The Disney company is at it again. They have submitted a patent for a new roller coaster car design that will allow for the cars to rotate on an axis during the course of the ride. The patent is specifically for the roller coaster cars for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster at Epcot, as seen in leaked photographs some time ago.
Not only does this confirm that the coaster will be getting the revolutionary ride system that Bob Chapek spoke of, but it shows off exactly what this new system is capable of. A common issue in reusing tracks for rotation carts is that the carts need a source of power as the ride goes to initiate the rotation. The new patent answers that question by having charging docks added to the loading and unloading areas as well as in a few locations throughout the ride. These charging stations will be added to the typical bus bar system that rides typically employ for charging.
Regardless of the results of the patent submission, the idea that the Imagineers have proposed here could be revolutionary in revamping upcoming future attractions. First, we’ll get to see the rotation system in all its glory on the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster that’s coming to Epcot in 2021, then who knows where else it will show up.