Universal Destinations & Experiences have applied for a patent for an augmented reality theme park ride system, Orlando Inno reports.

The patent is titled “Augmented Reality System for an Amusement Ride.” It outlines a system with facial and skeletal recognition technology that could add AR elements to an image of a guest.

“The augmented-reality animations could include graphics or animations overlaid on a captured image or animation of the guest such that the graphics or animation appear to be a part of the guest,” the patent reads. “Such graphics or animations could include replacing a guest’s facial features with animated facial features (e.g., replacing the guest’s nose and eyes with an animal’s nose and eyes), replacing the guest’s head with an animated head, replacing the guest’s body with an animated body, other modifications to the captured image or animation of the guest.”

An image shows a guest in front of a screen showing a mirror image of them with additional clown hair, make-up, and clothing.

The patent doesn’t indicate a ride, land, or park that this technology could be used in, but Universal Orlando Resort is currently constructing Epic Universe, which will have multiple immersive lands. The AR system could be used to turn guests into a monster, Nintendo character, or something else for a future project down the line.

What do you think the AR technology could be used for? Let us know in the comments.

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, a How to Train Your Dragon land, and a third The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Universal trademarked the names Starfall Racers — potentially for the new dual-racing coaster — and Constellation Carousel. Both of these rumored rides can be seen in the above concept art. Alongside recently trademarked hotel names, it seems Epic Universe will have an astronomical theme.

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 of Porte Saint-Denis, an arched gateway built in the late 1600s 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. According to trademark filings, 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.

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