Flying roller coasters are variations of roller coasters configured to simulate flight by harnessing passengers in a prone position (e.g., leaning forward for much of the ride).
An example of this is the Superman roller coaster at Six Flags, New Jersey. Riders ride the way Superman flies—face down and head first.
Flying roller coasters are quite uncomfortable for the riders while loading and unloading. The riders sit on the seats in upright position, but then the seats rotate to put the riders in flying position. The process is reversed while unloading.
Disney has designed a flying roller coaster, where the seats to do rotate. The track is perpendicular to the ground while the seats are stationary. This also removes all the extra hardware required to rotate the seats and the associated maintenance costs.
Further, the vertical roller coaster saves space as it will all be stacked on top of itself and not spread horizontally. This stacked arrangement allows families to have a more intimate experience as each group of 2-6 people can enter the ride at a different floor.
Disney is designing a lot of new rides for its new theme parks under development, specifically, the Pandora: World of Avatar and the Star Wars Land.
Publication number: US 9,440,156
Patent Title: Flying roller coaster with vertical load and launch
Publication date: 13 Sep 2016
Filing date: 8 Jan 2015
Inventors: Nicholas J. Comorre;
Original Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.