A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path, a ride vehicle, and a projection system. The tunnel includes a first end and a second end and is curved between the first and second ends. The vehicle ride path extends within the tunnel from an entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel. The second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position. The ride vehicle travels along the vehicle ride path and decelerates as the ride vehicle approaches the intermediate position. The projection system projects images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, such that the images are synchronized with the deceleration of the ride vehicle and a perceived speed of the ride vehicle, as perceived by a guest in the ride vehicle, exceeds an actual speed of the ride vehicle.

A ride system includes a tunnel, a vehicle ride path, a ride vehicle, and a projection system. The tunnel includes a first end and a second end and is curved between the first and second ends. The vehicle ride path extends within the tunnel from an entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel. The second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position. The ride vehicle travels along the vehicle ride path and decelerates as the ride vehicle approaches the intermediate position. The projection system projects images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, such that the images are synchronized with the deceleration of the ride vehicle and a perceived speed of the ride vehicle, as perceived by a guest in the ride vehicle, exceeds an actual speed of the ride vehicle.

A gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform and comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each panel towards a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform.

A gap blocking system includes a loading platform having a gap separating a first portion of the loading platform from a second portion of the loading platform. A ride vehicle is coupled to a transport extending through the gap. The gap blocking system also includes a panel assembly coupled to the loading platform and comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each panel of the plurality of panels is coupled to a respective biasing mechanism coupled to the first portion of the loading platform and configured to bias each panel towards a closed configuration in which each panel extends radially away from the first portion of the loading platform.

A dispenser for a flotation device in accordance with present embodiments may include a housing comprising an aperture. The dispenser may also include a plurality of flotation devices positioned in the housing; and a base positioned in the housing and supporting the plurality of flotation devices, wherein the base is configured to move relative to the housing to move the plurality of flotation devices jointly to position at least one flotation device adjacent to the aperture to permit removal of the at least one flotation device from the housing via the aperture.

A dispenser for a flotation device in accordance with present embodiments may include a housing comprising an aperture. The dispenser may also include a plurality of flotation devices positioned in the housing; and a base positioned in the housing and supporting the plurality of flotation devices, wherein the base is configured to move relative to the housing to move the plurality of flotation devices jointly to position at least one flotation device adjacent to the aperture to permit removal of the at least one flotation device from the housing via the aperture.

An apparatus and method for assisting the transfer of a physically-disabled person into or out of an amusement ride. The apparatus and method involve a base portion having an elevated seat and an associated extension. The base portion is mobile and can be positioned adjacent the amusement ride. The extension is then positioned within the amusement ride to provide a smooth platform that permits the passenger to slide from the elevated seat, down the extension and into an open seat in the amusement ride. The process is reversed to permit the passenger egress from the amusement ride. The base portion also includes at least one wheel assembly and feet upon which the base portion rests during use. When it is necessary to move the base portion, it is simply tilted onto the wheel assembly off of the feet for quick and easy transport. The elevated seat and extension are covered with a comfortable material.

An apparatus and method for assisting the transfer of a physically-disabled person into or out of an amusement ride. The apparatus and method involve a base portion having an elevated seat and an associated extension. The base portion is mobile and can be positioned adjacent the amusement ride. The extension is then positioned within the amusement ride to provide a smooth platform that permits the passenger to slide from the elevated seat, down the extension and into an open seat in the amusement ride. The process is reversed to permit the passenger egress from the amusement ride. The base portion also includes at least one wheel assembly and feet upon which the base portion rests during use. When it is necessary to move the base portion, it is simply tilted onto the wheel assembly off of the feet for quick and easy transport. The elevated seat and extension are covered with a comfortable material.

A dispenser for a flotation device in accordance with present embodiments may include a housing comprising an aperture. The dispenser may also include a plurality of flotation devices positioned in the housing; and a base positioned in the housing and supporting the plurality of flotation devices, wherein the base is configured to move relative to the housing to move the plurality of flotation devices jointly to position at least one flotation device adjacent to the aperture to permit removal of the at least one flotation device from the housing via the aperture.

A dispenser for a flotation device in accordance with present embodiments may include a housing comprising an aperture. The dispenser may also include a plurality of flotation devices positioned in the housing; and a base positioned in the housing and supporting the plurality of flotation devices, wherein the base is configured to move relative to the housing to move the plurality of flotation devices jointly to position at least one flotation device adjacent to the aperture to permit removal of the at least one flotation device from the housing via the aperture.