Disney’s New Water Flume Patent Sparks Rumors of ‘Moana’-Themed Attraction
Disney has set sail on a new patent that could revolutionize water flume rides! The patent has also left us wondering if a ‘Moana’-themed attraction might be coming to the parks.
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Disney just filed a patent for a groundbreaking water ride experience called “Guided boat with external discrete yaw control” (fancy talk for fancy tech). Invented by Kristopher M. Laffin, this 2020 patent (published in 2024) describes a system that lets riders see more than just what’s straight ahead. Unlike current flume rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure where you’re stuck facing forward, or free-for-all rapids rides like Kali River Rapids, this new tech would allow the boats to swivel and turn, giving riders a whole new perspective on the watery adventure!
Imagine exploring a tropical world with Moana, or navigating a thrilling chase alongside pirates – the possibilities are endless! This may even surpass the controlled turns seen on Shanghai Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean ride, taking water rides to a whole new level!
This new patent lets Imagineers design scenes with hidden details. Imagine spinning around to see a secret moment you might’ve missed on a regular flume ride – kind of like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! The boats will still travel along the water track, but an underwater guide will adjust their direction, so you won’t always be facing where you’re going. It’s a whole new way to experience the story!
Disney’s new water ride patent hints at a possible high-seas adventure. The patent shows an outrigger canoe like Moana’s, sparking rumors of a full-fledged water ride after a previous Moana flume concept surfaced in 2022. While plans for a Dinoland U.S.A. replacement featuring Moana were scrapped, this new tech could be destined for the “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion at Magic Kingdom, offering a thrilling twist alongside the existing Journey of Water walkthrough at EPCOT.
What do you think of the new water flume permit?
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