Abstract: A ride adapted for providing riders or passengers with a unique ride experience. The ride includes a first turntable assembly including a first turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the first turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the first turntable. The ride apparatus includes a second turntable assembly that is supported on the first turntable, and the second turntable assembly includes a second turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the secondary turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the second turntable. The ride apparatus includes a number of passenger vehicles mounted on the second turntable that are rotated to maintain an angular orientation to cause the vehicles to face a focal point or area on a projection surface provided about the turntables. The drive mechanisms are operable to independently rotate the first and second turntables about the rotation axes, e.g., no mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A ride adapted for providing riders or passengers with a unique ride experience. The ride includes a first turntable assembly including a first turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the first turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the first turntable. The ride apparatus includes a second turntable assembly that is supported on the first turntable, and the second turntable assembly includes a second turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the secondary turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the second turntable. The ride apparatus includes a number of passenger vehicles mounted on the second turntable that are rotated to maintain an angular orientation to cause the vehicles to face a focal point or area on a projection surface provided about the turntables. The drive mechanisms are operable to independently rotate the first and second turntables about the rotation axes, e.g., no mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in an amusement park attraction or other environment includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including computer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.

Abstract: An amusement park attraction having a dynamic ride vehicle for executing a sequence of distinct motion patterns and for providing unique ride experiences in the amusement park attraction or other environment. The ride vehicle includes a movable chassis and a body having a passenger seating area. A motion apparatus, including Ycomputer controlled actuators, imparts motion to the body along a plurality of axes independent of any motion of the chassis as it moves along a path in the amusement park attraction. As the vehicle travels along the path, articulation of the body and appropriate steering of the vehicle enables the vehicle to execute, in cooperation with the motion apparatus, a sequence of distinct motion patterns. Execution of the motion patterns enhances the passengers' sensation of vehicle movement that is actually taking place, as well as the sensation of a realistic moving ride vehicle experience that is actually not happening.