Crush's Coaster at Walt Disney Studios

Installed in 2007, Crush’s Coaster rapidly became one of Walt Disney Studios most popular rides. At its heart, it is a spinning roller coaster manufactured by German firm Maurer Söhne, similar to those at many other theme parks all over the world. In order to create a unique experience, though, Disney located the coaster almost entirely indoors, and installed extensive theming elements around its circuit.

The ride’s backstory is based on Pixar’s Finding Nemo, with riders taking an “underwater” trip on East Australian Current with Crush the turtle, his son Squirt and Nemo himself. After queuing through a recreation of Sydney Harbor at sunset, guests board turtle shell-themed vehicles. These can hold four guests each, with two starting seated in a forwards-facing position, and two facing backwards.

After a short initial drop, guests race around a corner that is the only part of Crush’s Coaster to be visible from outdoors. After meeting up with Nemo and Squirt and passing through a short dark ride-style scene populated by glowfish, they then climb the coaster’s lift hill. Before reaching the top, they are attacked by Bruce the shark and his gang, escaping just in time by plunging down the first drop.

The bulk of the coaster itself takes place in near-complete darkness, with only screens showing riders’ animated companions lighting the way. The circuit features a number of twists and turns, which are designed to cause riders’ vehicles to spin rapidly. On reaching the end, guests emerge back into Sydney Harbor, where they disembark.