Disney visits Oregon Theme Park to check out a trackless ride.

[GhostHost2]

http://www.coasterbuzz.com/2007-232-20334.htm

Scroll down and read the message board comments. I found this one very interesting and discouraging.

From Coaterbuzz.com's SONiC Senshi:

The system on Pooh's Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland is very expensive and complicated. The technology can best be simplified as an "indoor GPS", which involves trasmiting data to the vehicles through titles on the attraction floor. This other system that WDI is looking into sounds like a much cheaper alternative that doesn't require Oriental Land Company's deep pockets. ^_^

[tinkermonkey]

There's a theme park in Oregon?

[Nautilus]

Originally Posted by tinkermonkey

There's a theme park in Oregon?

They sure do, we pass it everytime when we drive to and from Canada.

Here's their website.

[Nautilus]

Here's a bit on the attraction Disney is looking at...



Seems a lot like how WDW's TOT works in the 3rd dimension section.

[GhostHost2]

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Here's a bit on the attraction Disney is looking at...



Seems a lot like how WDW's TOT works in the 3rd dimension section.

I am sure it is a great ride for Enchanted Forest, it may be a good ride for any theme park. The problem is, I highly doubt it is as good as TDL's Pooh, which means us Americans might be getting the short end of the stick once again. For a small park to build a cheaper version of TDL's Pooh is fine, but I expect only the best from Disney.

[Alpine]

That technology has been around in rides for over 40 years, and was originally done by Arrow, who made pretty much all the early Disney rides. Sally dark rides exist that use trackless multi-path technology for a tiny fraction of what Tokyo's Pooh cost, but there are different limits, mainly involving practical use of multiple vehicles together the way Pooh does.

edit: Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure ETF built the cars for Challenge of Tutankhamen, the trackless Sally ride I'm thinking of.

[FutureImagineer183]

Isn't this the same technology used to move the parade floats??

-Jojo

[SparkyLD]

The floats have drivers in them. They are basically large vehicles.

[hollywood1939]

Question: How reliable is this compared to the 'indoor GPS' on Pooh? And I'm talking about downtime and maitenance and such.

[Madame_Leota]

Is this how Toy Story Mania is going to be?

[Ride Warrior]

Originally Posted by hollywood1939

Question: How reliable is this compared to the 'indoor GPS' on Pooh? And I'm talking about downtime and maitenance and such.

My understanding is that the GPS system on Tokyo's Pooh leaves a lot to be desired. The downtime is quite frequint, and it is a maintenance nightmare.

We can dispute which system Disney will ultimately incorporate into new trackless rides. It spells nothing but g-o-o-d, the fact that the company is window shopping and taking a look at the Enchant Village's Challenge of Mendor. DLR and WDW are certain to get trackless rides in the future - and which ever system they adopt will make me happy!

I also look forward to Disney building a flume/coaster in the future - one that will make SeaWorld's Journey To Atlantis look like Dumbo in comparison. I see this move being more likely either a part of the coming frontierland expansion, or else the DCA facelift.

[Ride Warrior]

Originally Posted by Madame_Leota

Is this how Toy Story Mania is going to be?

I don't know. No information has been released by Glendale or WDI that TSM will utilize trackless technology. However, you just never know about Disney. They are certainly sparing no expense as they redesign DCA - a new name will be forthcoming as well, sure as Disney-MGM recently became Disney's Hollywood Studios.

[Cousin Orville]

Originally Posted by Alpine

That technology has been around in rides for over 40 years, and was originally done by Arrow, who made pretty much all the early Disney rides. Sally dark rides exist that use trackless multi-path technology for a tiny fraction of what Tokyo's Pooh cost, but there are different limits, mainly involving practical use of multiple vehicles together the way Pooh does.

edit: Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure ETF built the cars for Challenge of Tutankhamen, the trackless Sally ride I'm thinking of.

There are many ways to achieve the effect but comparing Pooh to the others is "apples and oranges". Pooh controls and mixes up to 6 vehicles interacting with one another on different paths without a wire at one time in the same room.

[TDR_Fan]

Originally Posted by Ride Warrior

My understanding is that the GPS system on Tokyo's Pooh leaves a lot to be desired. The downtime is quite frequint, and it is a maintenance nightmare.

I'm not sure about that. Pooh's Hunny Hunt does not break down very often, certainly not as often as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland. I don't know if it is harder to maintain than other attractions, but I have my doubts. According to sources, the system works by directional data being relayed from a master control computer directly to each individual honey pot car through a complicated matrix embedded within the actual floor tiles.

[Ride Warrior]

Originally Posted by TDR_Fan

I'm not sure about that. Pooh's Hunny Hunt does not break down very often, certainly not as often as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland. I don't know if it is harder to maintain than other attractions, but I have my doubts. According to sources, the system works by directional data being relayed from a master control computer directly to each individual honey pot car through a complicated matrix embedded within the actual floor tiles.

I heard the negativity from Lance Hart over at Screamscape. If the trackless tech works well at TDL, then I hope that we get new Disneyland ride systems that are it's equal, or else a hybrid merger of technologies such as with systems like the one at Enchanted Forest.