Theme Park Insider

Universal files new plans for ride and show systems

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:57:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: I have seven - yes, seven - patent applications for you today from Universal. Let's dive in.

First up is System and Method for Actuating Ride Components Based on Contours of Fluid. At first glance, that seems like a sketchy attempt to patent a long-standing technology called "floating." You stick a boat and the water, and it floats. What's new there?

But imagine a ride that is not actually a boat on the water. What if the "fluid" were something like what we called "swamp juice" on movie sets - the fluid that gets poured into a fog machine? That seems to be closer to what Universal is describing here - a system for simulating a ride vehicle floating on a cloud, for example.

Illustrations from Universal's patent applications

Universal has another cloud-related patent application this week. In System and Method for Cloud Projection, Universal describes plans for projection images on generated clouds, floating through the sky. Think of a show like Universal's CineSational or Disney's World of Color, but instead of projecting on water screens, the pictures project onto clouds. I guess it's still a movie on water vapor, one way or another.

Moving back into ride system tech, Universal also is proposing a System and Method for a Simulated Walkable Scene-Based Attraction. The one envisions a virtual reality attraction where riders would spend part of their time in an actual ride vehicle before stepping off onto omnidirectional treadmills for the walking portion of their virtual adventure.

System and Method for a Simulated Walkable Scene-Based Attraction

Taking the headsets off, Universal also offers three more proposals this week for ways to depict show effects on rides.

Forced perspective is a well-known concept in theme parks. Many parks use the technique to maks buildings and props look taller than they are. But what about forced perspective on a ride? To do that for riders in a moving vehicle, an object would need to move at an appropriate speed to maintain the illusion for riders to keep the illusion from breaking. System and Method for Establishing a Forced Perspective Illusion the specific approach that Universal proposed to do that.

In Dynamic Projection Surface System and Method, Universal describes a way to create more convincing on-ride projections, by employing surfaces that may have 3D elements that protrude from the surface, creating depth and dimension for the projections that would accompany a ride.

Dynamic Projection Surface System and Method

In AI-Assisted and Dynamic Ride Profile Tracking Systems and Methods, Universal describes a system for changing what it projects on a ride, based on what direction a rider is looking. Dark ride systems such as omnimovers try to control riders' focus by swiveling and pointing toward an intended viewpoint. This system flips that, by shifting viewpoints based upon the direction in which a rider looks.

Finally, Universal has filed plans for an Augmented Reality Tattoo. That one is exactly what the title describes. You hold a phone up to Universal's temporary tat, and it moves. I figure that this has to be some Wizarding World dark mark stuff here.

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Bob Rogers sells BRC Imagination Arts

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:03:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: After 45 years, Bob Rogers has sold his design and production shop, BRC Imagination Arts.

The IAAPA Hall of Fame member isn't going anywhere, and neither is his management team. Because they are the new owners of the company. BRC Imagination Arts announced today that the company's ownership now has transferred to Chief Creative Officer Christian Lachel, President Carmel Lewis, and Vice Presidents of Creative & Story Matthew Solari and Brad Shelton.

"For some time they have been running the company day to day, so this important step is more of an acknowledgment of something that has already been successfully happening," Rogers said. "Our commitment to BRC�s values and story-driven craft, our Magic with Heart, continues. And it is a real joy that these four, who have honed their distinct but complementary skillsets alongside one another for decades, share a deep respect and admiration for what each brings to the partnership."

Brad Shelton, Bob Rogers, Carmel Lewis, Christian Lachel, Matthew Solari. Photo courtesy BRC Imagination Arts

While other design and production companies in themed entertainment are consolidating, Burbank, California-based BRC Imagination Arts will remain independent.

"Independence has always given BRC the freedom to do what is best for our clients, to make decisions based on what the work needs and what audiences deserve, without compromise," Lachel said.

"With this announcement, BRC is embracing the people-first values that have always been at the center of everything we do and create," Rogers said. "BRC is walking the walk. The fact we are transitioning leadership to our internal team members rather than an outside organization is a living example of our commitment to Magic with Heart."

A former Disneyland magic shop cast member, Rogers got into the design side of the business working on attractions at Walt Disney World's EPCOT. He helped create the post-show for the old World of Motion attraction and produced the film Impressions de France, which set a Guinness World Record for its long run and continues to run to this day.

After leaving Disney, Rogers formed BRC Imagination Arts, which has created brand experiences, museum exhibitions, and Expo pavilions around the world. Its work includes Ravinia's Music Box, Dublin's Guinness Storehouse, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Later this summer, on September 8, Rogers will release "Deep Story," his book detailing the lessons he has learned and taught about creating themed experiences.

"I remain deeply engaged with BRC, consulting on story and the creative personality of the place," Rogers said. "And I'm thrilled to get our methodology out into the public through Deep Story. The important work continues as our industry and BRC look toward the future. And we�re excited by what we see."

Here's the backstory for Disney's new Monsters Inc. land

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:01:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Disney has lifted another news embargo, so I now can share the official backstory for the new Monsters, Inc. land coming to Walt Disney World.

