4. The water ride that doesn't soak you

Image: Disney

For many people, the most fun part of a water ride like Grizzly River Rapids or Splash Mountain is the splash down. However, several years ago Disney patented a new technology that could be used to outfit boats or rafts with a moveable water shield that would block splashes from hitting riders. Interestingly, the original patent showed both an automatic shield as well as an actuation system that operates in response to passenger input, which would allow water ride passengers to decide for themselves if they want to be soaked or not.

5. A new kind of roller coaster ride

Image: Disney

While much of the innovation in today's roller coaster world comes from manufacturers trying to make taller, faster, and more extreme rides, Disney filed a patent recently that would allow guests to experience rides in a whole new way that doesn't involve straight-up thrills.

According to this patent, vehicles connected via a cantilevered system (seen above) would be able to see around the roller coaster with unobstructed views, thanks to the vehicle's rotating axis. In addition, riders would experience  increased turn velocity as well. This invention would create a new ride experience and encourage more re-rides, but the reason why Disney has not created any ride vehicles that use this new technology is simple: though the vehicles are easy to design, the track that would support said vehicles simply doesn't exist yet.

6. The video game that adjusts itself to save your battery life

Image: Disney

Though not specific to Disney's theme parks (though we can definitely see applications with software like My Disney Experience), one interesting patent that was filed by Disney recently involves video games. Essentially, this patent covers software that would alter video game content depending on battery life. So basically, if the software detects your battery at a certain level, it will literally change what is going on in response by making changes that will allow guests to play longer. These changes could include fewer animations, reducing dialogue and more. 

What do you think about these patents? Which one is the most outrageous? And Which do you think should be used in Disney's theme parks?