from this ride technology, but we are still curious how Universal might implement it into their parks.

©Universal City Studios LLC

The second patent filed by Universal is for “real-time proximity operation and object handoff.” The system outlined in the patent would allow for “seamless movement of large show elements between components during live shows or attractions.”

This technology could “enable complex choreography and special effects without breaking the flow of action.” It would include a manipulator that would transfer the show structure from the first movable component to the second movable component. The show-ride system would assist in providing instructions for adjustments to complete the transfer while one or both of the movable components are in motion.

It is always exciting to see ride technology being developed, and we can’t wait to see how Disney and Universal incorporate their patents into their theme parks. We are already eagerly anticipating Epic Universe, Universal’s brand-new theme park, and new attractions from Disney, including Cars attractions in Magic Kingdom and a Monsters, Inc. Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We can’t wait to see what else will be coming to the theme parks in the future!