Universal Destinations & Experiences recently filed a patent for a new and updated safety restraint system, Orlando Business Journal shared.
The patent is for the “Support Bar Mounted System and Method of Minimum Close Indication for Ride Vehicle.” It describes a crossbar-shaped restraint and a system that can detect if the restraint has reached its minimum closed position on a rider. The patent includes various ways that the system would let a ride operator know the restraint is not in a good position. A “flap” on the side of the ride seat would indicate when the restraint has hit its minimum closed position.
The patent also describes how different rides move in a variety of ways, stating that a ride’s “dynamic movement operations may include, for example, lateral translation movements, spins, helical spins, slides in or contrary to the direction of movement of the ride vehicle, periods of rapid acceleration and deceleration, transitions into reverse, sharp turns or combinations thereof … It is thus important that the passenger be safely restrained in the seat so that the passenger is prevented from being ejected from the seat due to the dynamic movement operation of the ride vehicle.”
This new safety restraint system could be used on an Epic Universe attraction. The new Universal Orlando Resort theme park is currently under construction and Universal recently filed a patent for the potential Constellation Carousel.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe is expected to open in summer 2025. Though only Super Nintendo World has been confirmed, rumored Epic Universe lands include a Universal Classic Monsters land, How to Train Your Dragon land, and a third The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
In addition to Constellation Carousel, Universal recently trademarked the name Starfall Racers, potentially for the new dual-racing coaster. Alongside recently trademarked hotel names, it seems Epic Universe will have an astronomical theme.
Both the dual-racing coaster and the carousel can be seen in Epic Universe concept art.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be inspired by Place Cachée, the Parisian version of Diagon Alley seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Construction photos reveal a version Porte Saint-Denis, an arched gateway built in the late 1300s in Paris. The Wizarding World ride, however, will transport guests to the U.K. Ministry of Magic for a ride featuring Dolores Umbridge.
Both the dual-racing coaster and the carousel can be seen in Epic Universe concept art.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be inspired by Place Cachée, the Parisian version of Diagon Alley seen in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” Construction photos reveal a version Porte Saint-Denis, an arched gateway built in the late 1300s in Paris. The Wizarding World ride, however, will transport guests to the U.K. Ministry of Magic for a ride featuring Dolores Umbridge.
The How to Train Your Dragon land will resemble the Isle of Berk. Attractions may include The Untrainable Dragon, a version of the Universal Studios Beijing stage show “Untrainable”; Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, a roller-coaster; Fyre Drill, a water ride; and Dragon Racer’s Rally.
The Universal Classic Monsters land will have its own roller coaster, rumored to be a spinner. “Curse of the Werewolf” was recently trademarked and may be the name of the coaster. “Dark Universe,” which was the name of a canceled series of Universal Monsters movies, was also trademarked, along with The Oak & Star Tavern, possibly a restaurant.
Super Nintendo World will open with the Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure rides from Universal Studios Japan as well as a Donkey Kong roller-coaster. Guests will enter through a green warp pipe into the enclosed land, just like in Japan and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Check out our most recent Epic Universe construction update.
Universal recently renamed the Universal Parks & Resorts department to Universal Destinations & Experiences. They unveiled updated logos for Universal Orlando Resort, including Epic Universe.
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