Disney filed a patent for ride technology that fakes rising and falling through set design. This would eliminate the need for the track to physically change height.
Fake Rising and Falling Technology
The patent is called “Elevation Change Illusion Through Set Design” and was just published today, August 13, though it was filed back in February 2026. The lead inventor is Joseph Daniel, whose many accomplishments include the Hatbox Ghost in The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Other inventors named are Jessica Anne Klouda, Martha Patricia Gutierrez Navarro, and Jason William Monahan.
Essentially, the patent describes how to make a flat ride track feel like it’s rising or falling while keeping the track a stationary height. This is accomplished not by mechanics (think lift hill, hydraulics) or screens, but through design (think angling the surrounding areas like walls or stairs). These design elements are designed at a vertical angle throwing off the frame of reference for the rider.
The abstract reads:
An attraction may include a track section extending at a track angle along a guest travel direction, and one or more set elements positioned adjacent the track section, the set elements at a non-perpendicular angle to the guest travel direction to create an illusion of elevation change different than the track angle. The track section may define a first vanishing point from a guest perspective. The set elements may define a second vanishing point from the guest perspective, the second vanishing point different than the first vanishing point. The second vanishing point may be above or below the first vanishing point. The first vanishing point may be on a horizon line, and the second vanishing point may be below the horizon line to create an illusion of gaining elevation along the track section. The attraction may include a ride vehicle configured to carry the guest along the track section.
The patent further explains, “Guests are expecting more and more thrills and ‘how did they do that’ moments in rides and attractions, even expecting a ride vehicle to perform actions it cannot do. At the same time, there is a desire to simplify attractions to be more cost effective. Also, there is a need to fit new attractions to existing and/or available space and buildings. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods that address the concerns above or at least offers an alternative to existing solutions.”
The technique would come in handy for attractions that require a lot of vertical movement—like through stories of a house, climbing a mountain, or descending into a valley. This could be used for upcoming attractions like the Encanto ride at Animal Kingdom where we visit the casita of the Madrigal family, or for the Coco attraction at Disney California Adventure, where we travel through the Land of the Dead.
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The post Disney Patent Reveals New Way to Fake Rising and Falling on Rides appeared first on WDW News Today.
