3. Tron Lightcycle Power Run (Shanghai Disneyland)

Rumors have been circulating of a Tron-themed ride in Disneyland's Tomorrowland for many years. Now, though, it seems that the under-construction Shanghai Disneyland will be the first park to host the attraction - and it's expected to be a high-speed chase on a Vekoma Motorbike Launch Coaster. We're intrigued by the prospect of interlinking, dueling blue and yellow lightcycle tracks - but we'll have to wait to find out more details. We'll also have to wait to see whether Disney finds the money to install a version at Disneyland as part of the planned overhaul of Tomorrowland.

2. Avatar flying ride (Disney's Animal Kingdom)

The headline ride in Pandora - The World of Avatar will be a major, "E-Ticket" attraction that will offer a simulated experience of flying over Pandora. Inevitably, this has led to comparisons with the existing Soarin' ride at Epcot, which uses a suspended, hang-glider-style ride system to take guests on a tour of California. Given James Cameron's involvement, though, and the elements that are visible in the plans, it appears that the Avatar ride will actually be considerably more technologically advanced than Soarin'.

The plans show four separate theaters, spread across 3 floors. The ride system itself remains something of a mystery, although there are rumors that it will support enhanced, more realistic movements than the existing Soarin' system. The video will seemingly be presented in 3-D on a wrap-around screen, with riders donning 3-D specs. This would, of course, be in keeping with the Avatar license, with the movie having made heavy use of 3-D effects.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai Disneyland)

Shanghai Disneyland's version of Pirates of the Caribbean will not be a mere clone of the Disneyland original. Instead, it will be based on the movies inspired by that attraction, and is expected to use completely different technology.

There are two rumors circulating at present about the nature of the ride. One is that it will be a revival of a concept for Hong Kong Disneyland that was never built, and will feature a Splash Mountain-style drop. The other is that it will make use of Disney's newly-patented "floating Omnimover" ride system - effectively, a floating version of the system employed by the Haunted Mansion and other classic dark rides.

We'll have to wait and see - but this promises to be one of the most original and exciting attractions at the Chinese park.

Are you convinced?

Does Disney still deserve to be regarded as the most innovative theme park operator in the world? Or has it allowed Universal to steal its crown? Let us know in the comments below!