Monstropolis is now under construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, on the site of the old Muppets Courtyard. Disney previously announced that the land would include a new indoor roller coaster themed to Monsters, Inc.'s door warehouse scare floor. Now, the company is sharing addition details about the land... and why we will be there.

First, Disney has released its logo for the land - and the city. "Monstropolis: The City Frightful" plays on the City of Orlando's official "The City Beautiful" motto.

Monstropolis: The City Frightful

Now that Monstropolis is running on human laughter rather than screams, the city has decided to invite human beings to visit, officially, for the first time. The Monstropolis Department of Human Relations has decided to help promote better interactions between human beings and monsters by organizing the city's first "Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice" Day, aka HUMAN Day.

"Human guests will have the chance to explore the city, meet its citizens, taste unique cuisine, and step into the everyday world of monsters in a totally new way," Disney said in its press release.

Concept art courtesy Disney

Part of that will be the new roller coaster on the scare floor. Another experience will be the Harryhausen�s restaurant, named for the revered stop-motion animation pioneer. The old MuppetVision theater is transitioning to become the Glob Theater, which will host a new Monsters-themed show. Expect to see practical Audio Animatronic characters as well as advanced digital effects in the experiences around Monstropolis.

The vibe, to me, feels a bit like what Walt Disney Imagineering accomplished with its Zootopia land at Shanghai Disneyland. The character-filled land is designed to be as much an attraction as the ride, show, and restaurant within it.

There's still no announced opening date for Monstropolis. Next up on Disney's calendar is Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2027, so I would guess that the window opens for Monstropolis the year after that, in 2028.

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Universal confirms UK resort name

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:09:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Universal Destinations & Experiences today confirmed the official name for its new theme park in Bedford, England.

It's Universal United Kingdom Resort.

The theme park will open in 2031, along with an accompanying 500-room hotel. Expanded rail service will connect the 540-acre resort site to the London area and other destinations across Great Britain.

"We have a bold ambition to bring Universal's innovative and immersive experiences to new audiences," Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury said. "Universal United Kingdom Resort reflects that long-term strategy focused on key markets while continuing to enhance our existing parks and strengthen our position as a destination of choice for guests."

Concept image for the Universal UK Resort theme park, courtesy Universal Destinations & Experiences

Universal has not yet announced any specific attractions or IP that it will include in its UK theme park, though you are invited to post your guesses based on the official concept art, above. Vertical construction will begin soon at the site, Universal said.

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How tall will Six Flags new record-setting coaster be?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:42:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: So just how tall with Six Flags' new "record setting" launch coaster be?

Nicknamed "Project Purple," the Mack Rides launch coaster is now under construction at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. The theme park this week has welcomed a 450-foot crane on site, to help finish the spike track that will complete the coaster's top height.

The main structure of the crane rises to approximately 350 feet. An additional jib will allow the crane to reach a total height of approximately 450 feet.

Photo courtesy Six Flags

In a press release, Six Flags said that the new ride "is expected to rank among the five tallest roller coasters in the world." According the RCDB, the current number five tallest coaster in the world is Nagashima Spa Land's Steel Dragon 2000, which rises to 318 feet. If you count the standing but not operating Superman ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain, the number-five spot goes to Carowinds Fury 325, which stands... yeah, 325 feet tall.

So let's pencil in 325 to 350 feet for the height of Six Flags' new Mack Rides coaster?

Six Flags said that the coaster remains on schedule for a 2027 debut. The park promises to reveal the ride's name (tipped to be Phantom Spire) and complete specs - including the records that it is hyped to be breaking - at a later date.

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Disneyland sets Oogie Boogie Bash sale date

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:25:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Disneyland has announced when it will start selling tickets for this year's Oogie Boogie Bash � A Disney Halloween Party.

Tickets for the after-hours Halloween party at Disneyland California Adventure will go on sale to the public starting no earlier than 9am Pacific on June 18. Disney will offer a limited pre-sale drop to Inspire Magic Key holders on June 16, with an additional pre-sale ticket drop for all Magic Key holders on June 17. Oogie Boogie Bash will run for 32 select nights this year, from Tuesday, August 18 to Halloween night on Saturday, October 31.

Tickets will range from $139-199 a night and will be available on the Disneyland website.

There also will be a special bonus night exclusively for D23 members on Sunday, September 27. Those will cost $169 each and go on sale to D23 members June 16, with the waiting room opening at 8:45am Pacific.

Madame Leota's Swinging Wake � A Haunted Mansion Street Party. Concept art courtesy Disneyland

New this year to the event will be Madame Leota's Swinging Wake � A Haunted Mansion Street Party. The Haunted Mansion-themed parade-like-performance will run exclusively during Oogie Boogie Bash. Disney will be upselling the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party with reserved viewing of the street party, serving a new menu of treats inspire by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Disneyland also confirmed entertainment changes for Halloween Time at the resort, which starts August 21 and continues through October 31.

