Disney Facts: Disney’s theme park technological firsts

From ride vehicles to fireworks displays to interactive virtual technology systems, Disney has been in the forefront of evolving technologies.

Random free-fall programming at Twlight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the patents.

Disney holds patents that deal with advancements in robotic figures, safety systems and even marine mammal communications (yes, they patented a device which allows a dolphin to activate a switch and associate it with a word).

Walt Disney Imagineering has been granted more than 100 patents since before the opening of Disneyland in 1955, according to the company.

Here is a timeline, according to Disney, of some of the theme parks’ technological firsts:

1955: A 360-degree motion picture technology that employs multiple synchronized camerasis used for Circarama, U.S.A., in Disneyland. This is later updated for multiple attractions, including Le Visionarium at Disneyland Paris in 1992.

1959: The Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland is the first roller coaster to use cylindrical rails and urethane wheels. Also at Disneyland, the first daily operating monorail system in the U.S. is christened.

1963: The creation of Audio-Animatronics figures, which allow humans, animals and creatures to be animated in three dimensions, is seen at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Disneyland. (Here is a more compete history of Audio-Animatronic figures.)

1975: The first computer-controlled thrill ride, Space Mountain, opens at the Magic Kingdom.

1982: An advanced 3-D motion picture photography system debuts at Magic Journeys in Epcot. It is later enhanced and used in multiple attractions, including Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the Magic Kingdom.

1994: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror employs random free-fall programming at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

1995: Ride vehicles that move through three-dimensional environments with a capacity for random motion-simulator effects are used in the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland.

A virtual hang-gliding experience at Soarin’ is another patent awarded to Disney.

2000: Trackless vehicles follow a random path by relying on unseen transmitters in the floor at Pooh’s Hunny Hunt in Tokyo Disneyland.

2001: A virtual hang-gliding experience provides a panoramic view of sweeping landscapes augmented by scents released during key scenes in Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure.

2003: A ride system combining centrifuge technology with virtual imagery takes you on an adventure to Mars in Mission: SPACE at Epcot.

2004: A blend of digital projection and voice-activated, real-time animation allows for unscripted conversations between theme park guests and an animated character in Turtle Talk With Crush at Epcot.