Universal Patents Ride System To Enhance Ride Experience for Disabled Guests

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Universal Destinations & Experiences recently filed a patent for a new ride system that can customize the experience for guests with disabilities. The patent, published in late 2025 and titled “Systems And Methods For Providing Enhanced Ride System Experience To Guests With Disabilities,” would allow attractions to adapt to individual needs.

This invention details a system where ride experiences can be personalized based on information from devices worn by guests with disabilities. These devices would connect to the ride’s technology, allowing it to adjust the show elements during the attraction.

The system, as described in the application, would recognize signals from tools used by people with disabilities and automatically adjust the ride experience. These adjustments could include changes to sound, visuals, sensations, or touch. The application doesn’t detail which disabilities the system would support or what specific assistive devices it would work with.

With devices like Disney’s MagicBands already storing personal details and connecting with attractions, the technology is readily available to create even more accessible experiences for people with disabilities.

The records show that making assistive devices work smoothly with rides is technically difficult. Existing ride systems aren’t designed to easily handle the specific needs of people with disabilities. This new system is intended to fix that problem.

Theme Park Insider first highlighted the patent, pointing out that it details how something could be done, rather than a completed invention. Like many patent filings, it doesn’t reveal Universal’s specific plans for using the technology. The company hasn’t shared any details about when or where we might see it in their parks.

Patent Applications and Industry Context

Companies often file patents for ideas they aren’t immediately planning to build. These filings help them safeguard their inventions and investigate different possibilities. Universal files many patents, but not all of them become actual products.

This new filing builds on a trend of theme park ride patents focused on accessibility. Universal Studios has previously developed and patented ride vehicles designed to accommodate wheelchairs, including features like adjustable loading platforms, telescoping floors, and mechanical lifts to help guests with mobility issues.

An older Universal patent detailed a ride system where a swinging arm moved riders from the boarding area onto the ride itself. This earlier version prioritized getting people onto the ride, rather than tailoring the ride experience to different guests.

This new patent focuses on tailoring the ride experience to each person. Rather than altering the boarding process, it suggests personalizing the information guests receive while on the ride.

Current Accessibility Practices at Universal Parks

Theme parks like Universal already offer services to help guests with disabilities, including information about ride access, captions, and audio descriptions. These services also help the parks meet legal requirements like the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As a big supporter of inclusive experiences, I’m really excited about this new patent! It’s not about getting rid of the great accessibility options we already have, but building on them. What’s really cool is the idea that rides could actually change to better suit each guest’s needs in the moment, instead of just offering the same fixed features to everyone. It’s about making things truly personalized and responsive!

Experts in accessibility often highlight the benefits of designing things to be flexible and welcoming to everyone. When systems can adjust to fit different people’s needs, it makes things easier for guests with a wide range of abilities.

No Confirmed Implementation Plans

Currently, the patent is just an idea. Universal hasn’t said if they plan to test, build, or actually use this system in any of their theme parks.

This application highlights the underlying concepts and processes, not finished products. This is common for initial patent applications, and many similar ones don’t actually lead to real-world products or services.

Universal has patented a ride system that could potentially adjust the experience for guests with disabilities by working with their assistive devices. However, this is currently just a concept and there are no immediate plans to put it into practice.

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2025-12-29 21:57