Universal looks to build a better flying theater ride
Universal has plans for a more dynamic flying theater ride system.
Typical flying theaters move entire rows of otherwise fixed seats into a position where they appear suspended above a screen. That makes it feel like viewers are flying above the scenes in front of them. Disney's Soarin' was the first popular flying theater attraction in theme parks, but Universal has used the concept in its Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon attraction.
Flying theaters are not exactly thrill attractions because - even though they might intimidate guests with a fear of heights - their seats don't really do anything during the show, save more maybe tilting up or back a bit in tandem.
In a patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today, Universal proposes a system that would allow flying theater seats to do more than they have before. Mechanically-Linked Seating would address an inherent problem in some flying theater designs where an entire row of seats shares a single pivot point.
That undermines the sensation of flight that a good flying theater provides. Universal's plan describes a system of multiple couplings on seats that could allow an actuator to flex the position of seats in ways that current flying theater systems cannot.
Everybody lean to the right, in Universal's proposed Mechanically-Linked Seating system. Image from Universal's patent application
It's a step toward creating a new experience that lies between existing flying theaters and motion base theater rides (such as Disney's Star Tours).
You can see the entire patent application on the USPTO website.
Replies (12)
Pteranodon Flyers could use an upgrade..
Great ride but sadly only Kids get to enjoy.
In my view, FoP is the gold standard of flying theater attractions, yet has not been duplicated (or even attempted to be copied) anywhere else in the world. Sadly, this clever mechanism would still not elevate a standard flying theater above what WDI has accomplished with FoP.
Hear hear! I'm with Russel on this one. Other than it went down for overheating a lot, they got the bugs worked out of it.
FoP might be the most overrated attraction of all time. It's good for a flying theater, but. . . it's just a flying theater. The line is always way too long.
@Velocicoaster - "The line is always way too long." As they say, a million flies can't be wrong.
I will admit for a simulator ride - FOP is One of the best.
but that's exactly what it is, just a simulator ride. If you look, its right above Velocicoaster on the website ranking list. Do you really think FoP is above velocicoaster?
"Do you really think FoP is above velocicoaster?" Uh, yes, and this is coming from someone who rates coasters very highly among theme park attractions and doesn't even rate Velocicoaster as my #1 coaster.
So then the problem with FoP is, as Yogi Berra would say, "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded"?
Frankly, as depicted, this doesn't seem to really raise the bar significantly. It's still the one pitch axis, just in more individualized increments. Exactly as Robert says, this is a "step" towards creating a new experience, not a new experience in itself.
Ahhh yes, Flight of Passage, the snooze #2 of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The marketing makes it seem like a wild flying adventure, but in reality, it’s more of a soaring, scenic motion simulator. If only those nickel mechanical pony rides from 40 years ago could’ve moved horizontally!
It may not be groundbreaking, but I’m genuinely excited to see how Universal might put this concept to use.
FoP has a great queue, and that's where it ends. The preshow is laughable. The 3D is unconvincing, and the actual ride experience takes place in a small blank room. The best part of the ride is easily when you look at the room around you and see everyone else on there too.
And just for the record, just because the line is long does not mean it's a good ride. Looking at you, Na'vi river journey.
In my opinion, FoP is only the second best ride in the park, and would be third if Dinosaur was still open. That's a ride that was thrilling and incredibly well themed.
You must be registered and logged in to submit a comment.
With the IP war chest that universal has available, this type of attraction has scintillating possibilities. One immediately thinks of a Quidditch match in Harry Potter, or perhaps learning to “train a dragon” as 2 immediate candidates…