World of Color Happiness will close at the end of the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration on August 9. World of Color One will return August 10 and play through the Halloween season. At Disneyland, Paint the Night and Wondrous Journeys will continue for 11 days after the end of the 70th, running through August 20, with Halloween Screams returning at Disneyland for Halloween Time starting August 21.

Other usual suspects also return for Halloween Time, including Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland, and Mater�s Graveyard JamBOOree and Luigi's Honkin� Haul-O-Ween, Guardians of the Galaxy � Monsters After Dark, and the Mickey�s Trick and Treat show in the Disney Jr. Theater at Disney California Adventure. Plaza de la Familia also runs at DCA from August 21 through November 2, including The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate the Musical World of Coco! show.

For tickets to the parks, including Disneyland's Kids' Summer Ticket Offer, please shop our partner's Disneyland tickets page.

Silver Dollar City looks to recruit tomorrow's theme park creators

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:50:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: Silver Dollar City is looking for kids to help dream up its next big idea.

The Missouri theme park has put a call for children ages 5-12 to apply for its Mini Miners Crew. This isn't just a passive fan club. Silver Dollar City is asking would-be Mini Miners to submit a video where they share their big idea for the park. Ideas could include new rides, shows, food, games, or crafts that could be featured at the park.

Or, "something no grown-up has ever thought of before," the park said.

In exchange, the park will send selected participants a custom welcome kit in the mail, complete with an official Mini Miners Crew light-up helmet, personalized membership certificate, and club T-shirt. Silver Dollar City also will have a meet-up at the park for the Mini Miners on August 14.

Silver Dollar City depicts Ozark mountain life in the 1880s, and what could be more nineteenth century than child labor? Moving beyond my snarky joke, it's nice to see a theme park looking for fresh ways to engage the next generation of fans.

"At its heart, the Mini Miners Crew is about much more than what arrives in the mail," Senior Publicity Manager Brandei Clifton said. "It's about celebrating the spirit of creativity, craftsmanship and family that built Silver Dollar City from the ground up. We�re so excited to meet our miners."

Applications are open through June 30 to all U.S. children ages 5-12. Parents must submit their child's application and video and complete a consent form. That's all available on the Silver Dollar City website.

I loved this kind of stuff when I was a kid and am thrilled that a park is providing this opportunity to today's young fans. Though I do hope that if any child does come forward with an idea that the park actually ends up using that the kid gets much more than a T-shirt. This promotion could be a great way to identify some future creative talent whose skills and education SDC owner Herschend could nurture and invest in.

At the very least, the Mini Miners Crew promotion should inspire some kids to believe that someone out there cares what they think and wants to encourage them.

Rope Drop: We're going vertical

Sun, 31 May 2026 18:37:00 GMT

By Robert Niles: In case you missed it last night, Six Flags Fiesta Texas announced its new ride for 2027 - Werewolf Gorge. The San Antonio park is calling this Vekoma creation the "world's longest family launch coaster."

My favorite TPI reader comment about the ride has been, "If I had a nickel for every time a launched family coaster had a swing launch through a barn with a werewolf in it...."

Hah!

Looking ahead, happy birthday today to The Netherlands' Efteling, which celebrates its 74th anniversary today. Tomorrow is the anniversary for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the oldest surviving Busch Gardens, which first opened to visitors as a gardens and brewery tour on June 1, 1959.

In other news this week, Looney Tunes Land opens officially at Six Flags Magic Mountain on Saturday, June 6. Here is what to expect from the rethemed kiddie area.

This week also is time for my next column exclusively for paid subscribers to Theme Park Insider's email newsletter. Look for it in your in-box on Wednesday. If you are not already paid subscriber, you can subscribe at this link.

Also new this week in the Theme Park Insider media universe, I have revived the Theme Park Insider TikTok channel for a new series of "fun fact" vertical videos that I just launched. You also can find the videos as shorts over on our YouTube channel, and they will be debuting over on our Instagram later this week.

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Attraction closings and openings

Here are the current refurbishment schedules from Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Pirates of the Caribbean are closed at Disneyland with no reopening dates yet.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind and Silly Symphony Swings are closed at Disney California Adventure with no reopening dates yet.
Universal's Horror Make-Up Show is closed at Universal Studios Florida. Estimated reopening in winter 2026.
June 1 - 16: Men in Black Alien Attack closes at Universal Studios Florida.
June 10: Me Ship, The Olive reopens at Islands of Adventure.
July 2: Soarin' Around the World opens at Disney California Adventure.
July 3: Pteranodon Flyers reopens at Islands of Adventure. Po�s Kung Fu Training Camp and Po Live! reopen at Universal Studios Florida.
July 6: King Arthur Carrousel closes at Disneyland. No reopening date yet. Carousel of Progress closes at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. New show debuts in 2027.
October 26: Volcano Bay closes for the season, with a planned return on or before April 1, 2027.
November 20: Jurassic Park River Adventure reopens at Islands of Adventure.

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