Sets of magnet assemblies coupled to the undercarriage of an amusement kart are provided. Each of the magnet assemblies can include: a suspension component coupled to the undercarriage; magnetic material coupled to the suspension component; and a rotating component coupled to the suspension component. Other sets of magnet assemblies can include a skid component coupled to the suspension component. Amusement park attractions are provided that can include: an amusement kart having one or more magnet assemblies coupled to an undercarriage of the amusement kart; and a track comprising iron plating sufficient to magnetically engage the one or more magnet assemblies. Amusement karts are also provided that can include: a frame supported by front and rear wheels; and complimentary side rails extending along both sides of the frame and between the front and rear wheels.

Sets of magnet assemblies coupled to the undercarriage of an amusement kart are provided. Each of the magnet assemblies can include: a suspension component coupled to the undercarriage; magnetic material coupled to the suspension component; and a rotating component coupled to the suspension component. Other sets of magnet assemblies can include a skid component coupled to the suspension component. Amusement park attractions are provided that can include: an amusement kart having one or more magnet assemblies coupled to an undercarriage of the amusement kart; and a track comprising iron plating sufficient to magnetically engage the one or more magnet assemblies. Amusement karts are also provided that can include: a frame supported by front and rear wheels; and complimentary side rails extending along both sides of the frame and between the front and rear wheels.

Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

A system for controlling a plurality of karts distributed over a karting track, implementing a control server communicating with each of the karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network and a second gaming information management network. The first safety information network also allows transmitting requests for action from one of the karts to the server. The server is configured to manage respective positions of the karts, analyze the requests according to the respective positions and to validate, refuse, modify and/or delay the activation of the requests, by emitting corresponding commands to the concerned karts, via the first network, and synchronize controlling according to the requests. The server generates image data at least to the concerned karts, and generates special effects by controlling light and/or sound sources provided for this purpose on the karting track, to simulate the activation of the requests.

A system for controlling a plurality of karts distributed over a karting track, implementing a control server communicating with each of the karts using at least two separate communication networks, a first safety information management network and a second gaming information management network. The first safety information network also allows transmitting requests for action from one of the karts to the server. The server is configured to manage respective positions of the karts, analyze the requests according to the respective positions and to validate, refuse, modify and/or delay the activation of the requests, by emitting corresponding commands to the concerned karts, via the first network, and synchronize controlling according to the requests. The server generates image data at least to the concerned karts, and generates special effects by controlling light and/or sound sources provided for this purpose on the karting track, to simulate the activation of the requests.

An amusement park system in accordance with present embodiments includes multiple separated park areas, an autonomous vehicle configured to drive along ground surfaces within the multiple separated park areas, and a gondola system configured to transport the autonomous vehicle between the multiple separated park areas. The amusement park system further includes a control system configured to operate the autonomous vehicle to engage with and disengage from the gondola system to facilitate transport of the autonomous vehicle by the gondola system.

A tunnel for mounting above a road surface (3) comprises a plurality of tunnel segments (1). Each tunnel segment is adapted for mounting at least one projector (6) therein, above a respective opening formed by the tunnel segment in a ceiling of the tunnel. The openings (5) of the plurality of tunnel segments are spaced apart in succession in a direction of travel of vehicles in the tunnel. The tunnel segments are disposed such that projection surfaces (8) of the projectors are seamlessly contiguous or overlapping on the road surface in the direction of travel. The tunnel may comprise awnings positioned at its entrance and its exit, the ceiling being formed at least in part by the awnings. A first awning (10A) may be mounted to a first tunnel segment, in the direction of travel, and a second awning (10B) may be mounted to a last tunnel segment, in the direction of travel.

An amusement vehicle, retrofittable hardware gamification attachment, and method for simulating power-ups in-game virtual vehicle enhancements and virtual weaponry for improved racing experience are disclosed. Amusement vehicle comprises sensor-specific transmitters/receivers for communicating with other amusement vehicles moving in amusement environment. Amusement vehicle comprises a processor simulating power-ups in-game virtual vehicle enhancements and virtual weaponry based on sensor-specific signals transmitted to or received from other amusement vehicles. Power-ups and virtual weaponry are simulated by increasing/decreasing speed, causing damage, providing temporary protection from damage, freezing weaponry, and deactivating weaponry the amusement vehicle for pre-defined time corresponding to sensor-specific signals transmitted to or received from other amusement vehicles in gaming event of amusement environment. Amusement vehicle comprises cameras for capturing still images/video of amusement vehicle and surroundings. An adaptive video system (AVS) processes, transmits, and displays still images/video on a display screen of amusement vehicle and display device external from amusement environment.

An amusement vehicle, retrofittable hardware gamification attachment, and method for simulating power-ups in-game virtual vehicle enhancements and virtual weaponry for improved racing experience are disclosed. Amusement vehicle comprises sensor-specific transmitters/receivers for communicating with other amusement vehicles moving in amusement environment. Amusement vehicle comprises a processor simulating power-ups in-game virtual vehicle enhancements and virtual weaponry based on sensor-specific signals transmitted to or received from other amusement vehicles. Power-ups and virtual weaponry are simulated by increasing/decreasing speed, causing damage, providing temporary protection from damage, freezing weaponry, and deactivating weaponry the amusement vehicle for pre-defined time corresponding to sensor-specific signals transmitted to or received from other amusement vehicles in gaming event of amusement environment. Amusement vehicle comprises cameras for capturing still images/video of amusement vehicle and surroundings. An adaptive video system (AVS) processes, transmits, and displays still images/video on a display screen of amusement vehicle and display device external from amusement environment.