“Never Before Seen” Ride Invention Could Be Coming to Disney Parks!

If you think theme park rides are interesting, fun, and technologically advanced now, just wait until you see what could be made in the future.

We’ve taken a look at some fascinating patents over the last few years, including one that could hint at a Moana boat ride in Disney World, an invention that could change rides in a big way, and some technology that could make 3D glasses obsolete. So just what is being worked on now? Apparently, it’s technology for rides that includes a “drop swing propulsion system” that could really take things to the next level!

Disney has filed a patent for something called a “Park Ride with Drop Swing Propulsion.” (Document ID US 20220362682 A1 — published on November 17th, 2022).

So what does this actually involve? Well, Disney notes that there is a continuing demand for “new and surprising ride experiences.” But the old ride designs just won’t do! Visitors have “high expectations and demand that rides provide unique experiences” that encourage them to come back again and again. So what do you do?

Well, Disney notes that roller casters exist in many parks but people typically know what type of experience to expect from a roller coaster. Even water rides have become predictable. So, “there remains a need for new park ride designs that modify the physical sensation experienced and that change how a vehicle travels along the ride path.”

That’s where Disney’s patented technology comes in. It’s aimed at surprising guests when they experience a ride that they “think they know.” With this new invention, there’s a track that features a drop swing propulsion system — something “never before seen in theme or amusement parks.”

Essentially, the drop swing propulsion system is designed to “drop a track section” that is supporting the ride vehicle from an initial height to a second height that is LOWER than the first height — that could result in a change in elevation of 5 to 20 feet or even MORE. It’s giving us Tower of Terror mixed with roller coaster vibes — but even more unique!

According to the patent, the system would use the momentum that is created by this drop to provide “propulsion to the vehicle(s).” The vehicle might be propelled in the same direction after the drop, or the direction might even change.

Essentially the ride would have a “drop and swing motion” thanks to this system. Disney goes on to note how this could be used for roller coasters but could also be implemented as a water ride.

To make sure that there is track support in both positions (and to provide that drop and swing motion) the system includes a linkage assembly.

Disney explains that with this system, the vehicle loads onto a track that is elevated above a lower track section. The upper track is on a four-bar linkage assembly that allows that track section to rotate and swing down. That might be done through gravity or it might be “driven by actuators/motors.” The key, though, is keeping the vehicle that the passengers are on horizontal during that drop and swing.

As noted above, the system could make things interesting by having the vehicle move in the opposite direction once it drops to the lower track, and it could also have the vehicle move FASTER after the drop, making things really exhilarating!

They share how a vehicle could enter the system in a reverse orientation (where you’re facing backward), and then drop and have guests move forward.

The patent goes on to note that while there have been some ride developments in the past — like a drop track (where a roller coaster stops on some track and then is moved vertically to a lower area) and a tilt track (where a piece of track is rotated 90 degrees) — this provides a different benefit.

The drop swing propulsion system can actually be used in a way that has “uninterrupted vehicle motion.” The vehicle wouldn’t have to be stopped when entering or exiting the system that allows for the drop and swing motion, which is beneficial. It removes the stop required by other technology, which can sometimes take a rider “out” of the experience.

The drop swing propulsion system can also “add energy to the vehicle or to propel it upon its release.” Prior designs with the drop track or tilt track can’t really add that level of propulsion.

The system can also be used to change the direction of the vehicle and could be used on a variety of rides — from roller coasters to water rides.

Plus, they share that this system could provide a “unique, immersive ride experience” that sets it apart. They specifically note that you can “imagine a train out of control that ‘drops off’ the end for a broken section of track. Just before it hits the ground, a superhero, robot, or alien craft catches the train and slingshots the train onto a different track provided below the broken section. This type of experience can be provided due to the continuous train (vehicle) motion provided with the new propulsion mechanism.”

There are SO many possibilities there. Could a “hero” be a Marvel hero perhaps? The Incredibles? Other Disney characters?

On a water ride, things could get even more interesting! The patent describes the possibility of having a ride where “a vehicle may be crossing a rickety rope bridge when the bridge suddenly collapses. The new drop swing propulsion mechanism can be used to swing the vehicle (which may take the form of a boat with wheels or a bogie assembly) forward as if one side of the bridge was still attached and to propel the vehicle safely to the water below the bridge without having to stop (as would be the case with prior designs).”

They share that the creative possibilities with this system are “nearly endless” thanks to the “lack of delay time.”

In other words, get ready for those predictable ride experiences to go away and prepare to experience something truly unique! We’ll be eager to see if/how this technology ultimately gets utilized (hopefully!) on future park rides.

For more information about the park rides and experiences of the FUTURE click below:

And stay tuned for more theme park news!

How would you like to see this technology used in the future? Tell us in the comments.