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[Tom Nook Sawyer]

I really can't see the cars being suspended from a track above; that would necessitate giant poles (or something similar) sticking out of the karts to connect to the track, and the track itself would block the view ahead. A suspended system works fine on Peter Pan where the idea is you're flying and the action happens below, but Mario Kart is a very ground experience.

Plus, if we add in the 2nd patent with the cars being connected, that only increases the problem of overhead track, with either individual poles coming down to the karts blocking the view whenever one's out in front, or single pole on that apparatus in the middle that all the karts orbit around. Plus the patent refers to that apparatus thing as a "bogie" which is used to refer to undercarriages, suggesting that it would actually be located beneath the floor and you wouldn't be able to tell that the carts are even connected from above.

Spoiler

I still don't think there will be a true track, except in the most limited of circumstances, perhaps allowing some local forward and back movement.

 

[Dark Cloud]

How long are they going to take to just announce what the thing looks like?

It's so annoying because we've known about this for over a year and they still haven't shown what the world will look like at least. With Harry Potter they released a video or something IIRC.

 

[purseowner]

I look forward to the Switch ride, where they strap you to a giant screen and rush you up and down, out of and into two large totems shaped like Joy-cons on either side. They'll likely call it 'The Clicker'.

 

[Tom Nook Sawyer]

How long are they going to take to just announce what the thing looks like?

It's so annoying because we've known about this for over a year and they still haven't shown what the world will look like at least. With Harry Potter they released a video or something IIRC.

It'd be nice if we get something sooner than later! But hey, it's nothing compared to Avatar land. It was announced back in 2011 and it was years before we got concept art--heck, we still don't even know much about the main ride, and that's supposed to open next year

 

[The Argus]

Forbidden Journey (the Hogwarts ride) is considered at least a top 5 dark ride worldwide, often even higher depending on who you ask. It also has maybe the most innovative ride system among dark rides to this day.

Gringotts has exceptional presentation, though the pacing can be a bit wonky for some people. It has some excellent scenes and sets, and one of my favorite openings of any ride. A bit uneven with how it flows, but still very good overall.

Both have industry-leading queues, Gringotts in particular.

Yes! Forbidden Journey is my #2 dark ride, only behind the greatest of all time: Indiana Jones at Disneyland and Sea.

 

[RagnarokX]

I'm guessing the Mario Kart ride will work basically like this. Multiple karts are on short straight tracks surrounded by a 360 degree movie screen. A movie plays and your karts automatically race through a virtual track. Your kart will physically move forward/backward on the track based on how you accelerate/brake/steer/use items/get hit by items to simulate changing positions on the track. At the end whichever kart is furthest forward on their physical tracks crosses the finish first and wins.

 

[KelpPlankton]

The DK mine cart ride is going to be a ton of fun, that's basically the perfect concept for a Donkey Kong Country themed ride and if they nail the ambiance of those levels it'll be great.

The Mario Kart ride I'm less enthusiastic about but the fake drifting and stuff could make for a fun coaster ride if they get some interesting things going on there. A rainbow road section is a must.

 

[Boy Wander]

I am going to be like a dribbling, giggling idiotic schoolboy walking through the Nintendo themed area of these parks for the first time.

 

[Graphics Horse]

I'm guessing the Mario Kart ride will work basically like this. Multiple karts are on short straight tracks surrounded by a 360 degree movie screen. A movie plays and your karts automatically race through a virtual track. Your kart will physically move forward/backward on the track based on how you accelerate/brake/steer/use items/get hit by items to simulate changing positions on the track. At the end whichever kart is furthest forward on their physical tracks crosses the finish first and wins.

It's not that kind of ride, it's a proper track style ride with powered front wheels.
Patent text is here if you're interested https://www.google.com/patents/US20160332084

Fwiw Those circles behind the car are 'track fillers' that stop the rear wheels snagging on the slot if they drift across it.

 

[Sponge]

That DK one looks absolutely brilliant.

 

[The Xtortionist]

It's not that kind of ride, it's a proper track style ride with powered front wheels.
Patent text is here if you're interested https://www.google.com/patents/US20160332084

Fwiw Those circles behind the car are 'track fillers' that stop the rear wheels snagging on the slot if they drift across it.

Yeah, I'm thinking this has to be a busbar-driven attraction along a track. There's language in the patent referring to block zones.

 

[Gartooth]

So when the Mario Kart patent mentions that the vehicle can "bounce" would that be to simulate the car getting a speed boost? (Ex: From a Mushroom or drift)

I'm really curious how much control the attraction will actually give over how long it takes to finish. I imagine it will be a small window to keep control of ride length and when riders can see set elements. Maybe other characters race against passengers?

 

[gnexus]

Metroid will probably be relegated to Metroid shaped toilets

 

[TheGreatMightyPoo]

Metroid will probably be relegated to Metroid shaped toilets

Simon Sez with a mechanical Adam,

 

[Graphics Horse]

Yeah, I'm thinking this has to be a busbar-driven attraction along a track. There's language in the patent referring to block zones.

In the Orlando forum mentioned earlier the insider says it might be an 'inverted' busbar but IDK what that would mean. A rail above but still powered by wheels on the track?
That could be interesting if it gives you a bit of positional control, like a cross between a track ride and a dodgem. Not sure how viable that would be!

 

[The Xtortionist]

In the Orlando forum mentioned earlier the insider says it might be an 'inverted' busbar but IDK what that would mean. A rail above but still powered by wheels on the track?
That could be interesting if it gives you a bit of positional control, like a cross between a track ride and a dodgem. Not sure how viable that would be!

It would be similar to dodgems, yeah. Though it might be important that the patent only shows a busbar system under the vehicle, so maybe that rules the inverted system out? Could have just been something the creative team was throwing around initially. Inverted would definitely create a nice illusion if they can conceal the connecting mechanism.

 

[Dark Cloud]

It'd be nice if we get something sooner than later! But hey, it's nothing compared to Avatar land. It was announced back in 2011 and it was years before we got concept art--heck, we still don't even know much about the main ride, and that's supposed to open next year

6 years???

Miyamoto did say we would get more news soon. I think that means this month.

 

[The Xtortionist]

6 years???

Miyamoto did say we would get more news soon. I think that means this month.

Disney builds stuff reallllyyyy slow

 

[Danis Saur]

I can't believe they're going for the famous DK minecart levels! This is awesome!

My younger brother is gonna go crazy when he hears this, he LOVES Donkey Kong Country and the minecart levels are memorable.

And yes to the idea of David Wise music blasting through the ride, please!

 

[RagnarokX]

I can't believe they're going for the famous DK minecart levels! This is awesome!

My younger brother is gonna go crazy when he hears this, he LOVES Donkey Kong Country and the minecart levels are memorable.

And yes to the idea of David Wise music blasting through the ride, please!

Yeah. When I saw the headline I thought "DK? What a waste!" because Zelda would be better. But then I saw the patent and was like "Oh, I've been wanting a ride that does this since I saw Temple of Doom."

 

[Hot Coldman]

play The Mirror Never Lies in the ride queue or fuck off