Universal City Studios LLC has submitted a patent for a new flume ride system, which could end up as a Jurassic-themed attraction.
The document published today, titled “System and Methods for Kinetic Rotation of a Ride Vehicle,” references a flume-type attraction where guests would come into contact with obstacles along the waterway. The application describes a series of guidance machines to keep the free-floating boat on course.
Most notable is the obstacle used in one of the patent’s images: a large dinosaur.
This is just an example obstacle of course; Universal is not obligated to include one in any final designs utilizing this system, and could theme it to fit any one of their intellectual properties. It could give a hint at where this design may end up though. Universal has applied for patents referencing dinosaurs and possible Jurassic World attractions on numerous occasions in recent history.
Jurassic Park – The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood has closed to make way for an updated Jurassic World ride coming in 2019. While this application is probably a bit too late to apply to the Hollywood update, Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando has their own version of the boat ride — Jurassic Park River Adventure — which could wind up with a remodel centered around Jurassic World.
Of course, this design could wind up as a new attraction at an existing park, the rumored new park in Orlando, or even Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay.
Another document published today also references water-based attractions. Although “Variable Vehicle Ride Switch” simply describes a platform that can be used to change a vehicles pathway, the patent images once again use a boat-based water ride for reference.
As must always be noted, the existence of an application does not guarantee a patent’s approval, and the existence of an approved patent does not guarantee a technology’s applications. Universal could be mulling over the idea of modifying an existing ride, looking to build a new one, or coming up with attraction ideas for a much larger plan. Only time will tell.
Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office
We were there for Halloween. Can confirn this IS being built
Universal already has a Jurassic Park themed log flume ride which is great fun. Do they need another one?
They closed the Jurassic Park ride last September. They’re working on the Jurassic World ride, which is supposed to open in 2019 (I think). Maybe this new tech is related to the project?
Where will they put the 3d projectors? That’s all Universal seems to be about…cheap 3d screens instead of imagination.